Mann & Hummel Hydromation Switches to SolidWorks 3D CAD for Filtration Systems Design; Belgian Manufacturer Replaces Autodesk Inventor with SolidWorks Software.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2003

Mann & Hummel Hydromation (MHH) has switched to SolidWorks(R) three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) software to design the filtration systems it sells around the world, SolidWorks announced today. MHH relies on SolidWorks to manage the design of large assemblies, to streamline processes, and to speed products into customers' hands faster than with its previous solid modeling software.

Since 1964, Tongeren, Belgium-based MHH has supplied individual coolant filtration systems for machining tools used by some of the world's most important automotive manufacturers. SolidWorks helps MHH design and build filtration systems for machine centers, individual machines, cold and hot rolling mills, wire drawing machines, and other applications according to each customer's unique space requirements.

MHH purchased SolidWorks for its ease of use and powerful large assembly design capabilities. Moreover, the company's design department wanted to standardize on a 3D CAD system that made design changes easy. "SolidWorks' configuration management capabilities have significantly contributed to faster design time," said Dirk Novak, coordinator at MHH. "Similar constructions do not need to be drawn each time, but can be realized quickly in the same design. This allows us to create several design alternatives and discuss their advantages and disadvantages with the customer. This reduced design time is very important to us. We needed a tool that gets the job done."

With SolidWorks, MHH can make highly detailed designs that simply weren't possible before. "Because our previous CAD system consumed too many computer resources, we were limited to simple layouts," Novak said. "The introduction of SolidWorks will enable us to design all our layouts in detail. Moreover, we are now designing some new special tanks, and SolidWorks' sheet metal functions let us unfold more complex parts. There are more advantages for us in the switch from Inventor to SolidWorks than we can list. Because of our success with SolidWorks, we plan to implement several additional seats of SolidWorks very quickly, both here and in our branch in the United States."

SolidWorks enthusiastically welcomes MHH as a new customer, according to Kees Kloosterboer, SolidWorks regional manager, Benelux. "SolidWorks' selection by such a professional and dedicated design team, especially after their experience with other CAD solutions, validates the state-of-the-art design capabilities of SolidWorks," he said. "The SolidWorks program development team, as well as our support facilities, will make sure to sustain this positive experience into the future."

MHH is working with SolidWorks' reseller, CADMES in Hertogenbosch, Holland, and Gent, Belgium, for ongoing software implementation, training, and support.

About Mann & Hummel Hydromation

Mann & Hummel Hydromation, a branch of the German Mann & Hummel, supplies coolant filtration systems for a large quantity of machining tools worldwide. The company was founded in 1964 as a branch of Hydromation Engineering Company located in Detroit, Michigan and was acquired in 1988 by Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH Ludwigsburg in Germany. With the support of its branches in Germany, France, Brazil, and the United States Mann & Hummel Hydromation NV has developed itself into a globally recognized company. The most important car manufacturers (including BMW, Citroen, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, GM, Renault, and VW) are its main customers. For more information about Mann & Hummel Hydromation, please visit the company's Web site www.mann-hummel.com/mhhydromation.

About CADMES

CADMES is an international reseller of engineering productivity solutions with offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. With over 800 customers and more than 15 years experience, CADMES is one of the key resellers in this territory. By providing best in class CAD/CAM/CAE and PDM solutions combined with its experience in engineering, data management, and production, CADMES increases productivity for its customers. Products distributed by CADMES include: SolidWorks, SMARTEAM(R), COSMOSWorks(TM), and Cimatron.

About SolidWorks Corporation

SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for mechanical design, analysis, and product data management (PDM). Founded in 1993, SolidWorks' mission is to unleash the power of 3D for everyone in product development and foster a collaborative user community. In seven years of delivering product, SolidWorks has shipped more than 230,000 total seats of software worldwide. SolidWorks has offices around the globe and sells, distributes, and supports its products through a worldwide reseller network. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call [phone].

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. COSMOSWorks is a trademark of Structural Research and Analysis Corporation. SMARTEAM is a registered trademark of SmarTeam Corporation Ltd. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Copyright (c) 2003 SolidWorks Corporation.