Metrologic Addresses New Markets with the Introduction of Five New Products at the National Retail Federation Tradeshow.

Business Editors

National Retail Federation Tradeshow

BLACKWOOD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2003

Retailers and Distributors will see Metrologic's new

high-performance 360(degree) bi-optic scanner, Bluetooth(TM) wireless

technology, 2D hand-held scanner, portable data terminal

and miniature OEM scan engine

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ-NMS: MTLG), a leading manufacturer of sophisticated imaging systems using laser, holographic, and vision-based technologies, high-speed automated data capture solutions and bar code scanners, today introduced five new products at the National Retail Federation (NRF) tradeshow taking place at Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, NY.

With the introduction of Stratos(TM), Metrologic addresses the high volume point-of-sale (POS) scanning needs of supermarkets and discount mass merchandisers. Designed for high-speed checkout, maximum uptime, and quick return on investment, Stratos is the world's first six-sided 360(degree) bi-optic in-counter scanner with below counter dimensions of 100 mm (4 inches). The significance of Stratos' space-saving form factor is in world markets that prefer seated checkout operators that previously were limited to 5-sided scanning options. In addition to its class-leading 68 scan line pattern and aggressive 6000 scans per second performance, Stratos has a number of profit-producing features. A brief list includes an integrated Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) antenna, operator training software, bar code statistics reporting, an auxiliary RS232 port for the addition of a hand-held scanner, independently operating vertical and horizontal scan zones to guard against complete scanner failure and field-replaceable optical engines that can be swapped out in minutes to keep checkout lanes operational. Customer delivers are expected to begin in March 2003.

Two of the introductions are additions to Metrologic's popular Voyager(R) Series hand-held scanner line. VoyagerBT(TM) is a wireless hand-held scanner and is among the first of its kind to employ the emerging Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology standard. Designed for use in POS or light warehousing applications, VoyagerBT can communicate with its own base station or with other already-equipped Bluetooth devices such as PC's, laptops and barcode printers. Customer delivers are expected to begin in April 2003. VoyagerPDF(TM) is a high-speed linear laser scanner capable of decoding two-dimensional bar codes including PDF417, PDF417 truncated, and RSS composite. VoyagerPDF is targeted to satisfy POS applications requiring moderate-volume scanning of two-dimensional symbologies such as pharmacy applications and driver's license verification. Both new models include the features that have made Voyager Metrologic's top-seller, including automatic scanning modes and CodeGate(R) data transmission technology. Customer delivers are expected to begin in March 2003.

The SP2550 Navigator(TM) is Metrologic's newest addition to its Portable Data Terminal ("PDT") product line. Navigator is a high-performance, entry-level batch PDT. Its unique "display-on-bottom" back-lit screen makes for easy viewing and comfortable, balanced single-handed operation. Navigator is equipped with 2MB of RAM providing storage of over 100,000 records. Power options include rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries or two "AA" batteries that provide over 100 hours of operation. A convenient joystick toggle button makes screen and data navigation simple. Information can be uploaded and downloaded through Navigator's compact cradle or directly to industry-standard IrDA-equipped devices such as bar code printers. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in April 2003.

For original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") or retailers seeking a miniature scan engine, Metrologic introduces a new single line laser bar code scanner engine, microQuest(TM). The scanning components in the microQuest are mounted in a durable die-cast chassis to withstand the shock commonly associated with portable devices. microQuest supports 3.3V or 5.0V input with very low power consumption such that it can be operated efficiently by 2 "AAA" batteries. Its performance and easy integration make microQuest ideal for applications such as information kiosks, lottery terminals, gas pumps, portable data terminals and consumer electronics applications. The microQuest is now available for customer deliveries.

Mark Schmidt, Metrologic's Vice President of Marketing stated, "Providing customers with new, innovative products that offer value and return on investment is important to the success of Metrologic. The five products introduced today are designed for applications that span a broad range of global markets. Some of these markets have not been previously addressed by Metrologic and therefore represent significant growth opportunities for the company. For example, our Stratos bi-optic scanner/scale addresses one of the largest single segments within our industry, one dominated by only two significant competitors. We believe there is both room and a need in the marketplace for Stratos." Mr. Schmidt further commented, "Today's retailers require solutions that provide efficiency and opportunity to increase profit. I am particularly pleased to be bringing so many new retail scanning solutions to our customers at the same time."

About Metrologic

Metrologic designs, manufactures and markets bar code scanning and high-speed automated data capture systems solutions using laser, holographic and vision-based technologies. Metrologic offers expertise in 1D and 2D bar code reading, portable data collection, optical character recognition, image lift, and parcel dimensioning and singulation detection for customers in retail, commercial, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and postal and parcel delivery industries. In addition to its extensive line of bar code scanning and vision system equipment, the company also provides laser beam delivery and control systems to semi-conductor and fiber optic manufacturers, as well as a variety of highly sophisticated optical systems. Metrologic products are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide through Metrologic's sales, service and distribution offices located in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information please visit www.metrologic.com.

Forward-Looking Statement 

Forward-looking statements contained in this release are highly dependent upon a variety of important factors which would cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward looking statements. Specifically, the factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include: the timing, introduction and market acceptance of Metrologic's new products; pricing pressures; competitive factors; sales cycles of Metrologic's products; Metrologic's ability to control manufacturing and operating costs which affect future profitability; technological changes in the scanner industry, specifically vision-based technologies; availability of patent protection for Metrologic's vision-based technologies as well as its other new products; general economic conditions, and the disposition of legal issues. When used in this release and documents referenced, the words "believes," "expects," "may," "should," "seeks," or "anticipates," and similar expressions as they relate to Metrologic or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. For additional factors, please see Metrologic's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.