WELLS-CTI Reduces Socket Lead Times; Supplier Ships Selection of Popular Burn-in Sockets Within Two Weeks of Order.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2004

In a step aimed at reducing its customers' time-to-production, WELLS-CTI announced dramatic lead time reductions on a number of product lines including: standard size SOTs, TO Sockets and Mid Rise DIPS. Effective immediately order quantities of up to 1,000 pieces will be shipped within two weeks of purchase order confirmation. WELLS-CTI's announcement reverses an industry trend that has seen lead times stretch, as 6-8 weeks continues to be a standard if not optimistic lead time for the majority of standard burn-in sockets.

"Reducing lead time is something that we have been focusing on for the past several months. In January, 75% of our product was shipped in less than two weeks," said WELLS-CTI Operations Manager Jeff Anderson.

BFI Optilas, a WELLS-CTI European distributor, recently benefited from a major reduction in lead time. "One of our biggest customers in Toulouse, France was very impressed by WELLS-CTI's prompt reaction in manufacturing and shipping 2,000 HSOP sockets. The order was manufactured and shipped one day after placing our order with the United States factory. This puts us in a good position to secure more business with this customer as they often make buying decisions based on lead time," said Marina Harraghy of BFI Optilas.

How is WELLS-CTI taking such a large chunk out of standard lead times? WELLS-CTI General Manager Bob Schmelzer points to the company's renewed focus on customer satisfaction and reinvigorated attitude. "The new WELLS-CTI has made a substantial investment in its infrastructure from Information Technology to software to training that has made dramatic reductions in product lead times possible. We have reengineered internal processes, developed what I call a 'can do' attitude and are acting with urgency all with an eye on reducing our customers' time-to-market."

For socket users looking for a break from long lead times, they can research specific two-week part numbers by contacting WELLS-CTI sales personnel or the company's factory. For more information on WELLS-CTI and its range of reliable burn-in products visit www.wellscti.com.

About WELLS-CTI

WELLS-CTI is a supplier of innovative interconnect solutions, including a variety of sockets, carriers, clips, contactors and design services, that meet a wide range of IC burn-in and test requirements and address both new and old packaging. Founded in 1948, WELLS-CTI, the leading supplier of interconnect devices to the IC industry and leading worldwide supplier of IC carriers and flatpack contactors targeted for the Mil/Aero market, has sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia and R&D and manufacturing in the United States and Japan. Funded in part by UMD Technology, Inc. and Gemini Investors, the new WELLS-CTI is owned and operated by UMD with renewed commitment to customer service, quality and technical superiority. The company is headquartered at 2102 W. Quail Avenue, Suite 2, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Telephone: [phone]. Internet: http://www.wellscti.com