Dongshin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Toyo License Trexel's MuCell® Technology

Leading Asian Suppliers of Injection Molding Equipment to Build Machines with Trexel's MuCell Microcellular Process Technology

October 17, 2001 - Woburn, MA - Trexel, Inc. announced today that it had entered into licensing agreements with Dongshin Hydraulics Co., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Toshiba Machine Company, and Toyo Machinery & Metal Co. whereby these companies are licensed to manufacture and sell MuCellŪ-equipped injection molding equipment. Trexel is the worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of the MuCell Microcellular Process Technology. Dongshin is the largest injection molding machine maker in Korea. MHI is a major manufacturer of injection molding and extrusion equipment. Toshiba manufactures innovative, state-of-the-art production machinery for a wide variety of industries. Toyo produces high precision, plastic injection molding machines up to 450-tons in clamping force.

Under the terms of the agreements, Dongshin, MHI, Toshiba, and Toyo are licensed to sell new MuCell-capable injection molding equipment, or retrofit the MuCell process to existing equipment. Injection molders can purchase equipment directly from these manufacturers while taking an end-user license for the MuCell process from Trexel. Trexel will supply technical know-how and support on the MuCell process to any Dongshin, MHI, Toshiba, or Toyo customer.

David Bernstein, President and C.E.O. of Trexel stated, "Dongshin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Toyo are major international suppliers of injection molding equipment. Their decisions to manufacture MuCell-capable machines is a direct result of their desire to satisfy their customers' requests for the technology, which is a demonstration of the momentum it has achieved."

David Pierick, Trexel's Vice President Asian and US Western Regional Sales, stated, "The addition of these very important injection molding machine companies to Trexel's existing group is a reflection of the technology's continued growth and increased availability around the world. MuCell licensees can only benefit from the addition of these new OEMs."

Sammy Kim, Manager of Dongshin, stated, "We've seen a very strong interest in the MuCell technology in the Korean market, and Dongshin is pleased to be the first Korean manufacturer to be able to offer it."

Tom Geddes, General Manager-Engineering for MHI, stated, "The days of putting a machine on the customer's floor and walking away are over. Today equipment manufacturers have to provide solutions. To that end, MHI is always looking for ways to help our customers, so when we determined that MuCell was a viable process, it only made sense to add it to our available options."

Tim Glassburn, Vice President of Toshiba Machine Company stated, "We have been watching the progress of MuCell to determine its commercial applicability. We've decided at this point that a sufficient number of our customers are interested in the technology for us to make the investment. Our first effort will be to adapt the process to our electric machine. That way our customers will receive the benefits of precision, cleanliness, and reduced energy use provided by an electric machine, along with the increased efficiencies provided by the MuCell technology."

Steve Cunningham, Midwest Regional Sales Manager for Maruka USA, which markets Toyo equipment in the U.S., stated, "We were drawn to the MuCell technology because we had a great deal of interest from customers saying they wanted it and it became apparent that the industry is going in that direction. Today, we are able to offer the MuCell option on our electric machine, which we feel is the best of all possible combinations."

About Trexel

Trexel is the exclusive developer of the MuCell microcellular process technology and has an extensive portfolio of patents in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. Trexel's primary business is licensing the MuCell technology to injection molders, extruders, and blow molders. It also provides world-class engineering support, training and other services to licensees, and supports them with equipment and components integral to the MuCell process. In support of these activities, Trexel operates a plastics development laboratory in its Woburn, MA facility.

About the MuCell Technology

The MuCell process is suitable for a wide range of injection molded, extruded, and blow molded products as it allows licensees to reduce product costs while enhancing design and processing. MuCell parts, which have a solid-like appearance, contain less material than parts produced through less-current methods, yet maintain most of their former properties. The process also can eliminate stress, warpage, and sink marks, and greatly improve productivity. These benefits allow designers to specify lightweight, polymer-saving foam materials for products in which conventionally foamed materials would be unacceptable.

About Dongshin

Since its establishment in 1967, Dongshin Hydraulics has striven to be the premier manufacturer of injection molding machines in the world through a continuous effort in research and development. Dongshin supplies machines with clamping forces of 25-5000 tons. Dima, Inc. of Paramount, CA represents Dongshin in the U.S.

About Mitsubishi

First established in 1938 as the Casting Division for Nagoya Engine Works, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has grown into a modern Japanese industrial pioneer. Today, MHI's main products are injection molding machines, extrusion molding machines, cleaning and washing equipment, industrial robots, power transmission, and gasoline engines.

About Toshiba

Since its establishment in 1875 as the Shibaura Engineering Works, Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd. has evolved into an integrated machine builder renown for its capability and quality in the production of plastics processing machinery. As a renowned manufacturer of quality injection molding machines, extruders and processing equipment, magnetic tape-coating machines, and precision molds, Toshiba has earned an international reputation for reliability in it's injection molding and extrusion machines.

About Toyo

Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd., an affiliate of the Hitachi group, was established in 1925. Toyo manufactures a variety of industrial equipment such as injection molding machines, die casting machines, and expandable polystyrene molding machines. Toyo machines are sold in the USA by Maruka USA, a subsidiary of Maruka Machinery Co., Ltd.

For more information about Trexel, Inc., please contact Dan Szczurko, Trexel Vice President of Business Development, at (781) 932-0202, Ext. 241, fax (781) 932-3324, e-mail dan@trexel.com, or visit the company Web site at www.trexel.com.

For more information about Dongshin, please contact Sammy Kim, Manager, at (051) 326-9991~7, e-mail dhcltd@dongshin.net or visit the Dongshin Web Site at www.dongshin.net.

For more information about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., please contact Tom Geddes, General Manager-Engineering, at (630) 693-4880 Ext. 331, e-mail geddes@mhiinj.com , or visit the Mitsubishi Web Site at www.mhi.co.jp

For more information about Toshiba, please call Tim Glassburn at (847) 709-7202, e-mail tglassbu@toshiba-machine.com, or visit the Toshiba Web Site at www.toshiba-machine.com.

For more information about Toyo, please contact Doug Abe, Maruka USA at (973) 983-1000, e-mail dabe@marukausa.com, or visit the Maruka Web Site at www.marukausa.com.

© 2001 Trexel, Inc. · 45 Sixth Rd., Woburn, MA 01801 USA · 781-932-0202 · Fax: 781-932-3324
MuCell and Trexel are registered trademarks of Trexel, Inc.

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