Battenfeld Licenses Trexel's MuCell™ Microcellular Process Technology

Leading Supplier of Injection Molding Equipment to Build Co-Injection Machine with Trexel's MuCell™ Microcellular Process Technology

April 12, 2000 - Woburn, MA - Trexel, Inc. and Battenfeld (Battenfeld GmbH and Battenfeld USA) announced today that they have entered into a licensing agreement for Battenfeld to supply injection molding equipment utilizing Trexel's proprietary MuCell™ Microcellular Process Technology. Battenfeld is a leading manufacturer of injection molding equipment and is renowned for its expertise in foam molding, particularly in the areas of consumer and business electronics, material handling and automotive applications. Trexel is the worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of the MuCell Microcellular Process Technology.

Under the agreement, Battenfeld is licensed to sell new MuCell-capable injection molding equipment, or retrofit the MuCell process to existing Battenfeld equipment. Injection molders can purchase equipment directly from Battenfeld 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 Battenfeld customer.

David Bernstein, President and CEO of Trexel, states, "Having a company as knowledgeable as Battenfeld come on board provides Trexel with a tremendous opportunity to expand upon the foaming applications available through the MuCell process. By using Mu-Cell-capable Battenfeld equipment and taking advantage of Battenfeld's expertise in this area, customers will be able to increase their productivity and lower their manufacturing costs. That will enable them to enter new markets or to create new market positions for current products, thereby increasing their sales and profits."

Wolfgang Meyer, President of Battenfeld of America, states, "We were drawn to the MuCell process from customer inquiries in various areas, particularly automotive and materials handling. We've seen a great deal of interest lately in structural foam, and the MuCell process will contribute greatly to satisfying our customers' needs in that area."

David Pierick, Trexel's Vice President-Mucell Molding states, "Battenfeld has a long history in foam molding. We believe it is significant that they feel the MuCell Molding Technology can add value to their product line."

Equipment Availability

Battenfeld already has one licensee for a 500-ton MuCell-capable molding machine. In addition, Battenfeld is in the process of building a co-injection machine for use in their demonstration facility in Meinerzhagen, Germany.

"Battenfeld injection molding machines are particularly well-suited for the MuCell process because of the large length to diameter ratio of our screws," Meyer stated. "In most cases, Battenfeld equipment is already set up to accommodate the needs of the MuCell process, and can be easily retrofitted in the field."

About Trexel

Trexel is the exclusive developer of the MuCell microcellular process technology by virtue of its extensive portfolio of patents in the United States, Canada, Europe, and several Asian countries. While Trexel's primary business is licensing the MuCell technology to injection molders, extruders, blow molders, and equipment manufacturers, Trexel also provides world-class engineering support, training and other services to licensees, and supplies them with equipment and components integral to the MuCell process. In support of these activities, Trexel operates a commercial-scale research laboratory in its Woburn, MA facility.

About MuCell

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, as millions of tiny air pockets take the place of materials while allowing the part to maintain most of its former properties. In addition, the process can eliminate stress, warpage, and sink marks, and greatly improve cycle time. These benefits allow designers to specify lightweight, polymer-saving foam materials for products in which conventionally foamed materials would be unacceptable.

About Battenfeld

Battenfeld is a global supplier of injection molding systems to the plastics industry with machines ranging in size from 5.5 to 9000 tons, robots and automation peripherals. Battenfeld equipment is used to manufacture a wide range of products in the automotive, electrical/electronic, communication, material handling and medical industries. In addition, Battenfeld offers value-added services including system integration and equipment along with technical expertise for a wide range of advanced processing technologies.

Battenfeld of America markets and services the injection molding machine product lines and automation equipment manufactured by the European plants of the Battenfeld Injection Molding Technology division throughout North America and Canada. Battenfeld's broad machine product range permits the manufacturing of small moldings weighing just a few milligrams to complex large moldings used in the automotive or transport industry.

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, or dan@trexel.com, or visit the company Web site at www.trexel.com.

For more information about Battenfeld, please contact please contact Juergen Ehritt, Process Engineering Manager, at (248) 391-9574, or at ehritt.j@vus.battenfeld.com.

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