Universal Instruments’ First AdVantisX Production Platform Installed in McIntosh Laboratory’s Binghamton Plant

-- Alliance Between Two Regional Businesses Will Help Benefit Local Community --

Universal Instruments, a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced automation and assembly equipment solutions, is pleased to announce that Binghamton, NY-based McIntosh Laboratory, renowned as a leading manufacturer of the world’s best and most complete ultra-luxury home entertainment solutions, recently installed Universal’s first surface mount technology (SMT) production line in its Binghamton manufacturing facility. The new McIntosh production line, which features Universal’s first production AdVantisX Platform, will be used to manufacture the company’s world-renowned line of luxury home entertainment products.

February 9, 2009 - McIntosh, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, has long been established as one of the premier names in stereo and home entertainment quality and innovation. The company’s newly acquired production line from Universal Instruments will allow it to increase the efficiency of its in-house manufacturing, as well as reduce operating costs. “The flexibility and performance of the AdVantisX Platform gives us the ability to efficiently build a wide range of products,” stated Dan Graves, McIntosh Operations Manager. “This is a considerable advantage in the very high-mix environment we see today. As a result, we expect a cost savings of at least 50 percent over the alternative of outsourcing.”

The AdVantisX will serve as the only surface mount placement machine in the production line. “We’ll be asking quite a lot from the AdVantisX, with placement requirements from small passives and ICs to odd-form connectors,” comments Andy Schepis, McIntosh Process Engineering Manager. “This was the only placement machine with this range of capabilities and its initial performance has ensured us that it is up to the challenge.”

Scott Gerhart, Universal’s Surface Mount General Manager, noted that the proximity of the McIntosh production facility – located only minutes from the Universal Instruments corporate office and production facility in Conklin – will help fuel the local economy and represents a healthy alliance between local businesses that will benefit the community. He stated: “We are always eager to work with local companies and have an opportunity to contribute to their success. “Even as a global company, it’s of the utmost importance that we pay special attention to customers right here in our own community and do everything in our power to nourish and grow that business.”