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Gerber Scientific, Inc. Awarded Prestigious President's "E" Award for Excellence in Exporting
SOUTH WINDSOR, CT -- Gerber Scientific, Inc.'s (NYSE: GRB) Apparel and Flexible Materials division, Gerber Technology, today received the President's "E" Award, the nation's highest award to honor American exporters, in a ceremony in Washington D.C. attended by President George W. Bush and Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez.
The "E" Award was created by Executive Order of the President on December 5, 1961 as the nation's highest award to honor American exporters. "E" Awards, which are administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, recognize firms and organizations for their competitive achievements in world markets, as well as the benefits of their success to the U.S. economy. Gerber Scientific is one of only eight companies nationwide to receive the award this year.
In presenting the award, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez stated, "Gerber Technology has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. Your export sales are impressive and your commitment to serve the needs of your customers in 125 countries with training, materials in the local language and assistance at all times is particularly noteworthy." He added, "Gerber Technology's achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs."
Gerber Technology's export sales numbers grew more than 15 percent from 2002 to 2005. Last fiscal year Gerber Technology generated 75 percent of its product revenue from sales to companies outside the United States, representing an additional 20 percent growth.
"Gerber Technology has exported products for most of its nearly 40 year history," said Marc T. Giles, president and CEO of Gerber Scientific, Inc. "To be recognized by the Department of Commerce with this prestigious award is indeed an honor for Gerber Technology, and a powerful validation of the effectiveness of our international strategy."
Gerber Technology's world headquarters is located in Tolland, Conn., U.S.A. with regional offices, agents and distributors in 125 countries. The division has a highly developed distribution channel with 25 sales and service offices in China alone. It employs more than 700 individuals directly and over 500 indirectly through its worldwide sales and support network. Gerber Technology serves its customers through eleven Customer Solutions Centers on six continents, and also maintains three Advanced Technology Centers in Brussels, Belgium; Connecticut, USA; and Shanghai, China.
About Gerber Scientific, Inc.
Gerber Scientific, Inc. (http://www.gerberscientific.com) is a leading international supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for sign making and specialty graphics, apparel and flexible materials, and ophthalmic lens processing. Headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, the company operates through four businesses: Gerber Scientific Products and Spandex Ltd., Gerber Technology, and Gerber Coburn.
Forward-looking Statements:
In addition to the historical information contained herein, there are matters discussed that are considered to be "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products, and services, that could significantly affect results in the future. For a discussion of other risk factors relating to the Company's business, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date of this release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release, except as required by law. |