SOUTH WINDSOR, CT – Gerber Scientific Inc. (NYSE: GRB) today announced two senior management appointments: John Hancock as president, Gerber Coburn Optical Inc., South Windsor, Conn., and senior vice president of Gerber Scientific Inc.; and Bernard Demko as senior vice president, Gerber Scientific Inc.

Hancock, 54, replaces Shawn M. Harrington, who was recently appointed chief financial officer of Gerber Scientific. Harrington will serve as chief executive officer, Gerber Coburn.

A 27-year veteran of the optical industry, Hancock served as Gerber Coburn’s senior vice president of sales and marketing from February 1998 to September 2001, serving thereafter in a part-time executive advisory role. He was vice president of sales and marketing for Coburn Optical Industries Inc., Tulsa, Okla., from 1994 through the acquisition of Coburn by Gerber in 1998. Prior to joining Gerber, he was employed by Omega Optical, Dallas, for 11 years as vice president of sales and marketing. He began his marketing and sales career in the optical industry with American Optical Co., Southbridge, Mass., in 1973

“We could not have selected a better candidate than John for this position, given his experience in the optical industry, particularly with Gerber Coburn,” said Marc T. Giles, Gerber Scientific president and chief executive officer. “His first-hand knowledge of our business, and his dealings with employees and customers, provide a strong foundation for accomplishing our market objectives and building profitability.”

He added, “Shawn’s ongoing involvement at the subsidiary level will create leadership continuity within the marketplace and give John the management support he needs to move Gerber Coburn forward.”

Demko, 43, is currently executive vice president and chief operating officer, Gerber Technology Inc., Tolland, Conn. A long-time Gerber employee, he has served in numerous key financial and management roles since joining the company in 1984, most recently as vice president and corporate controller, Gerber Scientific Inc. Prior to his tenure with Gerber, Demko served as audit supervisor at Coopers & Lybrand, Hartford, Conn. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Hartford, Hartford, Conn., and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.

“Bernie brings valuable insight and expertise to our senior management team,” stated Giles. “He has made many significant contributions during his years with the company, most recently driving substantial operating improvements at Gerber Technology. His appointment as senior vice president is well deserved.”

Gerber Scientific Inc. provides high technology systems and solutions that enable mass customization in diverse industries. Headquartered in South Windsor, Conn., Gerber Scientific is the world leader in three core markets - sign making and specialty graphics, apparel and flexible materials, and optical lens processing - which it serves through four wholly owned subsidiaries: Gerber Scientific Products, South Windsor, Conn.; Spandex PLC, Bristol, England; Gerber Technology, Tolland, Conn.; and Gerber Coburn Optical Inc., South Windsor, Conn. In addition, the company is building a presence in the global packaging and commercial printing industries through its Gerber Innovations group, Manchester, Conn., and is currently bringing a new concept in point-of-sales merchandising to U.S. retailers via SignStorey Inc., Tolland, Conn. Gerber Scientific employs about 2,300 globally.