XR Ventures Invests in Optical Component Start-up Triformix, Inc.

    GRANDVILLE, Mich.--Nov. 27, 2001--X-Rite, Incorporated , announced that its strategic venture capital group, XR Ventures, LLC, has invested in Triformix, Inc., a developer of precision injection molded optical components serving the datacom and telecommunications markets.
    Triformix designs and manufacturers enabling optical solutions for leading edge communication applications. The devices are currently used in fiber optic transceivers at the conversion point between optical and electronic signals as the light enters or exits a fiber. These optical elements allow customers to drastically reduce costs at the component level as well as in subsequent assembly processes.
    "The demand for precision optical components in data communication markets is escalating," said Dr. Peter Banks, partner of XR Ventures and a director of Triformix. "The company has leveraged an inherently lower cost manufacturing process and the ability to incorporate multiple features into precision, monolithic devices. Triformix is structured to deliver and respond to unique customer specifications, and will continue to evolve to serve multitiered data communication industry leaders that strive to meet the swelling demand for faster (10GHz and 40 GHz) connectivity in LAN and enterprise networks. We believe our investment in this innovative injection molded optics company, along with SBV Ventures of Santa Clara, Calif. (www.sbvpartners.com), is synergistic with X-Rite's growth into a variety of rapidly growing precision optical measurement markets."
    XR Ventures (www.xrventures.com) looks for early stage investment opportunities, including defensible intellectual property. The investments will typically fall within the areas of telecommunications; microsystem optical communications and biomedical analysis; web infrastructure; and other emerging technologies.
    Partners in XR Ventures include X-Rite, Dr. Peter M. Banks, and James A. Knister. Banks and Knister have extensive experience in small company start-ups, technology management and investing. Both have had careers as executives in technology companies and have participated extensively in new technology initiatives. In addition to seeking out new technology opportunities and intellectual properties, XR Ventures will often help in the development and success of its acquisitions and investments.

    About X-Rite

    X-Rite, Incorporated is a world-leader in producing precision measurement devices, systems and processes that enhance the measurement of color, light and shape. Many large, multinational firms use X-Rite's products and services for a variety of applications in areas as diverse as digital imaging, printing, coatings, biomedical diagnostics, telecom and electronics. Sales and service offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas support the company's North American and European manufacturing, research & development facilities.
    For more information, contact X-Rite, Incorporated: 3100 44th Street, S.W., Grandville, MI 49418, USA; Telephone (616) 534-7663; Fax (616) 534-9215; Website: http://www.x-rite.com.

    About Triformix

    Triformix designs and manufactures small, highly precise injection molded optical components and assemblies for the datacom and telecommunications markets. For more information, contact Triformix, Inc., 487 Aviation Blvd. Suite 100, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA; Telephone (707) 545-7645; Website: http://www.triformix.com; Email: dwhitney@triformix.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, due to a variety of factors, some of which may be beyond the control of the company. Factors that could cause such differences include the company's ability to improve operations and realize cost savings, competitive and general economic conditions, ability to access into new markets, and other risks described in the company's filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission.