AMI DODUCO Research Targets Optimal 42-Volt Automotive Contact Material

    EXPORT, Pa.--Sept. 10, 2002--Researchers at AMI DODUCO will present successful test results of various contact materials in 42 Volt DC applications at the 21st International Conference on Electrical Contacts (ICEC), a leading global forum on electrical contacts.
    The ICEC Conference will be held September 9-12 in Zurich, Switzerland.
    The automotive industry has adopted the new 42-volt electrical standard to replace the current 12-volt standard. The higher voltage will be required to power a variety of new electrical devices that will replace today's mechanical devices in valve control, fuel injection, suspension, steering and braking applications.
    The 42-volt standard will require relays and switches employing newly-developed contact material that is suited to the higher voltage.
    Researchers Volker Behrens, PhD., Thomas Honig, Andreas Kraus, and Oliver Lutz of AMI DODUCO tested the switching behavior of common electrical contact materials in a 42-volt test device. The tests showed that silver tin oxide with a reduced tin oxide content provided the best overall performance across the typical range of automotive electrical applications.
    This information will help guide automotive switch and relay producers as they design switches and relays for the new 42-volt standard.
    "We are preparing for the future by establishing ourselves as the premier development partner for tier-one automotive suppliers designing a next generation of products," said Albert Thorp, III, Chief Executive Officer of AMI DODUCO. "We have focused our world class research capabilities on the necessary basic research and now are concentrating on applying this knowledge to specific customer development efforts."
    Headquartered in Export, Pennsylvania, AMI DODUCO, a Technitrol Company is a global leader in electrical contact technology and fabrication. The company supplies contacts and assemblies, contact materials, thermostatic and laminated metal products, electroplating and surface treatment services, and precious metal refining and recycling to more than 3,000 customers.
    AMI DODUCO operates from locations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The company's website is www.amidoduco.com.

    Cautionary Note: This message contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially. This release should be read in conjunction with the factors set forth in Technitrol's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2002 Item 2 under the caption "Factors that May Affect Our Future Results (Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)."