Rockwell Automation Acquires Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Leader; Interwave Technology Sets Pace for Core MES Business Acceleration

    MILWAUKEE, Wis.--Feb. 3, 2003--Rockwell Automation today announced the expansion of its Manufacturing Information Solutions capability with the acquisition of Interwave Technology, Inc., one of the country's leading independent consulting integrators. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
    "Interwave Technology is an acknowledged MES industry leader when it comes to managing a company's supply chain, moving information seamlessly from the shop floor to the business office, and delivering information solutions to manufacturers that increase the return on their investment and decrease their investment in working capital," said John McDermott, senior vice president, Rockwell Automation Global Manufacturing Solutions. "This strategic acquisition will help us respond to a need in the marketplace, helping those customers who are trying to manage information flow throughout their entire enterprise."
    Since its founding in 1995, Interwave has developed a reputation as a leading independent consulting integrator, focusing on IT solution consulting and implementation for a broad range of manufacturing customers. The company has a strong track record of assisting manufacturers to deploy solutions specific to their needs and budgets.
    "World-class, lean and agile manufacturing models depend on establishing work-in-process visibility, eliminating manual and paper-based processes, and integrating real-time information between the manufacturing plant floor and business systems," said Jonathan Kall, president, Interwave Technology, Inc. "Interwave will continue to provide significant value for our customers by optimizing their manufacturing operations and making production information visible in real time throughout their enterprise and supply chain. Our focus on solution services, rather than any one product fits perfectly with that of the Rockwell Automation Global Manufacturing Solutions business unit."

    Interwave Technology is headquartered in Exton, Pa., and also operates implementation centers in Greenville, S.C., and Boise, Idaho. The company concentrates on developing manufacturing solutions that increase visibility and access to plant floor data, making product-centric information available to enterprise planning, scheduling & supply chain systems, and transforming production operations into strategic assets by building more flexible manufacturing capabilities.

    Rockwell Automation is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley(R) controls and engineered services, Dodge(R) mechanical power transmission products, Reliance Electric(R) motors and drives, and Rockwell Software(R) factory management software. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 22,000 people in more than 80 countries.