gedas Accelerates its Product Lifecycle Management Business In the First Quarter, 2003

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 12, 2003 -- gedas, a global IT system integrator, announces a significant increase in orders in the first quarter, 2003, for its burgeoning Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) business unit in the US. Orders for its PLM solutions and services, in the first quarter alone, have nearly surpassed total revenue for the business unit in 2002. gedas is focused on the manufacturing sector with a concentration on automotive suppliers.

"Even through a difficult economic period, companies have recognized the importance of streamlining and integrating product development cycles," states Eric Verniaut, president and CEO of gedas USA. "At gedas, we have a long history of helping manufacturers improve their processes; supporting them with the latest technical advancements to help them achieve their business objectives."

gedas offers a wide range of PLM-based solutions. From integration and process consulting to system implementation services to enterprise-wide turnkey solutions, gedas applies its extensive knowledge and experience to help companies reduce time-to-market with fewer resources while improving product quality and reliability. In fact, gedas began working in Product Data Management in the eighties at the advent of computer-aided design (CAD).

"gedas has developed a significant PLM expertise worldwide," says Bill Newman, PLM Business Unit leader for gedas USA. "We have strong partnerships with the leading PLM providers and a service portfolio that includes proprietary product integrations between ERP systems and PLM software such as SAP, MatrixOne, SolidWorks and others."

The first quarter success can be attributed to an increase in existing client work and new acquisitions. Existing clients include: Entegris, a maker of products used to transport and protect semiconductor and disk drive materials during processing; PCMC, a global manufacturer of paper converting, printing and packaging systems; and Halliburton, one of the world's largest providers of oil and energy products and services. New clients include: Andrew Corp, a global designer, manufacturer and supplier of communications equipment, services and systems; The Holland Group, a leading worldwide supplier of safe, reliable vehicle connection products and technologies; and Honeywell-Garrett, a leading manufacturer of turbo chargers and thermal systems.

gedas AG is one of the leading international information technology service providers for the worldwide automotive and manufacturing industries. gedas USA draws on some 5,000 colleagues at more than 50 different locations in Asia, South America, North America and Europe to offer clients globally- integrated solutions. For twenty years, gedas has been developing, implementing and maintaining Enterprise Resource Planning, Supply Chain Management, Product Lifecycle Management and Customer Relationship Management systems that have helped its clients build a competitive advantage. gedas' clients include discrete manufacturers, suppliers, OEMs, automobile importers and dealers. Look for gedas on the web at www.gedasUSA.com .