Automatic Guided Vehicles -AGVs- Industry Reports Increase in New Systems Business of over 50% for First Half of 2004 and Introduces Video to Promote Benefits of AGV Technology

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Sept. 8, 2004--The AGVS Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America announced today that they have seen an increase in the volume of new and expansion systems business for the first half of 2004 as reported by member companies from 47 systems in the first half of 2003 compared to 72 systems in the first half of 2004. This announcement comes at the same time that the group just finalized a video to promote AGV technology in the marketplace.

"It is clear that based on these numbers that manufacturers of automation solutions, namely AGVs, are seeing a substantial interest in this technology and the many benefits companies can achieve through the use of this technology", stated Dick Ward, MHIA's AGVS Product Section Managing Executive. "I believe this can be attributed not only to an increasing acceptance of this proven technology but also to the fact that the technology associated with these systems has matured significantly, and as a result have become far more cost-effective."

To see how this technology is used in various industries you can view the new video by going to the following link: http://www.agvssolutions.com. Copies of the DVD version are also available directly from MHIA.

Automatic Guided Vehicles are driverless vehicles that are used in the movement of material in the assembly, production and distribution process. AGVs are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace and defense, food and beverage, paper and allied products, newsprint and publishing, ceramics, chemical processing, entertainment, microelectronics, plastics and primary metals. Companies that can benefit from this technology include both Fortune 500 companies as well as small manufacturing companies.

Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) Product Section was formed in 1979 by a nucleus of six member companies. Since that time, the AGVS product section has grown to its present membership representing the leading suppliers of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems in the United States. Many are supplying systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing sector. Member companies of AGVS meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of automatic guided vehicle systems. AGVS member companies have committed to the development, maintenance and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. For more information, visit www.agvssolutions.com.

Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) is an international trade association that has represented this industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific sections, councils and affiliates. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and NA 2004 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

For more information visit www.mhia.org or contact Carol Miller at cmiller@mhia.org or 800-345-1815/704-676-1190.