E-P Equipment Announces Partnership with SEEGRID, Launch of the SmartTruck: Automated Pallet Truck -- Simple to Use and Affordable

DUNCAN, S.C.--Jan. 1, 20051, 2005--E-P Equipment Ltd. (private) today announced the launch of the SmartTruck(TM), automated pallet truck. The SmartTruck(TM) is making its public debut this week at the ProMat trade show in Chicago.

The two companies have been working since early 2004 to design the new type of flexible automated equipment. The SmartTruck(TM) combines the reliability and durability of EP'S industry leading EPT-20 series electric pallet truck with SEEGRID's advanced automation controls to provide flexible driverless delivery within a facility, while allowing for manual pickup and drop off of loads.

The SmartTruck features pallet-handling forks, a 5500lbs. lift capacity, an ergonomic manual control arm and an on-board embedded system for automated travel. The patent-pending vision guidance technology provides precise, automated travel.

WalkThroughThenWork(TM) automation controls allow the SmartTruck(TM) to be trained by walking it once along the desired path. Changes to the path are accomplished by walking it along the new path. For safe operation the SmartTruck(TM) also includes both non-contact and contact safety bumpers, which bring the equipment to a safe stop when obstacles are detected.

According to Ken Cox, Vice-President of E-P and a 40-year veteran of the materials handling industry, "The SmartTruck(TM) represents one of the most meaningful innovations in the materials handling equipment market in the last 25 years." He continued, "And at the same time it is simple and affordable."

"The SmartTruck(TM) frees workers to focus on other job activities beyond repetitive transport work, enhancing their work function," said Scott Friedman, CEO of SEEGRID, "Because of the vision-based navigation, we don't need to put wires in the floor, or hang laser targets, or do any kind of install procedure at all." He continued, "The SmartTruck(TM) is set up by the people who use it day in and day out, and they can change the paths as often as they like. This really keeps the cost down."

"The SmartTruck(TM) is priced at material handling equipment price points," said Cox, "which are a fraction of what you have to pay for traditional automated guided vehicle systems." He continued, "You train-in the SmartTruck(TM) by just walking it along the route you want it to remember, that's it. With this kind of simplicity, we expect customers to use it for all kinds of jobs in manufacturing plants and warehouses. "

SEEGRID Corp. develops automation products that enable manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers to automate their day-to-day material handling processes. SEEGRID's WalkThroughThenWork(TM) automation technology brings a new level of simplicity and functionality to the material handling equipment market.

E-P Equipment Ltd., is a specialized manufacturer of equipment and OEM products for the international materials handling market and the #1 manufacturer of electric pallet trucks in China.