Harley-Davidson Installs Perceptron AutoGauge(TM) System in New Softail Manufacturing Facility

System Provides Immediate Quality Data to Weld-Cell Operators

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 15 -- Perceptron, Inc. today announced that Harley-Davidson is using an AutoGauge(TM) quality measurement system in its new Softail frame fabrication line at the company's recently expanded York, PA facility.

The main function of the AutoGauge(TM) system is to measure 13 critical points on every Softail frame produced and to provide immediate dimensional feedback to the weld-cell operators. If any measurement point does not meet specification, the system alerts the operator of the appropriate weld-cell where the frame was assembled.

AutoGauge(TM) is built upon Perceptron's IPNet(R) platform, which also provides web-based reporting and analysis to help manufacturers reduce process variation, determine the root causes of problems, and rapidly implement process improvements.

"We are very excited about the adoption of our systems into non-automotive manufacturing facilities," said Bill Corriveau, Perceptron senior vice president, global automotive business unit. "It signals the emergence of a non-traditional market for our products where high quality and proactive process management are still the main objectives."

About Perceptron AutoGauge

AutoGauge in-process measurement stations use non-contact laser sensors to measure dimensional characteristics on 100% of the vehicles produced. The measurement data is stored in the system controller and is remotely accessible via web browser for use in quality control, process variation reduction and process improvement.

AutoGauge systems may be comprised of both stationary and robot-mounted sensor systems. For stationary sensor systems, multiple sensors are attached to a mounting structure and aimed at specific points on the part or assembly. Robot-mounted measurement systems add the mobility of standard industrial robots, which can be programmed to position the sensor to measure multiple points inside and on the surface of the parts and assemblies. Robot-mounted AutoGauge systems are often programmed to measure points on several different body styles that are produced on the same line.

About Perceptron

Perceptron produces information-based process improvement solutions for industry as well as technology components for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron's process management solutions to help them improve quality, shorten product launch times and reduce overall manufacturing costs.

Headquartered in Plymouth, MI, Perceptron has approximately 215 employees worldwide, with facilities in the United States, Germany, France, Brazil, and Japan. For more information, please visit http://www.perceptron.com/ .