International Electronics Introduces Electronic Access Control Products

5 April 2000

International Electronics Introduces Second Generation of Electronic Access Control Products for Industrial Vehicles

    CANTON, Mass.--April 4, 2000--International Electronics, Inc. today announced the introduction of PowerKey(tm) 2500, the initial product of its second-generation family of electronic access control products for industrial vehicles.
    Designed to help business meet the new OSHA operator safety and training regulations for industrial vehicles, the PowerKey(tm) 2500 automatically limits vehicle access to authorized users. The PowerKey 2500 replaces the vehicle ignition key with a computer controlled keyless ignition switch. Up to 250 operators can be issued their own unique PIN code as a starting command that is programmed into the vehicle's PowerKey(tm) 2500 ignition interface.
    Operation of unsafe or maintenance ready vehicles equipped with the PowerKey(tm) 2500 can be temporarily blocked to all but an authorized supervisor's ignition PIN code. Unattended vehicles can also be automatically shut down by the PowerKey 2500 via connection to a seat switch if the operator leaves the vehicle for a predetermined amount of time.
    "In addition to the safety benefits of the IEI PowerKey(tm) 2500", said Jim Brierley, VP of sales and marketing at IEI, "increased productivity is obtained by eliminating lost or misappropriated vehicles. Printed log reports gathered with a hand-held printer result in improved driver accountability, less unplanned maintenance and related expenditures," Brierley stated. Brierley further explained, "The US market annually adds new equipment valued at approximately $5 billion with attachments alone accounting for expenditures in excess of $1 billion. Needless to say, we see this as a major opportunity for IEI."
    IEI has been engineering and manufacturing electronic access control keypad products since 1989. The IEI PK2500 replaces the IEI PK3000, IEI's first generation of industrial vehicle access control keypads manufactured since 1996. Additional options slated for release in June with the PK3500 include an interactive display for automating daily checklist questions including an OSHA log, a shock sensor for identifying vehicle accidents, automated radio transferal of data to PC database software for managing vehicles and operating statistics and ignition control via individually encoded Proximity Cards or tags. Current PowerKey(tm) customers include Ford Motor Company, Home Depot of Canada, Cabletron, JR Simplott, Pepsi-Cola and Honda Mfg. of America.
    International Electronics, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets electronic security equipment used in residential, industrial and commercial security systems. The company's products include it's Door-Gard(tm) and Secured Series(tm) access control products, Prox.Pad(tm) Proximity Keypad and its PowerKey(tm), an asset management tool for powered industrial vehicles. The company markets these products throughout the U.S and in many major markets around the world. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.ieib.com.

    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the successful completion of its current development projects. These risk factors are identified in a document titled Factors That May Affect Future Results, available by calling the company's investor relations line at (781) 821-5566 and in the company's Form 10-QSB for the period ended February 29,2000, which will be filed shortly with the Securities and Exchange Commission.