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Shape Corporation Selects Lanner for Simulation

10 January 2001

Shape Corporation Selects Lanner for Simulation

          Rollformed Parts Supplier to Use Lanner's WITNESS Software
                 To Improve Manufacturing Process Efficiency

    HOUSTON, Jan. 10 Lanner Group, Inc., a subsidiary of
Lanner Group, Ltd., a leading business simulation solutions provider based in
the United Kingdom, announced today that Shape Corporation has selected its
WITNESS(TM) software to improve the efficiency of its rollformed part
manufacturing operations.
    The Grand Haven, Michigan-based automotive and office furniture parts
supplier purchased Lanner's industry-leading WITNESS software, along with
training and maintenance.  Shape Corporation plans to use WITNESS both to
improve the efficiency of its existing processes and to assess production
scenarios for new business opportunities.
    "Shape Corporation is a valuable new customer for us," said Jeffrey B.
Croson, president and chief operating officer of Lanner's subsidiary in the
Americas.  "With the manufacturing business in Western Michigan growing so
rapidly, it's imperative to be working with a company of Shape's reputation.
If WITNESS can help Shape Corporation achieve its performance goals, that will
go a long way toward making inroads with other manufacturers in the region."
    The manager of doorbeam development at Shape Corporation said, "The user-
friendly WITNESS software allows us to solve problems and refine processes
long before investments are made.  These solutions provide Shape with
optimized manufacturing methods and provide cost-competitive products to our
customers."

    Shape Corporation is a leading supplier of rollformed parts and components
to the automotive and office furniture industries.  Some of the products that
Shape manufactures include bumper assemblies, door beams and window channels
for automakers, as well as slotted welded tubes, shelving and other components
for office furniture makers.  Founded in 1974, Shape is headquartered in Grand
Haven, Michigan and has more than one thousand employees.

    Lanner Group specializes in helping organizations achieve rapid and
effective business change.  Established in 1996, Lanner is widely acknowledged
as the world's pioneering leader in business simulation and optimization.
Today, Lanner offers a unique combination of powerful predictive technology
solutions with top-level consulting expertise.  Based in the United Kingdom
with subsidiaries and partners in Europe, the Americas and the Far East,
Lanner has a worldwide customer base of more than 3,000 top multinational
companies.