Touch International Takes Over Former Space Occupied by 3M Touch Systems Specialty Products

Austin-based touch screen manufacturer moves to larger manufacturing facility to keep pace with global customer growth

Austin, Texas - March 25, 2004 - In response to the rapid growth of demand for touch components in global markets, Touch International has expanded its business operations to new corporate headquarters in Austin, TX. With close to 22,000 sq feet of new manufacturing space in the Austin facility, Touch International's manufacturing capacity is expected to increase by 400 percent and will allow the company to three full shifts each day. The move is part of Touch International's strategic manufacturing expansion plan, with future planned replication of two other custom solutions centers in Europe and Pacific Rim. With Touch International's high volume manufacturing facilities in Japan and Malaysia, this move allows Touch International to offer a complete touch solution from prototyping to custom to high volume touch sensors.

The Austin Custom Solutions Center will allow Touch International to double its local employee base and is a full optical lamination cell factory featuring state-of-the-art clean rooms with specialized equipment for manufacturing a wide range of touch screen technology. The Austin factory currently builds custom products for internationally known, Fortune 1000 corporations such as Rockwell Collins, and the US Air Force and services the aerospace, military, industrial, and medical markets.

"The new Austin facility helps us maintain our leadership position in the ruggedized touch market. This move, coupled with our recent manufacturing acquisitions in Japan and Europe makes us a truly global manufacturer with the ability to be more customer responsive and competitive," stated Michael Woolstrum, CEO, Touch International. "We were out of space at our existing facilities. Without this expansion, we would not have been able to meet our Custom Solution Center customers' needs."

At the new production facility, employees are currently assembling Digital Ink, the world's thinnest and only form fitting, unbreakable touch screen. This revolutionary new touch technology that Touch International recently released brings the functionality of a touch screen to any material, including a window store front, table top, or bullet proof glass.

Grieg Spidle, VP of Operations of the new Austin factory, noted that he looks forward to the challenge that lies ahead for him and the other Touch International employees. "I am pleased to be working with the team here in the Austin facility and am excited about the quality and enthusiasm of the employee hires thus far," said Spidle. "Touch International has built a first-class facility and is providing an environment for future growth with a world-class plant on which to build our custom solutions center."

About Touch International

Founded by industry veterans, Touch International, Inc. is a privately held, worldwide supplier of high-quality touch screen components. Through its expanded manufacturing facilities, Touch International is able to offer a wide variety and rapid delivery of lower-priced, high-reliability products, based on customer needs and specifications. Touch International is headquartered in Austin, with five factories strategically placed around the globe, and additional sales and support offices on four continents.

For Information, Contact:
Anne Ahola-Ward, Touch International
Phone: 512.832.8292x310
Email: aahola-ward@touchintl.com
Touch International