MDSI® Chosen as Provider of CNC Systems for International Industrial Group (IIG) and TAL Manufacturing Solutions

The TAL H50-S Three-axis Horizontal Machining Center will be Demonstrated in MDSI's Booth D-4232 at IMTS

CHICAGO—Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. (MDSI) (Ann Arbor, Michigan), the leader in software computer numerical control (CNC) and software motion technology, today announced that its OpenCNC® software CNC will be the standard software for TAL Manufacturing Solutions Limited (Pune, India) CNC machining centers, which are being distributed in the North American market by IIG of Orion, Michigan.

OpenCNC V6.2 has been integrated on the TAL H50-S horizontal machining center, where MDSI's open-architecture software-based CNC demonstrated a 20 percent improvement in cycle time over other CNC controls, while improving surface finish. In addition, OpenCNC V6.2 is enabling simple integration of manufacturing and quality data collection and reporting, based on MDSI's patented Significant Events™ real-time data technology running on standard PCs at a significant cost savings. The TAL H50-S will be running in MDSI's booth D-4232 at IMTS.

"Since the 1980s, here at IIG, we've envisioned a completely integrated and information-rich factory in which data about the machines, operations, and quality functions would all be running in the same environment," said Fran Leo, president and CEO of IIG. "We were extremely pleased when we discovered that MDSI was actually making it happen in the marketplace."

For TAL, a key benefit of OpenCNC technology has been the Microsoft^® Windows^® environment, which reduces the learning curve for machine tool operators. The fact that MDSI's OpenCNC runs on a standard operating system—Microsoft Windows 2000—and a standard Intel^® PC results in less downtime, lower training costs and increased ability to troubleshoot. The MDSI software will be integrated next on TAL's HE60-H 3-axis horizontal machining center.

"For OEMs, MDSI's technology makes possible expanded market opportunities. With MDSI, machine capabilities are virtually limitless, which increases design freedom, making possible innovation that before would have been physically or price prohibitive," said Y. Nath, managing director, TAL Manufacturing Solutions Ltd. "Because OpenCNC has a lower initial cost and lower life cycle costs than other CNC systems, more companies can afford the solution and attain new and higher levels of speed and performance."

"Working with industry innovators and veterans at IIG and TAL who share our vision and passion for the industry is a highly rewarding experience," said James R. Fall, president and CEO, MDSI. "This will provide global manufacturers an additional choice of high performance machining centers with OpenCNC."

About MDSI

Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. (MDSI) is a division of Hurco Companies, Inc. MDSI supplies Internet-enabled, open-architecture software motion control applications that increase manufacturing flexibility and enable agile manufacturing for the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and General Motion Control (GMC) markets. Unlike traditional hardware or proprietary-based CNC or motion controls, MDSI's solutions are unbundled from, and use no, proprietary hardware or motion control cards.

MDSI's foundation soft motion technology provides a common and open architecture control across a variety of machine tools—from two-axis lathes and grinders to five-axis machining centers tools to material handling systems.

MDSI's business strategy emphasizes technological and price/performance leadership, hardware independence and comprehensive customer-support. The company's customers, spanning many industries, include BAE Systems, Boeing, Briggs & Stratton, Caterpillar, Cessna Aircraft, Dana, Detroit Diesel, Emerson Electric, Flowserve, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, General Motors, Halliburton, Lockheed-Martin, Tecumseh Products Company, Teledyne, Textron, and Vickers. For more information, visit MDSI's web site at http://www.mdsi2.com.

About IIG

Since 1994, International Industrial Group (IIG) has been helping clients add value to their manufacturing plants. IIG is a solutions provider focused on solving manufacturing problems. Our solutions result in value through improvements in speed, cost and quality. We add value by collaboration with customers to simplify and continuously improve manufacturing operations' "making manufacturing manageable."

IIG is minority-owned and operated. Founder and president Fran Leo pioneered the innovation of automotive plant Factory Information Control Systems in the 1980s. IIG continues a tradition of innovation of bringing state-of-the-art manufacturing methods and know-how to plant floor problems.

About TAL Manufacturing Solutions Limited (TAL)
TAL has been a pioneer in providing engineering solutions. With technology to match international standards and a highly talented team of professionals, the company is today recognized as one of the premium companies in automation industry.

The company has grown with a technology base that has been strengthened through its association with renowned machine tool manufacturers such as Huller-Hille of West Germany, Niigata Engineering Company and Nachi-Fujikoshi Corporation of Japan. We have continuously updated our organization to meet the growing demands for flexible manufacturing. TAL has been fully geared up with adequate infrastructure to keep pace with the rapidly advancing technology of today.

TAL has designed, built and installed more than 1,500 machine tools for the production shops of TATA Engineering's Automobile and other divisions. These machines are being intensively used for around-the-clock production and they have stood the test of time for the last three decades.

MDSI, the MDSI logo, OpenCNC, and WinMotion are registered trademarks of Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. Significant Events, and MDSI Motion are trademarks of Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.