Advanced Input Devices will have access to Memtron’s membrane engineering and manufacturing processes

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, December 27, 2001, — Advanced Input Devices (AID), a world leading manufacturer of custom control panels, user interfaces and specialized keyboards, today announced a new level of collaboration with sister company Memtron Technologies. Memtron is a leading supplier of membrane switch and keyboard technologies. Both companies are owned by Esterline Technologies (NYSE:ESL). This new collaboration offers customers a broader range of engineering services, a wider variety of technologies and an increase in design and manufacturing capabilities.

This complimentary alliance will also enable both companies to benefit from an increase in sales coverage. AID and Memtron will continue to use its direct sales force, which has a successful history of providing a high level of expertise and involvement in the area of technical sales, product development and support. This direct group will coordinate their efforts with AID and Memtron’s consolidated independent representative network. This independent network will expand coverage of the US and Canada and will offer a complete line of input design technologies, and an expanded capability for design and manufacturing of integrated control panels and custom input solutions on the behalf of AID and Memtron.

AID will have access to Memtron’s membrane engineering and manufacturing processes that will allow us to provide faster and more reliable membrane services than typical third party suppliers can offer. These services will also enable AID's customers to take advantage of Memtron’s state-of-the-art membrane printing and manufacturing capabilities. With access to Memtron’s support and resources, we will be able to offer its customers a streamlined, wholly integrated process with a low cost and quick turn on membrane and flat panel products.

Memtron will also be able to support their customer’s growing need to provide complete solutions for technology integration and product packaging as well as specialized contract manufacturing by utilizing AID experience and skills. Customers benefit because of AID and Memtron’s ability to leverage areas that are common to both, including material acquisition, capital equipment purchases and facility utilization.

AID has the largest and most comprehensive engineering capability in the input industry. Our experience and skills include product development, electronic design, packaging, electronic assembly and product testing.

Memtron, located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has established the industry benchmark for fast response engineering and manufacturing services. It provides quick turn prototypes, early production and higher volume, low cost production. This center of excellence is well known for its superior service levels, design of membrane and flat panel keyboards, graphics and screen printing capabilities as well as a talent for ramping product into production with extraordinarily short lead times.