Matrikon Delivers ERP Solution For The Plastics Industry

Matrikon Inc. (TSX:MTK) today announced that Engineered Products Industries LLC (EPI) based in St Louis, Missouri, has selected Matrikon's targeted production scheduling and enterprise resource planning solution. The technology uses Microsoft's premiere Axapta ERP product, and Matrikon's specialized MxPTACi application for plastics production scheduling to provide a full range of functionality from financial management to detailed labor and material planning.

A leader in the plastics industry, EPI's implementation of the integrated Matrikon-Microsoft Solution addresses specific tactical needs of the plastic injection molding process and will improve scheduling, generate accurate delivery dates for the customer, increase output and eliminate costly expediting activity.

"We evaluated several solutions based on their production and financial capabilities, usability, cost, and the vendor's plastics expertise. Matrikon came out ahead in every category," said David Dunn, Director of Market Development for EPI.

The integrated Axapta and MxPTACi solution is currently being implemented at the first of three EPI facilities in the United States. The implementation is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year, with the remaining facilities to be added starting in early 2005.

"We are proud to provide a solution that requires little time to integrate, is cost efficient and delivers results that will directly impact the bottom line," said Mark Hamblin, Manager of Manufacturing Solutions for Matrikon. "With nearly 1500 companies in the United States and Canada there are many opportunities for the ERP solution in the plastics manufacturing industry."

Matrikon's MxPTACi will provide detailed production and labor scheduling, while Microsoft's Axapta will provide inventory control and financial management.

"Being able to offer a solution to address the unique problems of plastics injection molders is very exciting, especially given the wealth of manufacturing expertise Matrikon brings to our partnership," said Malcolm McCance, Microsoft Partner Engagement Manager for Alberta.

About Matrikon
Matrikon is a leading provider of industrial plant intelligence solutions that enable manufacturing plants to achieve operational excellence by transforming production data into knowledge to predict and prevent problems and optimize operations. Matrikon's customers achieve agile operations through the combination of external market and plant data to make informed, intelligent decisions in real-time. With offices in major cities throughout North America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East and a global client base including industry leaders in a wide range of manufacturing and process industries, Matrikon's reach is global.

About EPI
EPI is a leading custom plastic injection molding company founded in 1953 with headquarters in St. Louis, MO and divisional operations in DeQueen, AR. EPI serves many industries with extensive experience in Appliance, Electrical/Electronic, Lawn and Garden and Outdoor Power Equipment. They are focused on solving the critical business challenges that their customers experience everyday with molded plastic purchases.