SwRI® and MTS ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE: Motorcycle technology alliance increases range of engineering, development services at SwRI

Tracey M.S. Whelan • (PRWEB) November 13, 2002 -2256
twhelan@swri.org

SwRI® and MTS ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE:

Motorcycle technology alliance increases range of engineering, development services at SwRI

For immediate release

San Antonio - November 8, 2002 - Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI) has signed an agreement with MTS Systems Corporation (NASDAQ: MTSCE), a supplier of mechanical testing and simulation equipment, to provide joint expertise and engineering services in motorcycle development.

SwRI will provide design, development, and testing services for engines, control systems, and powertrains. MTS will offer its expertise on chassis, suspension, and engine test systems, along with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) analysis software for motorcycles. The goal of this agreement is to increase the technical capabilities and skills offered by both companies to various clients around the world.

We are very pleased to be working with SwRI to deliver advanced engineering services to motorcycle developers," said Sidney W. Emery Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of MTS. Our collective expertise in durability, ride and handling, and noise and vibration engineering makes us uniquely qualified to meet the demanding requirements of motorcycle development."

To better serve the growing worldwide motorcycle industry, SwRI has assembled a multidisciplinary team of SwRI engineers and technicians dedicated to motorcycle development. The SwRI team consists of experts in engine development and design, engine controls, emissions research, transmission testing and design, electromagnetic compatibility research and testing, materials testing, fire technology, oil and fuel analysis, noise and vibration testing, and instrumentation development. The MTS experts are a significant addition to this development team.

    This alliance will offer clients the best of what each company has to offer," said Nigel Gale, vice president of the SwRI Engine and Vehicle Research Division. SwRI has one of the largest independent engine and automotive research laboratories in the world while MTS has extensive motorcycle development capabilities and expertise. We are excited about this arrangement."

As an independent, multidisciplinary research, development, and testing organization, SwRI provides a non-biased, third-party perspective. The SwRI Engine and Vehicle Research Division has achieved certification to ISO 9001, an internationally recognized quality standard, and is working toward ISO 14001 certification. SwRI has more than 50 years of experience in designing, developing, and testing automotive and other high-performance engines and powertrains. For more information about motorcycle work at SwRI, visit the SwRI Motorcycle Technology website online at motorcycle.swri.org.

MTS Systems Corporation is a global supplier of integrated simulation solutions that help customers accelerate and improve their design, development and manufacturing processes. MTS supplies products for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products and structures - including computer-based testing and simulation systems, modeling and testing software, and consulting services - as well as products for automating manufacturing processes. MTS had approximately 2,200 employees and revenue of $397 million for the fiscal year ended September 2001. To learn more about MTS, visit the MTS website at www.mts.com.

For further information, please contact Brian Birch, SwRI, at (210) 522-2034 or bbirch@swri.org, or Phil Berling, MTS Systems Corporation, (952) 937-4352 or phil.berling@mts.com.

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SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization
based in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 2,700 employees and an annual
research volume of more than $319 million.