Switzerland-based Kardex AG, the parent company of Kardex Remstar International, has agreed to acquire the assets of U.S. competitor Kardex Systems Inc., which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Kardex Systems Inc. posted sales of approximately $21 million in the 2007 financial year, and has a staff of about 100.

Remstar International Inc. (www.remstar.com), a company of the Kardex AG Remstar International (KRI) Group of Zurich, Switzerland, is a provider of automated storage and retrieval systems for manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing applications.

Under the transaction, Kardex Remstar International is acquiring the Kardex brand in the United States, a production site in Lewistown, Penn., and a sales organization with a broad base in the North American market. This will enable Kardex AG to substantially expand its U.S. distribution company, Remstar International. In addition, the merger of the two U.S. companies opens up sustainable synergy potential for Kardex AG and reinforces Kardex Remstar International's market position in the U.S.

In integrating its own operating and production site within the U.S. dollar zone and creating a focused presence under the global Kardex brand, the Kardex Group is increasing the pace of growth of the Kardex Remstar International division over the long term and further expanding the Kardex AG's strong position in the international market for automated storage and retrieval systems. # # # Matheson Tri-Gas Expanding its Advanced Technology Center in Longmont, CO Matheson Tri-Gas Inc. (MTG) is expanding its Advanced Technology Center in Longmont, Colo., as part of its overall growth strategy to meet the demands of advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The facility will focus on customers' emerging material technologies and process solutions requirements. Plans include expanding the clean-room manufacturing and R&D facilities, adding an estimated 25,000 square feet. MTG expects to complete the expansion by July 2009.

Additionally, Matheson Tri-Gas (www.mathesontrigas.com) has divested its SEMI-GAS(R) gas cabinet product line in North America, selling it to Applied Energy Systems (AES) of Malvern, Penn. MTG's manufacturing of advanced UHP products will be moved to the Longmont, Colo. facility, according to MTG. According to Scott Pufahl, general manager, Equipment Business for MTG, “Our overall growth strategy calls for investing in developing cutting-edge molecule technology delivery systems. We are fortunate to have found such a capable company as AES to continue to serve the North American market with the existing world-class SEMI-GAS products.”

A news release from Applied Energy Systems (www.appliedenergysystems.com) the transfer of technology, materials and staff will occur gradually over the next few months to allow for a seamless transition of manufacturing and engineering functions that will ensure customer orders will be delivered on time and with the same high quality that customers expect and demand.

Steven R. Buerkel, President and owner of AES, said, “This acquisition allows us to expand our product offering while improving economies of scale in a competitive marketplace. It also allows us to grow our Customer Service and Engineering groups for improved product support and technological development.”

Applied Energy Systems Inc. is a 40-year-old corporation that designs and manufactures ultra-high purity gas source and gas distribution systems, and is a world leader in precision welding technology. Manufacturing is performed in an 18,000-square-foot facility with three cleanrooms. Products include the Millennium line of gas cabinets and valve manifold boxes, as well as custom tool gas boxes and bulk gas delivery systems. A full engineering staff including mechanical, electrical and software engineers are employed with over 60 combined years of experience in handling ultra-high purity hazardous product gases. # # #