ATLANTA & ANTWERP, Belgium--()--EMS Global Resource Management, a division of mobile connectivity leader EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG), today announced that its new, 12-key panel for the LXE® Thor™ vehicle-mount computer will be unveiled at TOC Europe 2011. The panel — which targets a multitude of supply chain logistics applications — features a fully mappable and simplified keyboard that is designed for specialized tasks within intermodal facilities and complements the full QWERTY keyboard version of the LXE Thor computer, which was launched in March. Both Thor panels will be showcased at TOC in Antwerp, Belgium June 7-9 (Stand E32).
“When one considers the changing demands placed on yard operations today, a solution as flexible and scalable as the Thor computer can offer tremendous value.”
“Our objective with the design of any mobile computer is to maximize the productivity of the operator using that device,” said Dino Koutrouki, Vice President and General Manager, EMS Global Resource Management. “Nowhere is the need for productivity more pressing than in ports and intermodal facilities, as demands put upon the global supply chain increase. The Thor vehicle-mount computer’s multiple front panels provide technology that is purpose-built for each operator’s specific role. Productivity gains can be immediate and measurable when a facility is able to achieve such a level of customization.”
Historically, a vehicle-mount computer needing a new front panel — as a result of breakage, wear, or the desire for a new key configuration — required the end user to send the unit back to the manufacturer for replacement, or sometimes required the purchase of an entirely new unit. In contrast, the Thor front panel can be replaced by the end user in the field. Installation of a new front panel to the Thor base unit can be completed with a standard screwdriver in minutes. The Thor base unit, which is driven by an industry-leading Atom® processor and is able to run either Windows® CE 6.0 or Windows Embedded Standard, is designed to immediately recognize the new key configuration and update its settings automatically. For example, while in a port, a prime mover operator would be able to utilize the Thor’s 12-key keyboard and a gantry crane operator could use the full QWERTY configuration on the same computer. Each of the 12 keys on the panel is fully mappable, either to single or multiple commands. The new front panel also maintains the unit’s IP 66 protection against water and dust.
“The ability to execute an entire process with a single keystroke makes the Thor device an even more powerful automation tool,” said Bill Roeder, Vice President of Product Management, EMS Global Resource Management. “When one considers the changing demands placed on yard operations today, a solution as flexible and scalable as the Thor computer can offer tremendous value.”
NOTE: LXE is an exhibitor at TOC Europe 2011 and will demonstrate the Thor vehicle-mount computer at stand E32. The full keyboard version of the Thor is currently available and the 12-key configuration is expected to ship in July. Photos and videos of the Thor in use, as well as detailed product specifications, are available at www.lxe.com/thor.
About EMS Technologies
As one of the world’s leading providers of wireless connectivity solutions, EMS Technologies, Inc. keeps people and systems connected — on land, at sea, in the air or in space. EMS offers industry-leading technology to support Aero Connectivity and Global Resource Management markets through a broad range of cutting-edge satellite and terrestrial network products; helping businesses, assets and people stay connected and promoting universal mobility, visibility and intelligence. EMS (NASDAQ: ELMG) serves customers through operations in 12 countries.
About EMS Global Resource Management
EMS Global Resource Management offers a broad range of in-transit visibility solutions including satellite-tracking, wide-area radios and rugged computers. The unit’s proven satellite-based solutions and wireless terminal and data collection networks provide real-time visibility and actionable management data for supply chain inventory, personnel, cargo, and other mission-critical assets, regardless of whether the assets are fixed or mobile, and in any demanding environment.
www.emsglobalresourcemanagement.com
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proxy contest initiated by MMI Investments, L.P., EMS Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) has filed a preliminary Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Shareholders are urged to read the Proxy Statement, as well as other documents filed with the SEC, because they will contain important information. The definitive Proxy Statement will be mailed to shareholders of the Company. Shareholders may obtain free copies of these documents (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC at the Company’s website (www.ems-t.com) under the heading “Investor Relations”, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov), or by contacting the Company at (770) 729-6512. Shareholders should read carefully the definitive proxy statement and WHITE proxy card when they become available before making any voting decision.
Information Regarding Participants
The Company, its directors and certain of its officers and employees are participants in a solicitation of proxies in connection with the Company’s 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Information with respect to the identity of these participants in the solicitation and a description of their direct or indirect interest in the Company, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in the preliminary Proxy Statement filed by the Company with the SEC on March 10, 2011. Shareholders may obtain free copies of this information at the Company’s website (www.ems-t.com) under the heading “Investor Relations,” the SEC’s website at (www.sec.gov), or by contacting the Company at (770) 729-6512 or 660 Engineering Drive, Norcross, Georgia 30092, Attention: Secretary. As of the date hereof, the Company’s directors, officer and employees who are participants collectively own an aggregate of: (1) 564,488 shares of common stock of the Company, including options that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days, and (2) 61,193 nonvoting phantom-share units.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding the Company’s expectations for its financial results for 2011 and the potential for various businesses and products are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those statements as a result of a wide variety of factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad and their effect on capital spending in our principal markets; difficulty predicting the timing of receipt of major customer orders, and the effect of customer timing decisions on our results; our successful completion of technological development programs and the effects of technology that may be developed by, and patent rights that may be held or obtained by, competitors; U.S. defense budget pressures on near-term spending priorities; uncertainties inherent in the process of converting contract awards into firm contractual orders in the future; volatility of foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar and their effect on purchasing power by international customers, and on the cost structure of the our operations outside the U.S., as well as the potential for realizing foreign exchange gains and losses associated with assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies; successful resolution of technical problems, proposed scope changes, or proposed funding changes that may be encountered on contracts; changes in our consolidated effective income tax rate caused by the extent to which actual taxable earnings in the U.S., Canada and other taxing jurisdictions may vary from expected taxable earnings, changes in tax laws, and the extent to which deferred tax assets are considered realizable; successful transition of products from development stages to an efficient manufacturing environment; changes in the rates at which our products are returned for repair or replacement under warranty; customer response to new products and services, and general conditions in our target markets (such as logistics and space-based communications) and whether these responses and conditions develop according to our expectations; the increased potential for asset impairment charges as unfavorable economic or financial market conditions or other developments might affect the estimated fair value of one or more of our business units; the success of certain of our customers in marketing our line of high-speed commercial airline communications products as a complementary offering with their own lines of avionics products; the availability of financing for various mobile and high-speed data communications systems; risk that unsettled conditions in the credit markets may make it more difficult for some customers to obtain financing and adversely affect their ability to pay, which in turn could have an adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition; development of successful working relationships with local business and government personnel in connection with distribution and manufacture of products in foreign countries; the demand growth for various mobile and high-speed data communications services; our ability to attract and retain qualified senior management and other personnel, particularly those with key technical skills; our ability to effectively integrate our acquired businesses, products or technologies into our existing businesses and products, and the risk that any such acquired businesses, products or technologies do not perform as expected, are subject to undisclosed or unanticipated liabilities, or are otherwise dilutive to our earnings; the potential effects, on cash and results of discontinued operations, of final resolution of potential liabilities under warranties and representations that we made, and obligations assumed by purchasers, in connection with our dispositions of discontinued operations; the availability, capabilities and performance of suppliers of basic materials, electronic components and sophisticated subsystems on which we must rely in order to perform according to contract requirements, or to introduce new products on the desired schedule; uncertainties associated with U.S. export controls and the export license process, which restrict our ability to hold technical discussions with customers, suppliers and internal engineering resources and can reduce our ability to obtain sales from customers outside the U.S. or to perform contracts with the desired level of efficiency or profitability; our ability to maintain compliance with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, and with other government regulations affecting our products and their production, service and functioning; and costs associated with a recent announcement by one of shareholders that it intends to nominate four directors to our Board. Further information concerning relevant factors and risks are identified under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
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