Memex and MatrikonOPC Showcases Open OPC Connectivity to Machine Tools at IMTS08

Thursday, September 12, 2008- The next evolution in manufacturing connectivity was unveiled by Memex Automation Inc. and MatrikonOPC, the world’s largest OPC connectivity provider, at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) held this week in Chicago, September 8–13, 2008.

“In this competitive manufacturing world, the factory floor needs real-time connectivity to all production assets to effectively manage manufacturing productivity. Utilizing MatrikonOPC’s standards-based connectivity, Memex is now able to connect virtually all CNC machine tools leveraging our Dynamic Computer Aided Machining (DCAM) model. Our goal is to provide a universal machine interface that makes every machine a node on the corporate network,” said Memex President & CEO Dave McPhail.

By leveraging MatrikonOPC’s secure, reliable interconnectivity tools, Memex intends to have the entire factory floor benefit from a wide variety of off-the-shelf software, OPC clients and Human Machine Interaces (HMI’s). “The choice to partner with MatrikonOPC was easy – they are the recognized leader in industrial connectivity in this space,” said Memex President & CEO Dave McPhail.

“Working with Memex to bridge the gap between the new XML connectivity standard – MTConnect – and the plant floor using OPC connectivity is an extremely exciting opportunity. MatrikonOPC is proud to be partnering with Memex to be on the forefront of development with MTConnect and OPC,” said Sean Leonard, Vice President OPC.

Production Managers can now monitor the status of every machine in their plant, giving real time visibility of production. “The benefits of machine monitoring and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) numbers lead directly to increased productivity. Our customers have seen up to 20% increase in shop floor efficiency, delivering more value than the cost of a new machine.” says Memex President & CEO Dave McPhail. Large multi-national manufacturers and leading aerospace companies have started adopting this technology. McPhail adds, “It’s like a low cost retrofit – we now can start automating the automation.”

The IMTS show is held in Chicago at McCormick Place September 8-13; 10am – 6pm, www.imts.com for more details. Memex Automation is located in Lakeside Center East, Hall D at Booth D-4574.

About Memex Automation Inc.

Memex Automation Inc., part of the Astrix Networks Inc group of companies. was created to leverage the research and development of Memex Electronics, which was founded in 1992. Memex continues the tradition of serving the discrete manufacturing sector providing electronic components such as advanced memory upgrades for CNC’s, BTR’s, handheld devices and PC cards. A focus on visionary shop floor communication technology helps customers to Automate the Automation so as to increase productivity and decrease cost. Memex’s patent-pending Dynamic Computer Aided Machining technology model delivers value with real-time production machine monitoring utilizing our “OEE + DNC” software solutions. More information can be found at www.memex.ca or by email to salesgroup@memex.ca

About MatrikonOPC (a division of Matrikon Inc. [TSX: MTK])

With a collection of more than 500 OPC products and over 100,000 installations worldwide, MatrikonOPC is the world’s largest supplier of OPC connectivity products. Matrikon is a charter member of the OPC Foundation, and has demonstrated a commitment to developing OPC as the industrial connectivity standard.
Matrikon’s international customer base includes a wide range of companies from process to discrete manufacturers in industrial, commercial and military applications. With offices throughout North America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East, Matrikon’s reach is global.
Visit MatrikonOPC at www.MatrikonOPC.com.

MatrikonOPC and Matrikon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Matrikon Inc.

For more information, contact:
Manny Mandrusiak
MatrikonOPC Marketing Manager
+1 780-448-1010 extension 4606
email: manny.mandrusiak@matrikonopc.com

“Automate the Automation” and “Dynamic Computer Aided Machining” are trademarks of Memex Automation Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. The product and service offerings depicted in this document are produced by Memex Automation Inc. © Memex Automation Inc., a unit of Astrix Networks Inc.