NORCROSS, Ga., Oct. 22, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- EMS Wireless, a division of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG), will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with an Open House inside its world-class manufacturing facility in Norcross on Monday, Oct. 27.
"Over the past decade, EMS Wireless has distinguished itself as the industry leader in antenna design innovation, offering customers from Sprint (NYSE:FON) (NYSE:PCS) and Cingular, to T-Mobile USA and Nextel Communications (Nasdaq:NXTL) smaller antenna packages without sacrificing performance," noted Al Hansen, president and CEO, EMS Technologies. "These antenna enhancements helped fuel the expansion of the U.S. wireless service market," Hansen added. Today, there are 100 million U.S. wireless subscribers, or more than 36 percent of the U.S. population, according to figures from the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA).
Recognizing a growth market in supplying RF solutions to PCS/cellular telecommunications networks, EMS Technologies formed EMS Wireless in 1993. EMS quickly captured the attention of the industry with its patented technologies, becoming the first cellular antenna provider to use dual polarization techniques with the introduction of its DualPol(tm) antenna family in 1995.
In 2000, EMS Wireless became the largest U.S. PCS/cellular base-station antenna manufacturer, shipping 100,000 antennas. Two years later, the Division shipped its 250,000th antenna. Other industry innovations include a stress-free antenna design and the industry's first five-year antenna warranty.
"When we began we were one of 16 companies selling antennas in this business," said Gerald Hickman, senior vice president and general manager, EMS Wireless, who has been with the Division since its founding. "Today, there are nine companies remaining and we're number one in the U.S. and number three worldwide."
EMS also distinguishes itself for its high-volume manufacturing capability -- antenna orders typically are shipped within seven days of purchase compared to an industry norm of four to six weeks.
"Our attention to customer needs has been instrumental to our Division's growth," noted Hickman, who also noted that EMS recently has expanded its product range to include active electronics devices, such as repeaters.
"Today, we are moving into the backhaul arena and integrating active devices with our antennas. Our goal remains the same -- to serve our customers by providing the best products for reliability, performance and coverage."
To mark the 10-year anniversary, EMS Wireless welcomes the community and media to tour its manufacturing facility from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 27. For more information about the Open House, call Sherry Grote at 770-582-0555 ext. 5714.
About EMS Technologies, Inc.
EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a leading innovator in the design and manufacturer of wireless, satellite and defense solutions, and focuses its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,700 people worldwide, and has manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Montreal, Ottawa and Brazil.
EMS Wireless, The Performance Leader(tm) in RF Solutions, designs, manufactures and markets a comprehensive selection of RF solutions for wireless carriers. They include products for mobile and fixed wireless applications as well as repeater and amplifier products.
For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.
Editor's Note: Access a timeline of EMS Wireless milestones at: www.ems-t.com/EMSPressRoom/anniversary.
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