5/6/03

Diane B. Clifton, 334/844-5117

ALABAMA TECHNOLOGY NETWORK BOOSTS STATE ECONOMY

AUBURN -- The Alabama Technology Network at Auburn University is part of a 10-member statewide network that has increased the gross state product by $324 million, helped its clients increase their sales by $205 million and created or retained 2,434 jobs.

Those figures were released as part of ATN's annual 2002 report.

"ATN's vision is to be recognized as the preeminent source for serving the needs of existing industry in Alabama, and our mission is to provide innovative products and services and cost effective solutions that enable the existing industry of Alabama to be globally competitive," said Henry Burdg, director of ATN-Auburn University.

In addition to AU, the Alabama Technology Network has centers of excellence at Alexander City, Birmingham, Brewton, Eufaula, Gadsden, Huntsville, Muscle Shoals, Thomasville and Tuscaloosa. It is also partners with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, the University of Alabama and the Alabama College System.

ATN's more than 800 clients in fiscal year 2002 reported a $52.5 million change in capital investment and $9.9 million change in cost savings.

"Virtually all of our clients have reported that our services have helped them become more competitive," said Burdg. "That's an important statement in this era of a manufacturing downturn, where over 7,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in the state of Alabama from November 2001 to November 2002."

The ATN at AU offers assessments, bar coding, e-business, design, lean manufacturing, lean office, market development/research, production management, quality, supply chain management and workforce development.

The AU center served 211 clients in fiscal year 2002 and helped those clients retain sales of more than $4 million. The clients reported a cost savings of nearly $3 million and increased investment by more than $2 million. Sales were increased by $371,500. Seventy-seven jobs were retained and 39 new jobs were created.

may03:AU-techcenter

CONTACT: Burdg, 334/844-4659.