American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives Order from New Zealand Customs Service for Z Backscatter Van X-ray Screening System
AS&E via BizWire
BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 2004--
Auckland Container Ports to Enhance Trade Security with AS&E's
Innovative ZBV
American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AMEX: ASE) (AS&E(R)), a
leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the receipt of
an order from New Zealand Customs Service for a Z(R) Backscatter
Van(TM) (ZBV), the fifteenth system sold to date. Valued at
approximately $900,000, the order includes the Radioactive Threat
Detection (RTD) option, as well as installation, operator training,
spare parts and a four-year extended warranty. New Zealand Customs
Service selected the ZBV to screen cargo and vehicles, primarily
exports, for threats at container ports in Auckland and beyond.
"This order from New Zealand Customs Service supports AS&E's
latest marketing and sales initiative - a global campaign to promote
the revolutionary Z Backscatter Van," said Anthony Fabiano, President
and CEO. "The ZBV is a first-of-its-kind, drive-by X-ray screening
system providing fast, maneuverable operation in a cost-effective
package. The ZBV can detect explosives and radioactive threats, such
as dirty bombs and nuclear WMD, simply by driving alongside a
container and producing a photo-like Z(R) Backscatter image of the
contents. Other mobile X-ray systems are more expensive, and cannot
achieve the ZBV's rapid, accurate results. The ZBV has tremendous
potential overseas, and our marketing and sales group is working
diligently to introduce the system in key international markets."
A breakthrough in X-ray detection technology, AS&E's Z(R)
Backscatter Van(TM) (ZBV) is a low-cost, extremely maneuverable
screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The
ZBV employs AS&E's patented Z(R) Backscatter technology, which reveals
contraband that transmission X-rays miss - such as explosives and
plastic weapons - and provides photo-like imaging for rapid analysis.
The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security
threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid
inspections - without impeding the flow of commerce. The system's
unique "drive-by" capability allows one or two operators to conduct
X-ray imaging of suspect vehicles and objects while the ZBV drives
past.
About AS&E(R)
American Science and Engineering, Inc. develops and manufactures
state-of-the-art X-ray inspection systems for homeland security and
other critical defense applications. AS&E continues to innovate,
create and develop new products by investing in new ideas through
research and development, and evolving its technology to meet the
needs of an ever-changing world. AS&E's patented Z(R) Backscatter
technology detects plastic explosives, illegal drugs, and other
contraband, even when artfully concealed in complex backgrounds by
terrorists and smugglers. AS&E's Shaped Energy(TM) X-ray inspection
systems combine the material discrimination features of Z(R)
Backscatter imaging with the penetration capability of high-energy
X-rays for dense cargoes, without the problems caused by excessive
radiation. AS&E's High Energy Systems Division manufactures linear
accelerators for a variety of applications including medical,
scientific, security, electron beam curing and non-destructive
testing. For more information on AS&E products and technologies,
please visit http://www.as-e.com.
Safe Harbor Statement. The foregoing press release contains
statements concerning AS&E's financial performance, markets and
business operations that may be considered ``forward-looking'' under
applicable securities laws. AS&E wishes to caution readers of this
press release that actual results might differ materially from those
projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors which might cause
actual results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements contained herein include the following:
significant reductions or delays in procurements of the Company's
systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the
supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E's products and
other factors which may cause delays in production and delivery
schedules; litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual
property used by the Company; potential product liability claims
against the Company; failure of any of our products to meet
performance requirements or to continue to operate reliably because of
unexpected design flaws or manufacturing defects, global political
trends and events which affect public perception of the threat
presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic
developments and the ability of governments and private organizations
to fund purchases of the Company's products to address such threats;
and the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human
resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to
accommodate any future growth, and future delays in federal funding.
These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to
differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time
in AS&E's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are
incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to
update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the
occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating
results, financial condition or business over time.