GenRad's Superior Performance, Product Support Cited as Factors

WESTFORD, MA -- October 30, 2000 -- GenRad [NYSE: GEN] a leading producer of advanced performance-assurance products for electronics manufacturers, today announced that Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE: CPQ) has selected the GenRad GR TestStation as its platform-of-choice for internally developed In-Circuit Test programs.

GenRad's GR TestStations will be used in Compaq's overall manufacturing and quality control process to ensure that printed circuit assemblies do not have manufacturing defects. Compaq selected the GenRad platform after a thorough comparison of test systems available from the world's leading test equipment manufacturers. Compaq said that because of its printed circuit board complexity, they required a test system that accommodates denser, more complex printed circuit assemblies with higher nodal or pin counts than needed with previous boards. GenRad's test platform features the world's highest pin-count test capability. Compaq also cited the performance of GenRad's test systems, product support and its long-standing relationship with GenRad as the factors driving its decision.

"Compaq's commitment to simplifying its customers' IT experience through industry-standard technology goes down to the component level," said Paul Ludlow, Director of New Product Planning and Engineering, Compaq Industry Standard Server Group. "GenRad's TestStation, with its proven in-circuit testing technology and ability to support large pin counts, provides a level of assurance that our next generation of ProLiant servers will be tested to the same rigorous standards to which they are developed." The GR TestStation platform, currently used by Compaq and numerous OEMs and contract electronic manufacturers (CEMs), provides the performance, flexibility, and field upgrade-ability required in this highly-competitive market. The GR TestStation is designed to meet accelerated time-to-market demands and offers multiple test platforms to accommodate the diverse needs of electronics manufacturers worldwide. "We are delighted that Compaq once again chose our test systems as their ICT development platform of choice for their next generation of ProLiant servers," stated Ron Lindell, Vice President of GenRad's Process Solutions division. "Our high pin-count GR TestStations that support up to 7,680 pins, as well as our test system software, were key factors in the selection process." Currently, manufacturers can add additional resources to expand the GR TestStation to 7,680 nodes or upgrade to an all real-pin system in a matter of hours without the need for full system swaps. GenRad's GR TestStation offers the ability to purchase only what is necessary, reducing investment costs and bringing a faster return on investment than any other test system currently available.

About GenRad

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] is a global leader of electronics manufacturing productivity solutions for contract and original equipment manufacturers [OEM] of handheld and wireless devices, PCs and business servers, DSL and other broadband switching and routing technologies, and other devices integral to emerging Internet e-commerce markets. GenRad also applies its technologies to development of diagnostic solutions for the automotive and general transportation industry.

GenRad is comprised of four lines of business bringing to market integrated hardware, software and service solutions that empower always-on services and un-interruptable business applications:

• Process Solutions focuses on in-circuit test, x-ray test, and re-work solutions as well as plant and line management solutions for electronic product manufacturers.
• Functional Solutions focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.
• Diagnostic Solutions focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.
• Support and Services focuses on maintenance programs, on-site and remote support, programming services, and training to help customers optimize their hardware and software solutions.

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs approximately 1,400 people and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. The company's Web address is http://www.genrad.com.