WESTFORD, MA -- September 11, 2001 -- GenRad, Inc. [NYSE: GEN], a global leader in electronics testing and manufacturing solutions, today announced the immediate availability of GR Force/D2B™, a comprehensive set of Design-To-Build (D2B) software solutions that decrease time-to-market by streamlining the flow of information from design through manufacturing.

GR Force/D2B creates a unique software environment that is modular, interconnected and facilitates the free flow of product information throughout the design-to-manufacturing progression. By eliminating unnecessary data transfer and manipulation during this complex process, valuable time and manpower are saved and production costs reduced. These expenses to electronics manufacturers in the U.S. alone are estimated to be in excess of $500 million per year.

–Our Design-To-Build solution is the most complete software of its type available to electronics manufacturers today,” said Ron Lindell, vice president of Process Solutions at GenRad. –GR Force/D2B demonstrates GenRadês commitment to provide open, standards-based solutions that enhance our customerês competitiveness.”

–Because of its ever-increasing value to our customers, GenRad is firmly committed to open industry standards. As the industryês first GenCAM certified framework, GR Force/D2B provides a means of ensuring that our customers will not get locked into outdated proprietary solutions as technological changes continue to accelerate.”

–Basing our software framework on an open industry standard also allows us to deliver superior solutions to our customers more quickly than has previously been possible," Lindell added.

Application modules within the GR Force/D2B product family include:

GR Force/A3™(previously named GR Alchemist™) provides the ability to acquire data from more than 30 different CAD design formats and generate programs for a wide variety of test and inspection equipment. This module facilitates design-for-test (DFT) analysis early in the design cycle, before the cost of change becomes prohibitive.

GR Force/DesignView™ allows users to import board schematic information in labeled HPGL format. The graphical viewer can then simultaneously update both schematic and physical information whenever the user selects a component or signal, enabling the simple browsing of complex design data.

The GR Force/D2B GenCAMEditor™ allows the user to modify design data and manage parts libraries. The data editor allows the common management of all part numbers, making it easy to implement engineering changes and manage new product introductions.

The GR Force/D2B GenCAM Viewer™ allows the user to view GenCAM v1.5 design data files in an intuitive, graphical manner. It also provides the ability to read GenCAD and GR Alchemist III™ files. The enhanced GR Force/D2B viewer (previously available as the GR Alchemist III ViewStation) is available as a free download from GenRadês website - www.genrad.com.

About GenRad, Inc.

GenRad Inc. [NYSE: GEN] a global leader in electronics testing and production solutions serving the worldês leading original equipment [OEM] and electronics manufacturing services [EMS] markets. GenRadês customers manufacture a wide range of advanced technology products ranging from computer, telecommunications and broadband networking devices to wireless products and enterprise hardware. With 37 offices in 22 countries, GenRad is comprised of four business units, each providing integrated hardware, software and service solutions

• Process Solutions develops products that enhance and optimize manufacturing processes. The unit's hardware products focus on in-circuit testing, x-ray imaging and rework solutions. Its software products address global supply chain collaboration and execution including Design-to-Build (D2B) software tools.
• Functional Solutions focuses on functional test platforms for manufacturers of telecommunications, computers and automotive electronics.
• Diagnostic Solutions Diagnostic Solutions focuses on service bay and manufacturing solutions for transportation OEMs and independent service providers.
• Support and Services Support and Services focuses on maintenance programs, on-site and remote support, and training to help customers optimize their hardware and software solutions

Founded in 1915, GenRad employs about 1,300 people with worldwide headquarters in Westford, MA, USA. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1978, GenRadês Web address is www.GenRad.com.