SAN RAFAEL, Calif., May 8, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK) Leading Manufacturer Works in Real Time with Customers using Autodesk Inventor Capabilities for More Realistic Visual Representation of Models Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced that Cox Automation Systems, a leading manufacturer of custom automated assembly and manufacturing systems, has selected Autodesk Inventor design software for increased productivity and competitive advantage after reviewing many 3D software solutions from alternative vendors including SolidWorks and CoCreate. Recognizing the business and design benefits of migrating from 2D to 3D design, Cox Automation Systems is upgrading its AutoCAD Release 14 licenses to Autodesk Inventor software. Autodesk Inventor was selected for its outstanding ease of use, efficient detailing capabilities, and the ability to better communicate and present design ideas to its Fortune 500 customers.

"Moving to 3D solid modeling with Autodesk Inventor has allowed us to increase accuracy and reduce expenses associated with building costly prototypes," said Bob Klemmer, engineering manager at Cox Automation Systems. "Using Autodesk Inventor, we can better serve our customers by presenting them with extremely accurate and realistic visual representations of our machine designs. Now design review is a more effective and collaborative process between our electrical and mechanical engineering departments and our customers."

Cox Automation Systems (www.coxautomation.com) designs and builds custom automated assembly and manufacturing systems for numerous industries including automotive, electronics, medical, food, and consumer products. The Company offers its customers a diverse selection of technology starting with manufacturing process evaluation and development using prototypes, to production of small and mid-sized machines, through large, complex assembly and manufacturing systems.

"Cox Automation Systems has gained recognition throughout the industry as a world leader of automation technology," said Robert Kross, vice president of the Manufacturing Division at Autodesk. "Autodesk Inventor is a tool that will help Cox Automation Systems continue to achieve excellence in a competitive world economy."

    Hagerman Leads 3D Training for Cox Automation Professionals

Hagerman & Company, Inc. (www.hagerman.com) is an Autodesk Systems Center for mechanical and architectural design software, as well as a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider. The Company is a large supplier of software and consulting services in the CAD/CAM, PDM, and CRM markets. Hagerman introduced Cox Automation Systems to Autodesk Inventor, helped them with the evaluation, and provided a training schedule. Hagerman recently taught Cox Automation's drafters and design engineers, who have a strong 2D background, to become proficient with Autodesk Inventor 3D software during a four-day class.

"Autodesk Inventor is a perfect fit for Cox Automation Systems' machinery design, enabling them to be much more productive and competitive," said Daumants Hazners, senior account manager at Hagerman & Company in Schaumburg, Illinois. "As an added benefit, they can preserve their investment in legacy drawings created in AutoCAD by importing the digital design data into Autodesk Inventor."

    About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers throughout the value chain leverage digital design data to work better, faster, and smarter. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk, AutoCAD, and Autodesk Inventor are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT:          Autodesk, Inc.
                  Cindi Goodsell, 415/507-8452
                  cindi.goodsell@autodesk.com

URL:              http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.

Copyright (C) 2002 Business Wire.  All rights reserved.