NEW YORK, Jun 4, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today announced that Townsend Engineering Company (www.townsendeng.com), a leading meat processing equipment manufacturer, is upgrading 27 AutoCAD licenses to Autodesk Inventor Series software for its Des Moines office and implementing 10 licenses in its Netherlands office. Autodesk Inventor software is one component of the Autodesk Inventor Series, the company's new 3D design standard. After an extensive evaluation with the assistance of Avatech Solutions, an Autodesk Systems Center, Townsend Engineering selected Autodesk Inventor Series software over competitive 3D design packages for its functionality, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and the speed at which new upgrades continue to be available -- helping improve product quality, increase productivity, lower costs, and increase the company's competitive advantage. Townsend Engineering also conducted a simple benchmark test that indicated they could increase drafting productivity by more than 20 percent by using 3D with Autodesk Inventor rather than using the 2D software.

"Many of our engineers have become productive with Autodesk Inventor and are already building large assemblies. A particular engineer in our Netherlands office developed a 500-part assembly with moving parts and created a presentation video file 'AVI' showing the process of making a hot dog -- all in the early days of using the product," said David Hamblin, director of Engineering at Townsend Engineering Company in Des Moines, Iowa. "We expect to see significant improvement during engineering changes."

With the powerful features in Autodesk Inventor software, Townsend can solve complex design challenges and deliver equipment that provides new profitability for meat processors in more than 100 countries. In addition, by standardizing on the Autodesk Inventor Series, the company will benefit from enhanced communication and collaboration, significantly reducing time to market.

"Autodesk Inventor software delivers the 3D functionality we need to continue being competitive in a global marketplace," said Liansuo Xie, CAD systems manager at Townsend Engineering.

According to Xie, engineers can use the Autodesk Inventor 3D animation feature to test part movements and correct any interference before production. Townsend will be able to save time and costs because engineers can now design parts accurately before sending information to the CNC machine for cutting metal. The integrated Engineer's Notebook helps users capture design intent in a single file to enhance communication among team members.

"Leading manufacturing and engineering companies like Townsend recognize that developing innovative product solutions in a global market requires a design package that can effectively take ideas from concept to manufacturing," said Robert Kross, vice president of the Manufacturing Division at Autodesk. "Autodesk Inventor software continues to be the 3D solution of choice for those companies that are serious about maintaining a competitive advantage."

    Avatech Solutions

Avatech Solutions (www.avatechsolutions.com) is an Autodesk channel partner and the nation's leading provider of design automation tools, training, integration services, and technical support. Avatech has been working with Townsend Engineering for more than a decade and has worked with Townsend on their move to 3D design since last fall. During Townsend's evaluation, Avatech technical experts demonstrated the numerous benefits of the Autodesk Inventor product over other competitive 3D solutions including its ease of use, robust functionality, and ability to access data management tools within the Autodesk Inventor application. Avatech is also providing customized training and ongoing support.

"What we do best is provide a total solution for our customers -- developing customized programs that get users up and running quickly with their new software," said Scott Hale, senior applications engineer at Avatech Solutions. "With Townsend Engineering, we first conducted an extensive needs analysis and developed a pilot training session with users in different functional areas to determine how to best roll out the solution to the entire company. We are now delivering training sessions to the rest of the engineering team using customized libraries and templates -- ensuring a seamless transition of Townsend's 2D files to 3D."

    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.

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
                  Cindi Goodsell, 415/507-8452
                  cindi.goodsell@autodesk.com

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