CHICAGO, Mar 20, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Leading International Technology and Engineering Company Chooses Autodesk Inventor Software for Exceptional Large-Assembly Performance, Ease-of-Use, and AutoCAD Compatibility

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design and digital content creation company, today announced that ABB Canada's Drying Business Unit (www.abb.ca) has chosen Autodesk Inventor high-performance 3D mechanical software for the design and manufacture of its large dryers for the pulp and paper industry. Using Autodesk Inventor, ABB intends to reach its goal of designing exclusively in 3D. ABB Canada chose Autodesk Inventor software for its large-assembly performance, ease-of-use, compatibility with AutoCAD software, and strong customization tools.

"Autodesk Inventor lets our mechanical designers share our digital design information with colleagues who are not computer specialists and who may reside outside of the design department completely, extending the value of our design data," said Les Leroux, CAD Development Specialist at ABB's Drying Business Unit. "In addition, it offers compatibility with AutoCAD. We conduct a significant amount of in-house programming in our Montreal and Swedish offices. To this end, we use AutoCAD to develop a general arrangement so that the data in AutoCAD can drive Autodesk Inventor to automatically create detail drawings."

    Benefits of Designing in 3D

For ABB, finding a software solution with exceptional large-assembly performance was critical. Using Autodesk Inventor software, CAD specialists can sketch simple, intelligent, 2D adaptive layouts that become the foundation for 3D solid models. By testing range of motion and fit before committing to detailed 3D solids, ABB can reduce costly redesigns and overall cycle time. Using the sheet metal capabilities in Autodesk Inventor, designers can develop flat patterns and use the automatic generation of numeric control (NC) code for some of the equipment that is manufactured in-house.

In addition to large-assembly performance and sheet metal capabilities, ABB benefits from the Autodesk Inventor data migration tools. Using Autodesk Inventor, ABB can quickly and easily transfer files between AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor software. Using the STEP functionality in Autodesk Inventor, ABB's Drying Business Unit can reuse design data created with its previous 3D solution, saving considerable time and expense. Furthermore, with Autodesk Inventor software's robust application programming interface ABB can automate geometry creation rather than re-creating geometry from scratch every time.

    Le Groupe BusCom Helps ABB Evaluate Autodesk Inventor Software

Le Groupe BusCom (www.buscom.ca) has been specializing in CAD, CAM, and data management for 18 years with a focus on Autodesk technology. The Company provides superior quality products and services to save customers in the Quebec province valuable time. Le Groupe BusCom was recognized by Autodesk with the 2000 Customer Satisfaction Award. Le Groupe BusCom worked with the Autodesk Sales team to assist ABB with its 3D product evaluation. ABB has relied on Le Groupe BusCom for training and support during the past decade. Le Groupe BusCom will provide Autodesk Inventor training in-house at ABB and at Le Groupe BusCom facilities.

"When ABB decided to reevaluate its 3D design direction, we helped them evaluate other potential solutions," said Rene Robitaille, account manager at Le Groupe BusCom. "We were able to demonstrate the value of Autodesk Inventor and the total Autodesk solution."

About ABB Canada

ABB is a leading technology and engineering company, offering cost-effective, cutting-edge engineering and service solutions to meet the needs of automakers, petrochemical concerns, pharmaceuticals, mining, mineral and metals concerns, pulp and paper producers, and utility sectors. ABB's Drying Business Unit develops tissue, pulp, paper, and air system equipment solutions for the global pulp and paper market. Drawing on the strengths of the Autodesk manufacturing solutions, ABB will continue to use AutoCAD software products but plans to use Autodesk Inventor software extensively for 3D design.

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 Email: 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.

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