CHICAGO, Mar 18, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Autodesk Inventor Gains Momentum as Top Manufacturing Companies Continue to Select Autodesk Inventor over SolidWorks to Increase Business Opportunities

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced that Global Helicopter Technology Inc., an engineering firm specializing in commercial and military helicopter design modifications, has replaced its SolidWorks software with Autodesk Inventor software to better meet its 3D mechanical design needs. The company (www.global-helicopter.com) chose Autodesk Inventor for its ability to deliver increased accuracy, greater ease of use, and broader functionality -- all translating to increased productivity, reduced costs, and greater profitability.

Top manufacturing companies in the electromechanical, tool and die, industrial machinery, automotive components, dental equipment, laser-based manufacturing systems, and consumer product industries are consistently opting for the powerful Autodesk Inventor technology. Companies that have recently moved from SolidWorks to Autodesk Inventor software, or that have selected Autodesk Inventor after extensive evaluations with SolidWorks, include A-dec; Dyco Inc.; Easton Sports; Evans Consoles Inc.; GSI Lumonics; MAHLE, Inc.; Ontario Drive and Gear Ltd.; Part Handling, Engineering, and Development Corporation; Taylor-Dunn Corporation; and Total Energy Systems.

"With Autodesk Inventor, we are seeing a 40 percent improvement in productivity from conceptual design through manufacturing. We can now automatically generate flat patterns in sheet metal design and check fits and tolerances between parts with only a few mouse-clicks," said Dennis Halwes, vice president of Engineering at Global Helicopter in Arlington, Texas. "The software helps us deliver products to customers faster while reducing our own costs."

"Time and again, Autodesk Inventor software is outperforming SolidWorks in extensive customer evaluations -- proving that what we say about Autodesk Inventor is consistent with how it performs," said Robert Kross, vice president of the Manufacturing Division at Autodesk. "Because the software is a powerful and valuable solution that solves many of the design and business challenges facing manufacturers, it sells itself."

Avatech Solutions -- an Autodesk reseller partner and the nation's leading provider of design automation tools, training, integration services, and technical support -- worked with Global Helicopter to demonstrate the advantages of Autodesk Inventor over SolidWorks. Avatech (www.avatechsolutions.com) is also providing ongoing support to the company.

"Global Helicopter's decision to switch to Autodesk Inventor was based on solid knowledge that the software would do everything they needed it to do," said Kristy Millette, Avatech Solutions account manager in Dallas, Texas. "We assisted them throughout the entire process of choosing the 3D design tool by first providing a complete assessment of their business and manufacturing needs. From that analysis, we set up a trial process that allowed users to utilize the software within their own environment and ensure it functioned with existing designs. The company was able to make a thoroughly informed buying decision--backed by ongoing support through Avatech's National Support Center."

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 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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