SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec 04, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --
Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB)
announced today it has acquired the assets of privately-held Rawson Control
Systems based in Oelwein, Iowa. Rawson manufactures hydraulic and electronic
controls for the agriculture equipment industry, including variable rate
planter drives and controllers, variable rate fertilizer controllers,
mechanical remote electric control valves and speed reducers.
Rawson's products work in conjunction with the Trimble(R) FieldManager(TM)
Display which monitors and controls up to four inputs such as seed, fertilizer
and crop protection. The controllers can be operated either automatically by
Global Positioning System (GPS) solutions or manually, both of which are
supported by Trimble's portfolio of assisted steering or manual guidance
products. With the addition of Rawson's technology, Trimble adds to its
fully-integrated solution in the flow and application control market, allowing
growers to choose how to guide, monitor, control and automate their farm
machinery.
Rawson's offerings include the ACCU-RATE variable rate controller, a
versatile solution that mounts to planters, drills, air seeders, granulars or
air spreaders, and liquid applicators with constant-volume pumps. The
processor can be programmed to accurately control two different seed
populations or to simultaneously change seed at one rate, and fertilizer at a
different rate, when using two Geographic Information System (GIS)-based
prescriptions. The controller allows growers to gain precision and increase
yields by varying the rate of seed and fertilizer applied, both easily managed
from the tractor cab.
Rawson's mechanical and remote electric control valves are built for sand
and salt spreader valve applications or for agriculture. Its dual, manual
remote proportional valves offer flow control in a single, rugged package.
Rawson's line of speed reducers matches engine speed to driven equipment
speed, allowing both the engine and load to operate at peak efficiency.
Options in speed reduction include heavy duty single pinion, double duty
single pinion, twin pinion or heavy duty smart speed reducer.
"We are excited to add the Rawson line of drives, controllers and
complementary products to our flow and application control solutions
portfolio. Rawson is a leader and their products are affordable, simple to use
and accurate," said Erik Arvesen, general manager for Trimble's Agriculture
Division. "Rawson complements our recent Tru Count acquisition. Our focus is
to provide complete, end-to-end solutions for our customers, especially in the
application control arena. Rawson drives allow customers to vary the seed
rates while Tru Count clutches allow customers to shut off individual rows.
Trimble's solutions for precision planting which began with displays, GPS-
based vehicle and implement guidance, are now the most comprehensive in the
industry."
"Rawson adds hydraulic system expertise to Trimble's strength in
electronics and GPS technology. Together we believe this will be a great
combination," said Allan Lorenc, president, Rawson Control Systems. "Our
combined technologies will allow Trimble to offer enhanced solutions for
planters and spreaders by delivering greater control of seed and fertilizer
applications."
The Rawson Control Systems business will be part of Trimble's Agriculture
Division.
About Rawson Control Systems
Rawson Control Systems, Inc., founded in 1970, is a diversified high-tech
manufacturer. Rawson designs, builds, and markets hydraulic and electronic
controls for the farm and mobile equipment industry, including precision GPS
variable rate drive products, control valves and speed reducers. The
manufacturing plant, assembly area and main office are located in Oelwein,
Iowa.
For more information, visit: http://www.rawsoncontrol.com
About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses
and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on
applications requiring position or location -- including surveying,
construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and
mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS,
lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to
the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the
solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back
office. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has a
worldwide presence with more than 3,800 employees in over 18 countries.
For more information, visit Trimble's Web site at: http://www.trimble.com
Certain statements made in this press release are forward looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual events and
results may differ materially from those described in this news release.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are
not limited to, the performance of Rawson hydraulic and electronic control
products and productivity gains that may be realized; continued customer
satisfaction and market acceptance of Rawson products; and the ability to
fully integrate Rawson products with other Trimble products and to develop
innovative, end-to-end solutions for the application control market in the
future. Additional risks and uncertainties include: the risks inherent in
integrating an acquisition; unanticipated expenditures, charges or assumed
liabilities that may result from the acquisition; retaining key personnel; and
the continuing impact of the current global credit crisis and recessionary
conditions in the U.S. and internationally. More information about potential
factors which could affect Trimble's business and financial results is set
forth in reports filed with the SEC, including Trimble's quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K. All forward looking statements
are based on information available to Trimble as of the date hereof, and
Trimble assumes no obligation to update such statements.
GTRMB
SOURCE Trimble
http://www.trimble.com
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