24 April 2006 – Connecticut, USA – Gerber Technology presented the Gerber WebPDM^® Achievement Award at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s International Manufacturing & Product Development Advanced Study Programs graduate thesis presentation event. This new award recognizes the student who best utilized the functionality of Gerber’s WebPDM in preparation and completion of his/her thesis. It was presented to Christina Wong of Los Angeles for her work in developing a quality Juniors denim bottom collection.

FIDM’s Advanced Study Program in International Manufacturing & Product Development provides students with a professional education designed to equip them with the essential skills they will need to compete in the fast-paced, global community of Manufacturing and Product Development. The comprehensive program involves the student in all phases of the product development cycle from the initial concept and design of the product through technical design, sourcing, costing, production, and marketing to the consumer. In addition, trips to Europe and Asia keep the students up-to-date with the latest trends affecting and impacting the international marketplace.

This year, the twelve students in the program worked with program partner global apparel company, VF Corporation in developing a new line. Presentations included design boards with fabric samples, clothing sketches, inspirational images, pictures of target customers, as well as the actual clothing displayed on mannequins or worn by models.

A world-leading software and hardware supplier of CAD/CAM and PDM/PLM solutions, Gerber believes it has a responsibility to continuously help expose students to the latest technology. Gerber provides access to software and hardware technology to more than 760 educational institutions in more than 60 countries around the globe. Gerber and FIDM have partnered for more than 10 years.

“We are proud to support FIDM and to recognize the efforts of the students in the International Manufacturing and Product Development Advanced Study Program with this achievement award,” said Bud Staples, regional director, North America North and Canada, Gerber Technology. “FIDM offers students the real-life experience needed to be successful in this industry. We were extremely impressed by all of the students in the program. Upon graduation, they will be very well-prepared to begin the next phase of their careers.”

About Gerber Technology

Gerber Technology (www.gerbertechnology.com), a business unit of $517 million corporation Gerber Scientific, Inc., develops and manufactures the world's leading brands of integrated software and hardware automation systems for manufacturers and retailers in the sewn products and flexible materials industries. These systems automate and significantly improve the efficiency of information management, product design and development, pre-production, and production processes. The company offers specialized solutions to a variety of end-user markets including apparel, transportation interiors, furniture, composites and industrial fabrics. Gerber Technology’s world headquarters are located in Tolland, Connecticut, U.S.A. with regional offices, agents and distributors in 125 countries serving a total of more than 17,500 customers through seven Customer Solutions Centers on six continents. The company engineers and manufactures its products in various locations in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Established in 1968, Gerber Technology is one of four businesses of Gerber Scientific, Inc. (www.gerberscientific.com) of South Windsor, Connecticut, U.S.A., a corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the “GRB” symbol.