Also Announces Strategic Alliance with Prolec Ltd.
Scottsdale, AZ – March 25, 2010 (TSX: HEM) Today, Hemisphere GPS announces the launch of its new Earthworks™ Business Unit that designs and manufactures products for the construction market. The Earthworks product line is focused on machine guidance and control of earth-moving machinery. Hemisphere GPS has adapted its proven technology and applications currently used in agriculture, aerial application, marine and survey markets to meet the needs of the construction industry.
“As a growing innovation company, we’re always looking to leverage related vertical markets that are a natural fit for our technology and business,” says Steven Koles, President and CEO of Hemisphere GPS. “There is great potential in the construction market for our new Earthworks business segment through use of our machine guidance and control technologies.”
Formally available today, the Earthworks X200™ excavator machine guidance system is Hemisphere GPS’ first construction solution targeted at improving operator accuracy, simplifying machine operations and reducing the amount of excavation rework. Utilizing Hemisphere GPS’ exclusive Crescent® Vector™ GPS sensor and other precision sensors, the X200 guides the operator with a graphical and numeric display of the excavator bucket relative to the desired grade.
“Hemisphere GPS’ Earthworks business is targeted at building products for the small to mid-size construction contractors who want to improve their profitability, productivity and safety of operations,” says John Bohlke, General Manager of Earthworks of Hemisphere GPS. “Our current Earthworks X200 system and future products under development are based on task-oriented solutions that give contractors a quick return on investment.”
Hemisphere GPS’ Earthworks X200 excavator machine guidance system is designed for easy installation and can be used by operators of all skill levels. By using X200, excavator contractors can significantly reduce their input costs and ultimately become more competitive in bidding on new contracts.
“My company engaged two Hemisphere GPS X200 systems during Fall 2009 and we have proven them to increase productivity and impact the bottom line by more than 25%, even on smaller jobs,” said Doug Pratt, President of Prattco Excavating Ltd. “The X200 proved rugged enough to operate continuously through -30ºC conditions. It will build confidence, safety and enthusiasm amongst our operators. My company’s future includes Hemisphere GPS Earthworks machine control."
Finally, in support of the Earthworks business segment, Hemisphere GPS and Prolec Ltd. have agreed to a strategic alliance. Prolec Ltd. is a leader in machine guidance, safety and on-board weighing technology for the construction, road and rail industries. The two companies are collaborating on integrated systems incorporating their respective technologies.
Hemisphere GPS is in the process of signing Earthworks distribution agreements in the US and Canada and is currently seeking more product dealers. The company also plans to expand its Earthworks product portfolio by offering complementary excavator and blade solutions throughout 2010. For more information on Hemisphere GPS’ Earthworks business and Earthworks X200, please visit www.hemispheregps.com.
About Hemisphere GPS
Hemisphere GPS designs and manufactures innovative, cost-effective GPS products for positioning, guidance, and machine control applications in agriculture, marine, construction and other markets. The Company holds numerous patents and other intellectual property and owns leading brand names including Outback Guidance® in precision agriculture. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with major product development, sales and marketing facilities in Arizona, Kansas, and Australia. Hemisphere GPS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) trading under the symbol “HEM” and is one of the TSX Cleantech designated companies. This year marks the Company’s 20th anniversary of providing innovative GPS technology and product solutions to customers worldwide. For more information about Hemisphere GPS, please go to www.hemispheregps.com