Calgary, AB – August 7, 2012 — (TSX:HEM) Today, Hemisphere GPS announced distribution partnerships in Brazil and China for their flagship S320™ GNSS survey receiver. Launched last fall, S320 combines the advanced GNSS receiver performance of Hemisphere GPS’ Eclipse™ technology, precise geodetic antenna, wireless communication and batteries all in a portable, rugged unit with matching data collector. Compatible with a variety of existing surveying equipment, S320 is the ideal multi-GNSS positioning system for applications in GIS, construction, mapping, land and marine surveying.
Hemisphere GPS expanded its partnership with Brazilian-based SightGPS, a market-leading expert in positioning and navigation. SightGPS recently launched Hemisphere GPS’ S320 in Brazil under the product name TechGEO GTRi and pre-purchased a significant initial quantity from Hemisphere GPS.
In 1998, SightGPS manufactured and sold the first GPS unit made in Brazil. SightGPS and their partner company, TechGEO, continue to manufacture a variety GPS systems including their Zênite 2, a GNSS smart antenna based on Hemisphere GPS’ miniEclipse™ board. Through the SightGPS and TechGEO Brazilian dealer network, the GTRi is sold in pairs for RTK and post-processed land survey and mapping applications.
Hemisphere GPS is also pleased to announce a new partnership and the receipt of a significant volume commitment with Suzhou Phenix of Suzhou, China. Suzhou Phenix has over 15 years of experience manufacturing and selling land survey and construction products. Hemisphere GPS is working closely with Suzhou Phenix on the distribution of S320 into various markets in China including the land survey, construction and mining markets. “We are looking forward to working with Hemisphere GPS and to offering superior GNSS technology to our professional clientele, said Mr. Luo XianZhao, General Manager of Suzhou Phenix. “With Hemisphere GPS, we have chosen a long-term partner who we can work with not only on GNSS receivers but on solutions for construction and mining markets.”
Combined, the two new distributors have placed initial stocking orders totaling US$1.3 million. "We congratulate SightGPS and Suzhou Phenix on their new product launches and we are pleased that our precise GNSS receiver technology will be part of their success in the marketplace," says Phil Gabriel, Vice President and General Manager of Precision Products for Hemisphere GPS. "The quality design and performance of our S320 has generated increased sales in our traditional markets and now in emerging markets as well. Through our joint sales efforts, we will continue to fuel growth for both companies in the expanding Brazilian and Chinese markets."
About SightGPS
SightGPS is a leader and innovative company in GPS (GNSS) technology with more than 15 years of experience. Located in Rio de Janeiro, SightGPS was the first company to manufacture a single-frequency geodetic GPS receiver in Brazil. Besides providing the leading solutions in positioning technology, SightGPS has also developed programs to create the most complete and satisfying service to its customers. The company received the Master Award in Science and Technology from the Institute for Studies and Research Quality (IEPQ) for its leading product performance and customer satisfaction. For more information about SightGPS, please go to www.SightGPS.com.br.
About Suzhou Phenix
Suzhou Phenix Suokaya Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd., is a joint venture between Phenix Optical and former Suzhou Suokaya Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd. Management and technical personal are sourced from the former Shanghai Sokkia Instruments Co., Ltd., Wuhan University and Phoenix Optics. With 45 years of history, Phenix Optics is the leading company in optical devices and the largest optical equipment manufacturer in China. Along with GNSS, the main products developed by Suzhou Phenix include Electronic Total Stations, Electronic Theodolites, Laser-Electronic Theodolites and other accessory products geared to the survey and construction industry. For more information about Suzhou Phenix, please go to www.phenixsky.com.cn.
About Hemisphere GPS
Hemisphere GPS designs and manufactures innovative, cost-effective GPS (GNSS) products for positioning, guidance, and machine control applications in agriculture, marine, survey, construction, and other markets. The Company holds numerous patents and other intellectual property and owns several leading brand names, including Outback Guidance®, a leading brand in precision GPS for 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. For more information about Hemisphere GPS, please go to www.hemispheregps.com.
The above disclosure contains certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Hemisphere GPS’ control, including: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and market valuations of companies with respect to the announced transactions and the final valuations thereof, and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. Hemisphere GPS’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceed, that Hemisphere GPS will derive there from.