For Immediate Release
January 31, 2003

The Siemon Company Accepted as a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner

Rockwell's Encompass program is one of the world's foremost associations for industrial automation and control

Watertown, CT — The need to capture and analyze the data from industrial and manufacturing equipment and to integrate that machinery with the company's business network is quickly becoming a very real need. To help facilitate this convergence and ensure the integrity of the data, Rockwell Automation has recently accepted The Siemon Company, a world-leader in the network cabling industry, to its Encompass program.

Founded in 1903 and celebrating its centennial year in 2003, Siemon has a long-standing tradition of excellence in its field of network cabling. Specifically, Siemon's Industrial MAX line of Ethernet connectivity products is now referenced in Rockwell Automation's Encompass program. These products consist of RJ-45 environmentally sealed connectors, outlets and patch cords that are built to withstand extreme conditions - excessive vibration, extreme temperature variations, liquids and airborne contaminants, high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and much more.

"We are extremely excited about becoming a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner,” said Robert Carlson, VP of Sales for Siemon. "Rockwell Automation is a leader in industrial automation and we are proud to be associated with them. This partnership is important in today's industrial market, which is experiencing an increasing migration toward Ethernet connectivity on the factory floor. Integrating today's advanced industrial equipment with a company's main business network can greatly improve information flow and reduce operational expenses. It gives strategic business managers, for the first time, the ability to efficiently analyze and manage real-time manufacturing data and pro-actively align that information with short- or long-term business objectives.”

"Siemon's Industrial MAX is an ideal complement to the Encompass program,” according to Jeff Petro, Encompass Program Manager for Rockwell Automation. "The Industrial Max product provides an IP67 rating that seals out dust, moisture and is resistant to the extreme conditions of an industrial environment, it provides the premiere networking connections needed for today's advanced automation technology. The Industrial MAX is the only Ethernet connector in the industry that meets the physical layer specifications overseen by ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association).”

For more information about The Siemon Company's Industrial MAX products, please visit www.siemon.com

The Encompass Program is a product referencing program designed to identify, qualify, and jointly market third-party manufactured products that complement the breadth of world-class products developed by Rockwell Automation's global brands; Allen-Bradley®, Reliance Electric®, Rockwell Software™ and Dodge®. Information on the Encompass program is available on the Web at www.rockwellautomation.com/encompass

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley^® controls and services, Dodge^® mechanical power transmission products, Reliance Electric™ motors and drives, and Rockwell Software^® factory management software. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs about 23,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

About Siemon
Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA Siemon has global offices and partners throughout the world. Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.

Siemon’s Australian head office is located in Allambie Heights, Sydney, with offices also located in Brisbane and Melbourne.

For more information about this press release, please contact:
Alana Patton
The Siemon Company
Marketing Communications Executive
Tel : (02) 8977 7500