For Immediate Release

Donnelly Named Finalist for Technology-Achievement Award
Short-run manufacturer’s commitment to technology and workforce development recognized by Minnesota Tekne Awards

October 26, 2004, Alexandria, MN — Donnelly Custom Manufacturing, an Alexandria-based short-run injection molder of thermoplastics, has been named a finalist for a 2004 Minnesota Tekne Award recognizing technological achievement.

Donnelly was nominated in the Advanced Manufacturing category for emerging companies in Minnesota (those with annual revenues below $50 million). The company’s steadfast pursuit of technology and workforce development has helped create jobs and strengthen Minnesota’s economy.

“Our selection as a Tekne Award finalist affirms we have been successful in integrating available and emerging technologies into our business practices and processes, an important step in our quest to set the standards for How Short Run is Done™,” said Ron Kirscht, company president. “This is an accomplishment that can only be earned by exceeding customers’ needs, advancing the knowledge and competencies of our workforce and taking care of the community’s need for stable, growing businesses.”

For 20 years, Donnelly has made excellence in short-run manufacturing its focus. All processes and services are short-run centered in design, implementation and execution. This singular focus has strengthened the company to weather even the most difficult times for manufacturers. During the most recent economic downturn, Donnelly not only persevered; it thrived, through commitments to technology, people and service.

Donnelly’s operations incorporate modern technologies and methods to wage a continuous war on waste. Continuous improvement and customer satisfaction are the driving forces behind its ISO-9001:2000 certified Quality Management System. Sophisticated manufacturing equipment, processes, information technologies and procedures are designed to ensure superior molding of precision parts. The company’s integrated ERP system allows critical flexibility for short-run production.

“Donnelly and the other 2004 Tekne Award finalists show that Minnesota continues to produce cutting-edge technology and is a great place to do business,” said Kate Rubin, president of the Minnesota High Tech Association, which sponsors the award.

Presented by the MHTA and Minnesota Technology Inc. in partnership with Medical Alley, MNBIO and Minnesota Project Innovation, the Tekne Awards recognize technology innovators and leaders who have made lasting contributions to enhancing the quality of life and competitiveness in Minnesota. The awards are separated into categories that recognize the best and brightest in innovation, development, education, commercialization and management of technology.

The 2004 Tekne Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. For more information about the awards, visit the Tekne Web site: www.tekneawards.org.

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Based in Alexandria, MN, Donnelly’s 220 employees are dedicated to setting the standards in the custom injection-molding marketplace for “How Short Run Is Done.” The company’s focus is on providing its OEM customers with value-added engineering, and highly customized manufacturing and customer support services. A strong customer service orientation ensures that customer satisfaction levels exceed industry standards at every point of contact.