CLEVELAND, Feb 21, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH) today announced the completion of a long-term business alliance agreement with Animatics Corporation of Santa Clara, California, a manufacturer of integrated motor control systems. Animatics Corporation offers patented integrated motor control systems, known as SmartMotors(TM). As part of the alliance agreement, Parker will have access to Animatics' patented integrated motor control technology -- including new products -- participate in joint product development, incorporate the Animatics integrated controllers on motors that Parker manufactures and sell the resulting products(s) through its own channels. Parker will manufacture these integrated motor modules at its Compumotor Division of the Automation Group located in Rohnert Park, California, and will be a completely independent source for integrated servo products.

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"This alliance with Animatics provides immediate opportunity to combine our high-performance servo motors with Animatics' patented integrated control technology to establish a market leadership position for Parker," said Automation Group Vice President of Operations Roy Glassett. "Resulting efforts in product development and manufacturing will provide a long-term sustainable competitive advantage to Parker."

"While we do a good job of acquiring companies and supporting both product development and manufacturing efforts, some technology and market opportunities are best accessed by these types of relationships," said Automation Group President Bob Bond. "This is a strategic alliance that gives our group the ability to serve growing demand in our core markets."

Animatics is a recognized pioneer in the integration of a controller into, on or with an electric motor. Each Animatics SmartMotor(TM) is an all-in-one integrated servo motor system (closed loop servo motor, amplifier and controller). This patented technology provides optimized machine control and automated tasks. This alliance benefits Animatics with an expanded market and benefits the customer by providing more choice in integrated servo products. "It creates a win-win-win for Parker, Animatics and the customer," said Robert Bigler, CEO of Animatics Corporation. "Integrated servo represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the motion control market, and this agreement will accelerate that even further," he said.

Parker Automation's Compumotor division manufactures a complete line of brushless servo motors, both rotary and linear. Utilizing modern design tools, Parker brushless servo motors offer performance advantages over more traditional design practices. Designs also focus on manufacturing ease allowing short lead times and accommodation of special requirements. Parker also manufactures, sells and markets other products generally used in applications involving motion control, robotics and automation.

With annual sales exceeding $6 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs more than 45,000 people in 45 countries around the world. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.parker.com , or its investor information site at www.phstock.com .

SOURCE Parker Hannifin Corporation

CONTACT: Media, Lorrie Paul Crum, VP - Corp. Communications, 1-216-896-2750, or After hours,1-330-666-4196, or lcrum@parker.com; or Financial Analysts, Timothy K. Pistell, Treasurer, 1-216-896-2130, or tpistell@parker.com, both of Parker Hannifin Corporation