Dec 24 2004
Textron Fastening Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., today announced that it has signed a technology and partnership agreement with Telezygology Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of TZ Limited (ASX:TZL) for exclusive global rights to develop, commercialize and manufacture products using proprietary intelligent fastening technology developed by TZ.
Textron Fastening Systems will market intelligent fastening systems and products under the Intevia™ brand name.
Equipped with embedded microprocessors remotely controlled by intelligent tools, Intevia™ intelligent fasteners represent an all new approach to assembly technology. Customized software systems can control, manage, diagnose, and document each fastener process and total lifecycles.
"Intevia™ intelligent fastening represents the future of fastening, and is the centerpiece of a series of new value-added systems and technologies we are introducing to change the ways products are assembled, maintained, serviced, and recycled," said Rick Clayton, president of Textron Fastening Systems "We expect more than a quarter of future Textron Fastening Systems revenues to be generated by Intevia™ and the other new products and technologies being launched."
"Intevia™ symbolizes the technological leadership and advanced assembly solutions we bring to customers," Clayton added. "Our testing and validation of Intevia™ systems for global aerospace and security markets are nearing completion. We are on target to announce these applications during 2005, and follow them with applications in defense and other markets.
Intevia™ Global Exclusivity Agreement
Textron Fastening Systems and TZ began working together 15 months ago to develop automotive and aerospace applications for intelligent fastening. Their new contract gives Textron Fastening Systems exclusive rights to market Intevia™ in all global markets.
Textron Fastening Systems is paying TZ an up-front $10 million license fee, and additionally will compensate TZ through royalties derived from sales of Intevia™ products. In addition, TZ has offered Textron Fastening Systems Inc. an option to purchase up to 20 percent of TZ shares, or under certain circumstances the shares of TZ affiliates, under terms and conditions to be agreed upon.
"This agreement with Textron Fastening Systems represents a major milestone for intelligent fastening technology and the growth of our company," said Chris Kelliher, chief executive officer of TZ.
"We began development of intelligent fastening five years ago and since then have progressively built on those initial concepts to the point where we can deliver commercial applications. Starting today we are partnering with one of the world's leading fastening firms to bring this all new way to design, assemble, and service products to global manufacturers.
"Our mutual goal is to establish Intevia™ intelligent fastening as the standard worldwide operating system for a new era of design and assembly technology. Textron Fastening Systems has the global presence, technology resources, and sales and marketing network to help make this a reality within a few years," said Kelliher.
TZ recently established its corporate headquarters in Chicago Ill. Its parent company, TZ Limited, is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. A leader in development of intelligent fastening and assembly technology, TZ's core activity is licensing intellectual property and operating software, along with application engineering and technology development services to global manufacturers.
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