Metters Buys Blueridge Technolologies; Creates New Powerhouse in the Document Management Industry

FLINT HILL, Va. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - May 24, 1996 - Blueridge Technologies, "The Internet Document Management Company (TM)," announced that they have been acquired by Metters Industries Inc..

The aquisition of Blueridge is a significant step in Metters' strategy of becoming a global leader in document management technology. Coupled with its recent acquisition of Mekel Engineering, the industry leader in microfilm and microfiche scanners, and its own systems integration, training, and advanced technology divisions, Metters has positioned itself as one of the major players in the rapidly expanding market for document imaging, electronic workflow, text retrieval, COLD (Computer Output to Laser Disk), and World Wide Web content.

According to Dr. Samuel Metters, the Chief Executive Officer of Metters Industries, "Blueridge is already the leader in Internet-based document management technology. Combined with the advanced scanning technology offered by Mekel, and the technical, training, and services expertise offered by Metters Industries, our expanded company will offer our clients a unique range of state-of-the-art technologies, services, and support unmatched in the industry."

Blueridge will remain in its Flint Hill, Virginia, headquarters. Dr. John Jamieson, General Manager, and Craig Landrum, Chief Technologist, will remain with Blueridge following the merger, as will the engineering, marketing, and support personnel.

"This merger will be good for both Metters and Blueridge," says Dr. Jamieson. "And it will be especially good for the customers of both companies, who will enjoy a new line of services and technology as we bring to market tomorrow's most advanced business solutions today."

About Blueridge

Founded in 1988, Blueridge Technologies is one of the industry's oldest and most respected providers of electronic document management systems (EDMS). Long the leading industrial-strength document imaging and workflow system for Apple Macintosh computers, in 1994 OPTIX became the first electronic document management system to offer workflow, document imaging, document control, COLD (Computer Output to Laser Disk), and natural language text retrieval for both Windows and Macintosh workstations. Via the new OPTIX WEB interface, OPTIX also supports popular Web browsers, including Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer from Microsoft, Mosaic, and all the client platforms these products support, including Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX workstations. An online demo of OPTIX WEB is available at http://www.optixweb.com.

About Metters Industries, Inc.

Founded in 1981, Metters Industries, Inc. (MI) is an information technology company engaged in a variety of integration, systems development, manufacturing, consulting and training operations. These include life cycle development and systems integration, local area and wide area network design and implementation, software engineering and design and logistics and acquisition services. MI performs open systems training as a certified trainer for Sun Microsystems, offering more than thirty courses, including courses in "JAVA," Sun's exciting new programming language. MI also operates a design and manufacturing division in Orlando, Florida producing state-of-the-art trainers and simulators.

About Mekel Engineering, Inc.

Mekel Engineering, Inc. pioneered the development of microfilm and microfiche scanners for the document management industry. The microform scanners, manufactured and sold worldwide by Mekel, are state-of-the-art electronic imaging systems that are used for large volume, high throughput image capture, image enhancement, and digital storage. Mekel also designs and produces both custom film and videotape cameras and film transports. Mekel is located in Walnut, California.