Hurco Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq:HURC) Hurco Companies, Inc. participated in the 2004 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Illinois from September 8-15. Hurco has been displaying and demonstrating its latest technology developments for the manufacturing industry at the IMTS shows since 1974.

This year's show was significant for two reasons. First, the 2004 show proved to be Hurco's most successful show ever at IMTS, with a record number of sales transactions. Hurco's many new products were well received by customers. Hurco's latest technological advances on the control, software and machining systems made both new and current machines a good fit for many customers' changing needs.

 Secondly, IMTS 2004 marked the 20th anniversary of Hurco's introduction of its patented UltiMax(R) microprocessor-based control with unique graphical software. Hurco pioneered the use of multiple microprocessors with interactive graphics and was the first company to incorporate this technology on a control to automate shop floor processes.

Customers Express Enthusiasm for New Products

Customers showed strong support for Hurco's expanded product offerings, which include a new TM product line (a series of three, single-spindle, slant-bed turning centers), a VM graphite machining center and a VM3, two additional models in Hurco's popular VM series along with a new five-axis machining center. The full line of Hurco's "Best In Class" VM and VMX series machining centers was also on display. In addition, Hurco USA released its new Peace of Mind Protection Plan, a three-year warranty that covers all machine parts, such as the spindle, wear items and premium drive system components.

 Jim Fabris, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hurco Companies, Inc., states, "It's great to see the enthusiastic response from our customers regarding not only our new products, but also our current VM and VMX series machines. These products were also in high demand at the show. We broke a record for the number of transactions at the show, which can be attributed to our customer focus and commitment to provide our customers with the highest quality products at the best price."

Hurco's success at the IMTS 2004 show followed its annual open house on August 6, 2004, where Hurco offered a preview of its new machining products to media, customers and prospective customers. More than 300 attended the event and offered praise for Hurco's expanded product offerings, which were officially released at the IMTS show in September.

The products that created the greatest stir at both the open house and the IMTS show were a series of single-spindle, slant-bed turning centers. The new lathe product line is targeted for job shops and contract manufacturers needing efficient processing of small to medium lot sizes.

Customers were also extremely interested in Hurco's new VM1 Graphite machining center and the VM3, the third model in Hurco's successful VM Series.

In addition, customers were very impressed with Hurco's new 5-axis machine, the VTXU, which allows machinists to program highly complex five-sided parts on the shop floor with the power of Hurco's unique software graphics.

The show floor this year was buzzing with customers interested in a variety of Hurco's products. Excited customers remarked that Hurco's product line-up was very impressive and shows its commitment to its customers and its investment in the future. Many stated that they were looking forward to the future additions Hurco will present at IMTS 2006.

20 Years of Unique Control and Software Technology

Hurco's UltiMax(R) control got its name by being the ultimate in power and the maximum in simplicity. Since its introduction, Hurco has proven this true time and again by continually expanding the unique software and control technology of the UltiMax(R) with added features and benefits, making it the very popular and highly demanded control it is today.

The dual screen of the UltiMax(R) allows users to view both the part's graphic and the programming code at the same time. With the interactive graphics on the control, the user simply touches the portion of the graphic he wants to edit (displayed on the right screen) and the left screen of the UltiMax(R) Control displays the corresponding portion of code - whether he's using conversational or NC programming.

In 2002, Hurco introduced several new application software options as well as the Max(R) console on the VM series product line. The new software applications and control were received with great enthusiasm and has been tremendously successful.

This year, the Max(R) console was introduced on Hurco's new lathe line. Customers were extremely pleased to view the new features that were added to the Max(R) for the lathes.

Both console packages provide shop-floor programming, NC code processing, and CAM compatibility. Over the last 20 years, added features and benefits have provided Hurco's customers with the timesavings process benefits of Hurco's unique control software automation.

Hurco is proud to have introduced the original UltiMax(R) control 20 years ago and to demonstrate at IMTS 2004 the many technological advances that make the UltiMax(R) control what it is today--the most powerful, flexible CNC control system on the market.

Hurco Companies, Inc. is an industrial technology company that designs and produces interactive computer controls, software and computerized machine tools for the worldwide metal cutting and metal forming industry. The end market for the Company's products consists primarily of independent job shops and short-run manufacturing operations within large corporations in industries such as the aerospace, defense, medical equipment, energy, transportation and computer equipment. The Company is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has sales, application engineering and service subsidiaries in High Wycombe, England; Munich, Germany; Paris, France; Milan, Italy; Shanghai, China and Singapore, along with manufacturing operations in Taiwan. Products are sold through independent agents and distributors in the United States, Europe and Asia. The Company also has direct sales forces in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Asia.



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