AUSTIN, TEXAS    (12/11/2000) -- Fisher-Rosemount, the process automation division of St. Louis-based Emerson (NYSE: EMR), has acquired MDC Technology, a leading worldwide supplier of software and services for real-time process optimization, equipment performance monitoring, advanced control and process information management.

The acquisition strengthens Fisher-Rosemount’s strategy to provide comprehensive solutions that go beyond process control to encompass complete asset utilization, including performance monitoring and optimization. “MDC’s technology represents the first offering of its kind in the industry, allowing customers to get the most out of all critical process assets,” says John Berra, executive vice president and business leader for Emerson’s process group. “We’re talking about business and plant-wide real-time optimization, and model-based performance monitoring of equipment ranging from compressors and turbines to heat exchangers and pumps.”

These innovative solutions enable customers to achieve maximum return from existing equipment through improved productivity and reliability.

“Bringing the two companies together is an excellent move for MDC, for Fisher-Rosemount, and especially for our customers,” says Berra. “MDC’s technology and expertise in real-time process optimization and equipment performance monitoring are the best I’ve ever seen – and they directly support our strategy of enabling customers to make the most of their process assets.”

Thanks to MDC’s flexible software architecture, its applications can work with traditional control systems from many suppliers. However, by integrating them with PlantWeb® field-based architecture’s intelligent field-device diagnostics, asset management tools, and scalable systems technology, customers’ gain a better source of information about what’s actually happening on the plant floor. Plus, this enables MDC software to operate within the automation system.

“Growth in demand for process optimization and performance monitoring is very high as companies implement initiatives to maximize the profitability of their operations,” says Ross Smith, CEO – MDC Technology. “The acquisition enables MDC to further strengthen its dominance in this field by gaining access to a vast existing customer base, and a global sales and support capability. We saw joining Fisher-Rosemount as the best way to continue improving our technology while delivering its full benefits to an even broader range of customer.”

MDC’s software and services have proven their value in some of the most challenging performance monitoring and optimization applications in the industry, including oil and gas production, refining, petrochemical, power generation, and specialty chemical processes. Key products include RTO+ for plant modeling, data reconciliation, and real-time optimization, IPM+ for intelligent performance monitoring, and MSPC+ for multivariable statistical control. MDC is also a licensed distributor and service provider for SMOC (Multivariable Advanced Process Control) and OSI Software’s PI data historian. (For more about MDC and its offerings, see www.frco.com/fr/news/pr/mdc-more.html.)

MDC will maintain its development and support headquarters in Teesside, U.K. Their specialists will become part of a new organization working to extend and integrate MDC’s technology across Fisher-Rosemount’s product lines. Sales will be managed through Fisher-Rosemount’s worldwide network of sales offices and representatives.

“Both companies are very excited about the future direction,” adds Smith. “We have similar perspectives on how our technology can bring significant value to our customers, and very focused approaches to making it happen. Our product lines are complementary, and we have been working successfully together for more than eighteen months under a formal alliance to provide MDC products to Fisher-Rosemount customers.”

“MDC and Fisher-Rosemount also work with many of the same industry-leading customers,” adds Berra. “For more than two dozen projects we’ve teamed up to offer joint MDC/Fisher-Rosemount solutions – and customers are recognizing the value we offer together. Becoming a single team will make us easier to do business with.”

Fisher-Rosemount is a leading supplier of process management products and solutions, including control valves, regulators, transmitters, analyzers, and process management systems. Its innovative, proven PlantWeb field-based architecture combines intelligent field devices, open standards and automation systems, and modular software to deliver revolutionary results — including lower installation and maintenance costs, reduced process variability, improved process availability, and streamlined regulatory compliance.

St. Louis-based Emerson (http://www.gotoemerson.com/) is a global leader in providing customers with innovative technologies and solutions in five business segments: industrial automation; process control; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; electronics and telecommunications; and appliance and tools. Sales in fiscal 2000 were $15.5 billion.