Copyright © 2007 Symetrica Ltd.

November 27, 2006

Symetrica Partners with Smiths Detection to Win Contract to Develop and Supply Next-generation Radiation Detectors to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Maynard, Massachusetts - 27 November 2006 – Symetrica today announced that its partnership with Smiths Detection, a world leading provider of explosives trace and X-ray detection systems, has led to award of a contract with a potential total value, including options, of $222 million by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) to provide next-generation radiation detection and identification systems.

Through the partnership, Symetrica will provide unique radiation detection hardware and signal processing software to Smiths Detection who will serve as Prime Contractor to supply handheld and backpack Human Portable Radiation Detection System
(HPRDS) to the DNDO for use by emergency responders, border patrol agents, customs and coast guard officers and other law enforcement personnel. The detectors can identify and determine the location of incoming radiation and will reliably discriminate between normally-occurring radioactive materials and potential threats.

“This contract award highlights Symetrica’s radiation detection technology leadership and the engineering and manufacturing capability that Smiths Detection brings to the partnership,” said Heddwyn Davies, CEO of Symetrica. “This opportunity will provide Symetrica a basis for rapid growth as a leading international supplier of radiation detection and identification technology. We look forward to working closely with Smiths Detection in the R&D and manufacturing processes.”

Symetrica derived the technology from a long heritage of research and development in space and terrestrial applications, while Smiths Detection is an ideal partner as it has provided over 135,000 portable detection systems of various types to the Military, First Responders and Customs Authorities and has a strong track record of developing and marketing innovative solutions to a wide range of chemical, biological, explosive threats

The
DHS has been tasked to ensure that the U.S. remains safe from the threat of illicit importation, development or procurement of a nuclear or radiological device. The DNDO was created to help fulfill that mandate. The DNDO is a jointly staffed, national office established to improve America’s capability to detect and report unauthorized attempts to import, possess, store, develop or transport nuclear or radiological material.

 

About Symetrica

Symetrica was formed in 2002 to develop and commercialize unique radiation detection and identification technology derived from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southampton. It has already completed one major R&D contract with the US DHS.

This award now provides the basis for rapid growth, much of which will be driven through Symetrica Inc., established early in 2006 as a wholly owned subsidiary based in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information contact:

USA:      Matthew Dallimore m.dallimore@symetrica.com 

UK:        Heddwyn Davies heddwyn@symetrica.com

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

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