Global Leader in Interactive Architectural Facades Chooses SolidWorks

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 22, 2005--

    Permasteelisa selects 1,200 licenses of SolidWorks 3D modeling software to more quickly satisfy clients' high expectations for beautiful and unparalleled function

    The Permasteelisa Group - whose exteriors grace such architectural treasures as the Sydney Opera House, the Hong Kong International Airport, the MOMA in New York, and the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles - has purchased 1,200 licenses of SolidWorks(R) 3D mechanical design software to more quickly and efficiently execute its world-class building projects.
    The Permasteelisa Group is the worldwide leader in the design, fabrication, and installation of facades for landmark buildings. The Group, headquartered in Italy, operates on four continents with a network of more than 60 companies in 27 countries. It also engages in the design, production, and installation of partitions, walls, and other interior elements of stores and offices.
    The Permasteelisa Group has standardized on SolidWorks software to replace its AutoCAD(R) 2D design software after reviewing a number of 3D design products. The company judged SolidWorks software the best system to simultaneously increase designers' efficiency and accuracy, citing its simplicity, ease of use, flexibility, and unsurpassed range of 3D modeling capabilities.
    SolidWorks software will help The Permasteelisa Group meet daunting design challenges that have arisen over time with the changing function of building exteriors. Once mere barriers, facades are now dynamic architectural elements interacting with external environmental conditions, precisely regulating light, temperature, and sound. As always, they must meet the structural and aesthetic demands of the world's most exacting architects.
    "For a company to innovate effectively, it must employ the best people and supply them with the best tools," said Enzo Pavan, the Permasteelisa S.p.A. CEO. "We are confident SolidWorks software will make a tangible impact on the quality of our products and the satisfaction of our clients."
    Permasteelisa's interactive facades, based on the company's unique eco-friendly Blue Technology(R), embody a "sustainable technology" strategy aiming toward an ultimate goal of zero-energy-consumption buildings. "In Permasteelisa's market, companies compete to converge design and functionality and develop high-performing products with exceptional aesthetics," said SolidWorks CEO John McEleney. "SolidWorks provides the flexibility, features, and speed that Permasteelisa needs to meet this challenge, and do so more quickly, without sacrificing the accuracy demanded by such complex projects."
    The Permasteelisa Group works with authorized SolidWorks reseller Nuovamacut Automazione S.p.A. for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

    Permasteelisa Group

    The Permasteelisa Group is one of the principal world operators in the design, realization, and installation of architectural shells, and offers solutions with high technological content working in close contact with the great names of contemporary architecture. It has a presence on four continents, with a network of over 60 companies in 27 countries. In December 2000, Permasteelisa acquired the Josef Gartner Group, sector leader for architectural claddings in aluminum and steel, thereby consolidating its world leadership in the architectural claddings sector. Permasteelisa promotes the development of innovative, ecologically compatible technologies, the Blue Technologies, through four research centers and collaboration with prestigious international universities. These technologies permit meaningful levels of energy saving and provide better habitability conditions of indoor environments. For more information, visit www.permasteelisa.com.

    About Nuovamacut Automazione S.p.A.

    Nuovamacut Automazione, SolidWorks VAR in Italy, was founded in 1955, and currently supports more than 5,000 companies. It offers innovative technological solutions, from the design concept stage to production, aiming to improve productivity and time to market in the mechanical industry. The main Nuovamacut Automazione growth and success drivers are: customer care (certified products training, project consulting, and hotline support), software solutions, and shop floor production automation. Specifically, Nuovamacut Automazione operates primarily in the sectors of machinery producers, power transmission, hydraulics, production workshops, medical, consumer goods, electromechanical, and electronic components. Nuovamacut Automazione S.p.A. is based in Reggio Emilia and has operational offices in Brescia, Busto Arsizio (VA), Vicenza, Treviso, Castel San Pietro Terme (BO), Noceto (PR), and Rome. For further information visit www.nuovamacut.it or call +39-0522-505311.

    About SolidWorks Corporation

    SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for mechanical design, analysis, and product data management. It is the #1 supplier of 3D mechanical design software for the mainstream market. SolidWorks leads the market in number of users in production, customer satisfaction, and revenue. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

    SolidWorks is a registered trademark of the SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2005 SolidWorks Corporation.

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CONTACT: SolidWorks Corporation Laura Kozikowski, 978-371-5077 laurak@solidworks.com or Beaupre & Co. Public Relations, Inc. Darby Johnson, 603-559-5809 djohnson@beaupre.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE SOFTWARE MANUFACTURING SOURCE: SolidWorks Corporation

Copyright Business Wire 2005