• Introducing walk away batch processing for microplates
• Supports the full range of Tecan detection products for the Life Sciences
• Fast, reliable and easy-to-use solution to increase the throughput of a wide range of applications in Genomics, Proteomics, Drug Discovery and Diagnostics

Zurich, Switzerland, 23 January 2003 – Tecan, a world leader in microplate automation and detection systems, today announced the launch of its new stacker system CONNECT. CONNECT is designed to work with a host of TECAN stand-alone instruments from the company’s detection and separation portfolio and offers true walk-away batch processing.

Joanne Woodward, Product Group Manager at Tecan remarked: “The CONNECT System is an important addition to Tecan’s range of detection and separation systems. We have devised a plug-and-play system that is able to increase the throughput of a wide range of detection-based applications performed on microplates.” She added:” The whole system has been designed to be fast, reliable and easy to use.”

The CONNECT system allows batches of up to 50 microplates to be processed without manual intervention. It is equipped with an optional barcode reader, which allows the user to positively identify plates throughout the procedure, as well as a dark cover to protect photo-labile well contents from degradation by light.

All microplate formats may be used (from 6-well plates up to 384- and 1536-well plates). All of Tecan’s detection products are now supported by the new stacker system, including the ULTRA multi-functional detection system, the Safire monochromator-based detection system, and all members of the GENios family. A later version will also support the 384PW microplate washer and the Tecan LS Series of Laser scanners.  
    
By supporting a wide range of detection and separation systems, CONNECT offers researchers increased throughput for a wide range of applications in all areas of the Life Sciences. For more information about Tecan’s CONNECT system, contact your local Tecan representative or visit the Tecan website at www.tecan.com.

For more information, please contact :

Product information:

Tecan Group Ltd.
Cornelia Kegele
Manager Marketing Communications and Branding
Tel.: +41 (0)44 922 81 11
Fax: +41 (0)44 922 82 81
e-mail: cornelia.kegele@tecan.com
Internet: www.tecan.com

Editorial contact:

Rochat & Partners
Barry Whyte
Geneva
Switzerland
Tel.: +41 (0)22 786 54 55
Fax: +41 (0)22 786 54 58
e-mail: barry@rochat-pr.ch

Investor Relations:

Tecan Group Ltd.
Annabelle Brameshuber
Corporate Communications
Tel.: +41 (0)44 922 8430
e-mail: investor@tecan.com