Tadiran Batteries, Hexagram sign $18 million AMR battery contract

• Long-term lithium battery contract for automatic meter reading (AMR) use extends 23-year relationship.

PORT WASHINGTON, NY, Dec. 12, 2006 -- Tadiran Batteries Ltd. announced Nov. 28 it has been awarded a five-year $18 million contract for the supply of lithium batteries from Hexagram Inc, a U.S.-based leading manufacturer of automatic meter reading (AMR) systems for water, gas and electric utilities.

Hexagram and Tadiran Batteries have a long relationship, with Hexagram's first AMR units entering the 23rd year of operation with the original Tadiran Batteries.

Tadiran Batteries' lithium cells are the choice for almost every AMR manufacturer in the world. High capacities, very low self discharge rates, and wide operating temperature ranges typify Tadiran batteries. Tadiran's emphasis on quality along with Hexagram's design expertise of its products combine to make Tadiran the only battery manufacturer with products proven to last over 20 years in the field without need for replacement or recharging. Many customers are now demanding that their wireless products, such as AMR, operate for 20 years without the need for a battery swap out.

The unique characteristics of Tadiran's products makes them the choice power supply of many demanding and technology rich industries such as GPS tracking units for Homeland Security, toll tag transponders, wireless sensors, RFID , emergency medical devices and military systems.

Marty Zucker, executive vice president of operations of Hexagram, said, "Our relationship has been based on a 23-year commitment between both companies. With this agreement, we are happy to continue our relationship which benefits our two companies."

Igal Carmi, CEO of Tadiran Batteries, said, "Our original batteries are still working strong in Hexagram units after 22 years of service in harsh conditions. This proven partnership with Hexagram has helped Tadiran position itself as the leader in lithium battery technology." Carmi estimates that the original cells can still work for another three to five years and that being the only lithium battery manufacturer with a proven operating life of over 20 years will mean many years of solid business in an industry that grows 15-20% per year.

Cleveland, OH-based Hexagram Inc. (www.hexagram.com), a subsidiary of ESCO Technologies Inc., is a leading supplier of proven RF-based fixed network AMR systems for more than 100 utilities serving water, gas and electric customers.

Tadiran Batteries Ltd. (www.tadiranbat.com), of Port Washington, NY, develops manufactures and markets primary lithium batteries and holds the biggest market share in this industry.

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