SATO, a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and a leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions, have won two first-place awards at the World Label Association Awards Competition; “Japan lacquer ware” in the combination printing (line and screen) category and “Aroma Spa” in letterpress (cosmetics).

In its nineteenth year, the World Label Association Awards rewards contestants who are chosen from a group comprised of winners of local label awards competitions worldwide including TLMI (US), JFLP (Japan), FINAT (Europe), LATMA (Australia) and SALMA (New Zealand). Label samples from companies are judged against each other in a variety of categories to determine the ‘World’s Best Labels’ from designs to printing techniques.

“Winning such awards is again proof of the world-class quality of our customized labels. We remain committed to providing customized and best-in-class labeling solutions to meet our customers’ unique needs aligned with our business model, DCS (data collection systems) & Labeling,” said Kaz Matsuyama, Managing Director of SATO International.

SATO has label production facilities in US, Europe – UK, Germany, France, Spain, Poland – and Asia-Pacific – Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand.

Notes:
TLMI (US): Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, INC
JFLP (Japan): Japan Federation of label Printing Industries
FINAT (Europe): F_deration Internationale des fabricants et transformateurs d'Adh_sifs et Thermocollants sur papiers et autres supports
LATMA (Australia): Label and Tag Manufacturers Association of Australia
SALMA (New Zealand): Self Adhesive Label Manufacturer’s Association of New Zealand

“Japan Lacquer Ware” First-place award of Combination Printing – Line & Screen, the 19th World Label Association Awards Competition Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Award, the 17th Seal and Label Contest (JFLP, Japan)
“Aroma Spa” First-place award of letterpress – cosmetics, the 19th World Label Association Awards Competition
“Harumeku” Participated in the 19th World Label Association Awards Competition JFLP president award, the 17th Seal and Label Contest (JFLP, Japan)
“Kishu-Binchoutan Mokusaku-eki” Participated in the 19th World Label Association Awards Competition Award, the 17th Seal and Label Contest (JFLP, Japan)

*Conversion is based on an average exchange rate of 1US Dollar =116.97 Japanese Yen

About SATO
SATO is a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and the inventor of the world’s first electronic thermal transfer barcode printer. It revolutionized the barcoding industry by introducing the Data Collection System (DCS) & Labeling concept – a total barcode and labeling solution providing high quality barcode printers, scanners/hand-held terminals, label design software and consumables. SATO is one of the first in the industry to introduce a complete, multi-protocol EPC-compliant, UHF RFID solution.

SATO is publicly listed on the first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan. It has worldwide offices in the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and China. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, it reported revenues of US$705 million.

About SATO International
SATO’s international global headquarters, SATO International Pte. Ltd is located in Singapore. Previously an international division, it was incorporated as a holding company in Singapore in 2001 to oversee the sales, marketing and customer services activities of all its Group Member Companies. More information about SATO International can be found at www.satoworldwide.com

Contact:
Yuji Shimizu
Manager,
Corporate Planning
SATO International PTE. LTD.
438A, Alexandra Road #05-01/04
Alexandra Technopark
Singapore 119967
Tel: (65) 6271-2122
Fax: (65) 6271-2151
Email: communications@sato-int.com