Local Businesses Merge To Offer Nationwide Services

Bismarck, ND – March 26, 2007 – Applied Engineering Expands Service Offerings with Acquisition of Widget Works.

Applied Engineering, Inc. announced today the acquisition of Widget Works, LLC, a product development, engineering and prototype fabrication service provider.

Widget Works is a strategic addition to Applied Engineering’s engineering and technology consulting service offerings.

The acquisition extends Applied Engineering’s capabilities to offer a more comprehensive approach to its product development services. Applied Engineering will leverage Widget Works’ capabilities to build upon their existing experience in the development and design processes to now include prototyping and fabrication.

Additionally, both organizations will be pooling technology and equipment to offer all customers a higher degree of cutting-edge tools. Every idea, project and task will utilize the best available technology including CAD, 3-D rendering, analysis, prototyping and fabrication techniques.

Representatives from both companies agree that the acquisition will serve as a mutual benefit for the organizations and their clients.

Dave Raatz, Applied Engineering chief executive officer, says, “We believe this partnership will allow us to provide our customers with a more complete product development solution.”

His comments are echoed by Evan Anderson, former owner of Widget Works, “Together, we can offer seamless services, which will add significant value for our clients.” Anderson, who has nearly 20 years experience in manufacturing, engineering, product development, and prototyping will join Applied Engineering as director of prototyping and manufacturing for Widget Works, a division of Applied Engineering.

Not only does the partnership provide an all-inclusive service offerings package, but also combines and broadens the customer base for both companies. Requests any size, from one-time inventors looking to turn ideas into finished products to large manufacturing firms needing additional engineering resources now have a venue and resource available.

Two other major benefits are job creation and national recognition. With increased service capabilities and clientele, Applied Engineering will be looking to hire additional employees to help meet the demands of the growing industry and needs. Coupled with Applied Engineering’s current nation-wide services, the new additions will serve as catalysts to bolster business and recognition nation-wide.

Applied Engineering, Inc. is headquartered in Bismarck, ND, and was established in 1986 as a national provider of engineering and technology consulting services and a reseller of engineering and business productivity solutions.

Applied Engineering is over 160 employees strong with office locations in Bismarck and Fargo, ND; Maple Grove, MN; Sioux Falls, SD; Eau Claire, WI; and Addison, TX.