Medtronic Cardiac Surgery Awards The Tech Group Supplier of the Year Award

Minneapolis, MN, October 15, 2001 - Medtronic Cardiac Surgery hosted it's first ever Partner Summit to share their vision of Medtronic's business and recognize and reward those companies that have supported them in their efforts to be the leader in the treatment of Major Chronic Diseases. The award was presented by Chistopher Oleksy, Director of Strategic Sourcing, Medtronic Cardiac Surgery.

With over 1,400 suppliers, Medtronic invited 26 Preferred Suppliers to the Partner Summit. Six of the twenty-six were asked to make presentations on their capabilities. The Tech Group was one of the six Preferred Suppliers to make a presentation.

Medtronic Cardiac Surgery recognized The Tech Group as "Partner of the Year," stating that suppliers have a tremendous role in Medtronic's ability to meet their objectives. Criteria for the award, was based upon Best in Class, Best in Class Delivery Performance, Continuous Cost Improvement and Innovative Solutions.

"Medtronic places great emphasis on its supply chain partners. The Tech Group stands out amongst the best of the best that Medtronic views as partners. This award signifies Medtronic Cardiac Surgery's appreciation of The Tech Group and the many employees world wide who have worked so hard to help Medtronic achieve its' goals. We thank The Tech Group for its excellent performance and look forward to our partnership going forward."

The award was accepted on behalf of the company by Don Vogel and Ryke Fowler of The Tech Group and by The Tech Group's manufacturing partner, S & W Plastics, Scott Thiss and Rick Stein.

BACKGROUND:

Medtronic
Medtronic is recognized as a leader in the treatment of chronic diseases. Annual sales are in excess of $6 billion with over 27,000 employees worldwide.

The Tech Group is a market leader in plastics injection molding and produces custom components and molds for the medical, electronics, computer, and consumer product markets. Annual sales are $130 million and there are 2,000 employees worldwide.

For additional information, please contact Shari Krusniak at (480)281-4500.