>
2003-05-19

ORBIT IRRIGATION PRODUCTS, INC. OPENS OFFICE IN CHINA

Orbit Now Able to Provide Real-Time Service to Home Depot and Wal-Mart

North Salt Lake, Utah - May 19, 2003 – Orbit® Irrigation Products, Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of irrigation products for the residential and commercial markets, announced today the opening of a service office in Shanghai, China.

"Two of our most important customers, Wal-Mart and Home Depot, have offices in Shanghai that manage direct shipments sold by Orbit,” explained Orbit CEO, K.C. Ericksen.  “This new office will allow us to provide real-time service to their Asian operations.”

Gregory Butters, Chief Representative, oversees the Chinese office, which officially opened March 15, 2003.  Butters is currently assisted by an office manager, Victor Ren, and plans to hire several new employees by the end of the summer.

“Our office has three main goals,” said Butters.  “First, we want to increase the level of service provided to our customers.  Additionally, we want to help manage Orbit's supply chain by facilitating communication between Orbit's headquarters and our factories in this region.  Finally, we will provide engineering and quality assurance support to our factories to ensure that products always meet customers" expectations.”

Like much of the United States, northern China is suffering a severe drought. In the north, water is in short supply and the Chinese government is promoting water conservation through modern irrigation techniques.   Water conservation is right up Orbit’s alley, as illustrated by the company’s slogan, 'Conservation Through Innovation.’

What are the hot products in Chinese irrigation?  “In China’s arid north, the agricultural irrigation market is growing fast and the drought is forcing everyone here to look for more water-efficient ways to grow everything from wheat to apples,” said Butters, “The commercial irrigation market is also growing. Golf courses and public parks are popping up everywhere; they all need to be watered.”

Butters speaks Mandarin and has lived in China off and on since 1995.  Prior to his employment at Orbit, he was the general manager of a refrigeration equipment company and set up a factory for them in Beijing to produce industrial evaporative condensers.

About Orbit

Orbit Irrigation Products is the market-share leader in the retail do-it-yourself irrigation business.  Orbit manufactures and distributes more than 1,500 quality lawn and garden irrigation products to customers worldwide under the sub-brand names Orbit Professional®, WaterMaster®, DripMaster®, SunMate®, and Arizona Mist®.  Orbit products can be purchased both domestically and internationally at most contractor supply houses, home improvement stores, and lawn and garden centers.  For more information go to www.orbitonline.com or call 1-800-488-6156.