SATO America - New Location, New Opportunities

Relocating Corporate Headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina

Singapore - September 10, 2002 - SATO America, Inc., a leader in barcode printing since introducing the first thermal transfer bar code printer in 1979, has relocated its corporate headquarters to the Charlotte, North Carolina area since August 2002.

According to Mike Fowler, president of SATO America, "The main motivation for moving was to find a more economical location, outside of the Silicon Valley, which has perhaps the highest costs in the nation. As our business
grows, it is imperative that we have the ability to expand in a cost-effective way and Charlotte fulfilled all of our current and future needs."

This announcement follows shortly after SATO's announcement of SATO Europe's restructuring of its operations.

"The way to compete in this current competitive situation is to remain cost-effective whilst not compromising on standard of service that SATO's customers and Business Partners have been receiving for the past years," explained Mr. Waki, Managing Director, Barcode SATO International.

"With these efforts, we strive to be even more efficient in our operations whilst keeping our costs low and in turn, generate greater value for our customers. It will be challenging for SATO America but this also spells new opportunities," added Mr. Waki.

SATO America has moved with them about 20% of its staff strength to the Charlotte area. Fowler anticipates hiring back to the 100% level quickly after this move.

For more information, please contact Alicia Tan (Ms), Marketing Executive, Sales & Marketing (BSI), at marketing@sato-int.com

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About Barcode SATO International (BSI)

Barcode SATO International (BSI), the global sales headquarters of SATO Corporation, is a world leader of automatic identification products including barcode printers. BSI was incorporated in 2001 to oversee and support sales, marketing and customer service activities at all group member companies. As part of its expansion plans, BSI is rapidly strengthening its own team, as well as that of its overseas group member companies. BSI is the driving force behind SATO Corporation’s global branding strategy and expansion into new markets and territories.

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 revolutionised the barcoding industry by introducing the Data Collection System (DCS) and Labelling concept – a total barcode and labelling solutions approach providing high quality barcode printers, scanners/hand held terminals, label design software and consumables. SATO is a public listed company in Japan and has worldwide offices in United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. SATO reported revenues of US$445 million in 2002. SATO stock is traded on first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange. More information can be found at www.sato.co.jp.