PRESS RELEASE Tuesday January 18, 2006

It’s a common habit amongst many companies to cling to their ‘old’ way of doing things - already ‘working’ procedures and ‘familiar’ basic CAD software systems - despite the constantly changing technologies and developments in the industry that beckon them to broaden their horizons. So why change something if it does the job?

Bob Thame is a tool designer in his sixties, who believes that it’s never too late to change and to adopt the latest, and most advanced and appropriate, design technology. Not only did he make the all-important decision to move from a 2D CAD environment to 3D advanced design, but this commendable step forward involved the dramatic transition from the 2D ‘drafting’ package which he had been using for the past 20 years, to CATIA’s advanced Mechanical Design 2 configuration. He founded Thame Design, a local press tool design company in 1982, and is the company’s sole press tool designer. Thame supplies CAD designs to industry-leading enterprises such as Toyota Tool and Die Manufacturers, August Laepple and ISE.

Bob Thame’s motivation to adopt CATIA solutions arose when he realized that in order to operate successfully in an increasingly competitive environment and remain a serious contender in the bid for future tooling projects, he would need to meet the industry demands placed on him by the manufacturers. After briefly reviewing other alternatives and carefully taking into account the market trends, Thame knew that he needed more than just a 3D CAD system and that CATIA V5 would give his company the competitive advantage it needed to compete on equal footing against larger suppliers - and succeed. He explained, “CATIA is the common CAD/CAM software used amongst the majority of the OEMs and they require designs from their suppliers to also be done on CATIA; they are simply not prepared to carry out translations from other CAD formats.” Another determining factor that is considered by companies in selecting a CAD/CAM solution is price. CATIA is not only affordable, but also offers so much more in terms of its features and functionality. So why not select the best solution for your company?

Thame Design was recently awarded a large project from Toyota Tool and Die Manufacturers to design press tools.  However, the need to meet Toyota’s lead time meant that Bob had virtually no time for CATIA training.  CDC, who supplied Thame Design with CATIA V5 solutions, was impressed at how Thame learnt CATIA entirely by himself.  The only assistance he had was the use of the basic HELP functionality provided in the software.  Thame, who is a man in his sixties, is living proof that it’s never too late to change and invest in new skills and technologies that can improve productivity.  Thame has already completed two projects in just 6 weeks of using CATIA V5, which is a remarkable achievement, particularly since he had never before used a 3D system.  It is also dramatic proof of the inherent and exceptional ease-of-use which is a significant distinguishing characteristic of CATIA V5. When time permits, he intends to undergo some formal training so as to be able to take full advantage of CATIA’s many advanced features. “Once you start using CATIA, you soon appreciate that it does a lot more than you originally imagined it could,” he remarked.

Thame is confident that by using CATIA’s advanced 3D design capabilities, his company will not only become more competitive locally, but will extend the company’s opportunities in the overseas markets. He also envisions helping the local tooling industry to develop internationally recognised capabilities. This he believes will be made possible with the assistance of CATIA, the industry leading CAD/CAM technology.