Victoria, BC – October 30, 2003 – Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX VE: CMH),
is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, AVVA Light Corp., has received a $314,000 contract for specialty edge-lit point of purchase (POP) signage. This order represents a second major order this year with the same purchaser, a multinational company.
“LED illumination technology is the next generation in POP advertising,” states Art Aylesworth, Carmanah’s CEO. “Illuminated, neon and backlit signs now account for 32 percent of the $9 billion United States sign market, and AVVA’s sales are an indicator of the growth in market acceptance for its LED edge-lit technology.”
AVVA’s unique edge-lighting technology uses highly efficient LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to direct light through an engraved and/or painted acrylic panel. The result is a crisp, evenly illuminated corporate logo or message in a compact, ultra-slim package. AVVA’s LED edge-lit signs offer a number of value propositions for the customer over neon tube alternatives, including low capital cost, significantly greater energy efficiency, higher durability, and increased design versatility. They also have a long operating life of 10 to 12 years with no maintenance or servicing.
“This latest order is the second purchase in a long-term relationship with the end user, resulting in more than $900,000 sales during this calendar year”, states AVVA’s President, Mr. Tom Charlton. “It is encouraging to see ongoing demand for our product, as it shows our end-users are pleased with the performance of our technology. We are at the forefront of an industry trend, and with the leverage of Carmanah’s sales and e-commerce resources we are looking forward to introducing our LED edge-lighting to new clients and international markets.”
AVVA’s edge-lit signs have been built into numerous product display configurations and even into the handles of draught beer taps. However, the applications range far beyond corporate branding and POP sales to include architectural and road signage. AVVA and Carmanah are planning a joint introduction of a new energy-saving LED product for the vast road and highways market in early 2004.
About Carmanah
Carmanah is an award winning alternative energy manufacturer specializing in patented solar-powered LED lighting solutions for the marine, transit, aviation, roadway, railway and industrial worksite markets. The Company has more than 70,000 units installed in 110 countries. The shares of Carmanah Technologies Corporation (parent company) are publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMH” and on the Berlin and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges under the symbol “QCX”. For more information, please visit www.carmanah.com.
About AVVA
AVVA designs, manufactures and distributes energy-efficient, illuminated sign products for corporate identity, point-of-purchase sales, architectural and gaming applications. For further information, please visit www.avva.com.