Despatch Industries Hires New COO


MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - December 8, 2008) - Despatch Industries, the leading process technology provider for the clean technology and thermal processing industries, has named Jeffrey Upin as Chief Operating Officer, effective December 2. In his position, Upin will oversee the operation of the solar, carbon fiber and thermal technology business units and corporate marketing.

"As part of our continuing effort to align ourselves for the future, I am pleased to welcome Jeffrey to the Despatch team," said Patrick Peyton, chairman and chief executive officer. "Jeffrey brings extensive domestic and international management experience. His background in product development, manufacturing, engineering and strategic planning will be an invaluable asset to our organization. I am excited to have Jeffrey join the executive team and help us continue to build our international business and capitalize on the many industry opportunities available to us."

Despatch has had a very strong year, surpassing the year's sales goal in the third quarter and successfully realigning into business units to create better focus and development in the company's core markets.

"I am delighted to join the Despatch team," states Upin. "This is a dynamic company with great market position and tremendous opportunities in many thriving industries. I look forward to contributing to its continued success."

Most recently, Upin held the position of chief operating officer at Matica Plc, a London-based manufacturer of credit card production machines. In his role at Matica, Upin led the integration of two acquisitions, facilitated the process to take the company public on the London Stock Exchange AIM Market, introduced quality strategies and implemented a full quality process within the organization.

Prior to joining Matica, Upin spent over ten years with Fargo Electronics, a manufacturer of identification card printers. During his time with Fargo, Upin served as general counsel and corporate secretary and grew in his initial position from being a business unit manager to becoming the vice president of business development. His experience at Fargo included developing a product distribution program to broaden the global network which resulted in increased sales; developing and marketing new products; improving the product launch process and building the management team of the company.

Upin received his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School and holds a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA.

Despatch provides integrated, thermal processing solutions to manufacturers throughout the world. Through innovative clean technology solutions Despatch is playing a significant role in the effort to positively affect climate change. Despatch partners with leading solar manufacturers to provide the tools and technical expertise required for processing highly efficient, low cost solar cells. Carbon fiber manufacturers around the world are using Despatch technology to produce super-strong, lightweight composite material for use in fuel efficient vehicles and aerospace and wind energy applications. We are driven by the challenge of providing advanced technology solutions for a sustainable future.

For more information on Despatch visit our website: www.despatch.com

Contact Information: Media Contact: Amber Schramm 1-952-469-8140