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Smiths Detection wins MOD contract to develop advanced technology for future generation chemical agent detectors

Watford - 12 September 2007 - SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, has been awarded a £1.2 million research contract by the UK Ministry of Defence for HiFAWS, a new technology that shows promise for a new generation of small, low-cost chemical agent detectors suited to a variety of applications.

In conjunction with Dstl, the MOD science and technology agency, Smiths Detection will manage a programme to evaluate the most suitable approach to the use of the HiFAWS technology. The objective is to create a system capable of identifying a growing range of detectable materials, at higher sensitivities and with near zero false alarms, packaged in a form suitable for operational military use.

Damian Tracey, Managing Director of Smiths Detection - Military, said: "This programme offers the potential for a significant leap in capability for the MOD, by developing the technology base for chemical agent detection".

"Of the new technologies in the field, Smiths Detection considers that HiFAWS offers great potential to advance our world-leading core detection technology significantly."

HiFAWS is High Field Asymmetric Waveform Spectrometry, an ion separation technology that Smiths Detection has been evaluating over several years. The two-phase development programme, leading to an advanced prototype built for validation by Dstl and Defence Equipment and Support, the executive agent of the MoD, will be completed within three years.

The MOD and Dstl sought industry engagement to assess the best technical options and take these through to a technology demonstrator programme. The experience of Smiths Detection as a global supplier of chemical agent detectors and systems, teaming with Sionex Corporation, was chosen under competition for this programme. Together, they will exploit the technology to create options for product designs fit for operational use. Sionex based in Bedford, Massachusetts, commercializes breakthrough technologies in chemical and biological sensor chips and systems.

About Sionex Corporation
Sionex Corporation is focused on commercializing breakthrough chemical and biological sensor chips and systems based on its proprietary microDMx detection technology. Sionex maintains its worldwide headquarters and laboratories in Bedford, Massachusetts. The Company is privately held and was founded in 2001 with patented technology licensed exclusively from The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory. Additional information about Sionex Corporation is available at www.sionex.com.

About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com

About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has three divisions focused on the high growth detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets. It employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com

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Forward-looking Statement
Some statements in this announcement constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Sionex Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this announcement will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of this information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved.

EDITORIAL CONTACTS:
Eric Kirleis
(781) 457-5416
ekirleis@sionex.com

microDMx™ and Protection by Detection™ are trademarks of Sionex Corporation.