Mid-Continent Instrument Company Signs Agreement with A123 Systems to Supply Advanced Nanophosphate® Lithium-ion Battery Technology for Aviation Applications

WICHITA, Kan., June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc. announced that it has further strengthened its True Blue Power® division by signing a distribution and supply agreement with A123 Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: AONE) by which Mid-Continent will offer A123's advanced Nanophosphate® lithium-ion battery technology for aviation applications.

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True Blue Power, which was announced in March 2011, initially began by offering two inverters and the TS835 Emergency Power Supply (EPS), the industry's first FAA TSO-approved EPS to feature A123 technology. Lithium-ion battery technology offers stable chemistry, faster charging, consistent output, excellent cycle life and superior cost performance. Under the agreement with A123, True Blue Power will provide lithium-ion cells, modules and custom power solutions to the aviation community.

"Through its True Blue Power division, Mid-Continent has established itself as a leading provider of advanced aviation battery systems, and we believe that this strategic partnership will allow A123's Nanophosphate lithium-ion technology to be more readily available to this market," said Robert Johnson, vice president of the Energy Solutions Group at A123 Systems, Inc. "We expect that Mid-Continent's extensive aviation expertise and its impressive customer portfolio will enable us to capitalize on the rapidly growing market for advanced lithium-ion battery technology for emergency power supplies, starter batteries and other aviation applications."

Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., A123 Systems develops and manufactures advanced lithium-ion batteries and battery systems for the transportation, electric grid and commercial markets. Built on breakthrough nanoscale materials initially developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), A123's proprietary Nanophosphate chemistry is designed to deliver high power, excellent safety and long life.

"Mid-Continent's True Blue Power division will work with customers to develop custom power solutions utilizing A123's innovative lithium-ion chemistry for a wide range of aviation-related applications," said John Gallman, True Blue Power division director.  "A123's Nanophosphate battery technology clearly offers advantages over lead-acid products, including faster charging and consistent power over a wide state-of-charge (SOC) range. This translates into smaller, lighter products." For example, the True Blue Power TS835 Emergency Power Supply, which features lithium-ion batteries from A123, is more than 66 percent lighter than its competition.

True Blue Power products are easily distinguished by their signature blue casings. They combine proven technology with the superior quality, ingenuity and decades of experience that customers have come to expect from Mid-Continent Instrument Company.

More details about the agreement with A123 and how Mid-Continent Instrument Company envisions integrating A123's technology into its product offerings is available via podcast featuring John Gallman, True Blue Power division director. For more information about True Blue Power products, contact Tom Genovese, director of sales, at 316-630-0101 or visit www.truebluepowerusa.com.

About Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc. (dba Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics)           
Mid-Continent Instrument Company manufactures and repairs aircraft instruments, avionics and power solutions for the general aviation industry. Services at the Wichita, Kan., facility include custom design, manufacturing, overhaul/exchange and repair. The company's Van Nuys, Calif. facility provides new instrument sales and is the top-rated instrument overhaul shop on the West Coast. Mid-Continent products are found in most Cessna-built aircraft and Hawker Beechcraft's line of Bonanzas, Barons and King Airs. Other key customers include Garmin International, Cirrus, Diamond, Piper, Robinson Helicopter Co., Vulcanair, Eurocopter and Bell Helicopter. For more information, visit www.mcico.com.

About True Blue Power^®             
True Blue Power^®, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc., specializes in the custom design and manufacture of power solutions for the general aviation industry. Select products feature A123's breakthrough Nanophosphate^® lithium-ion battery technology, which offers stable chemistry, faster charging, consistent output, excellent cycle life and superior cost performance — this translates into smaller, lighter products that are less than half the size and weight of existing solutions. For more information, visit www.truebluepowerusa.com.

Related Links:
True Blue Power 
A123 Systems, Inc. 
Agreement Podcast 
Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc. 

SOURCE Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc.