Press Releases / Lucas Posts Double-Digit Growth In 2008

Mar 17, 2009

Lucas Posts Double-Digit Growth In 2008

Company Reports 11th Straight Year of Profitability with 39% Profit Growth; Adds Senior Managers to Continue Expansion in 2009

Lucas Systems, the leading provider of voice-directed warehouse applications for open, mobile computers, today reported significant revenue and profit growth in 2008, and announced two additions to its management team. Net income increased 39 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, and revenue grew more than 10 percent for the year, including significant growth in the fourth quarter. New executive managers are James Margaria, Director of Engineering, and Christopher Sweeney, Senior Vice President.

“2008 was a difficult year for many companies, yet we managed to grow our revenues, profits, and market share in a tough, competitive environment,” said Jeff Slevin, COO of Lucas Systems. “Retailers and wholesale distributors continue to recognize the value of our comprehensive, configurable Jennifer™ voice applications that deliver a rapid, significant ROI. We are also benefiting from the market transition away from voice-only hardware terminals to industry standard mobile computers that reduce operating costs for customers. As the leader in hardware-independent voice applications with a large and loyal customer base, we are well positioned to continue to grow our market share in the warehouse voice market, even as the economy continues to struggle in 2009.”

Significant new customer projects in 2008 included Do it Best Corp., Cornerstone Brands, and Henry Schein. Lucas also earned significant new business from long-time customers, including OfficeMax and C&S Wholesale Grocers. In late 2008 the company signed two of the largest voice application projects in the industry with leading multi-site distributors in healthcare and industrial distribution. These two projects are now underway.

To support ongoing growth, Lucas continues to add technical, sales and support staff in Pittsburgh and in its satellite office in Colorado. Lucas also announced two new members of the executive management team. James Margaria joined Lucas in the fourth quarter of 2008 and Chris Sweeney is joining Lucas at the start of April.

“Jim and Chris each bring management skills and experience that will be critical as Lucas enters its next phase of expansion and growth,” said Rick Brown, president and CEO of Lucas Systems. “Jim is a seasoned technology manager who brings energy, discipline and focus as we continue to expand and upgrade our products. Chris’ business development and marketing expertise will help us expand our market share and awareness in this growing market.”

Chris Sweeney joins Lucas with 25 years of sales and marketing leadership in the technology industry, ranging from established international companies like IBM to growing, entrepreneurial companies, including Stargate, one of the earliest Internet pioneers in the Pittsburgh area. Prior to joining Lucas, Chris was the President and CEO of 3 Rivers Connect, a Pittsburgh-based consulting group promoting innovative technology solutions for education, government and social services organizations. At Lucas, Chris’ role will be to accelerate the company’s revenue growth and strategic expansion.

Jim Margaria has over 20 years of experience architecting, integrating, and supporting ERP and other large-scale systems across complex, multi-division enterprises, with a strong background in process and software engineering. As Director of Engineering, Jim is focused on the continued development and evolution of the Jennifer™ voice applications and architecture, and the integration of Jennifer software with other enterprise systems. Prior to Lucas, Jim was a senior software development manager with a multi-division distribution and services company.

About Lucas Systems, Inc.
Since 1998, Lucas Systems has delivered more voice-directed warehouse applications on a wider variety of mobile computers than any other company. Customers like Cardinal Health, the Container Store, HD Supply, OfficeMax, Mondelez (formerly Kraft Nabisco) and Rust-Oleum trust Lucas to deliver solutions that greatly improve worker productivity and accuracy because Lucas truly understands warehouse operations. Jennifer VoicePlus, the Lucas voice solution, creates a conversation with warehouse workers that frees their hands and eyes to focus on the job at hand. Jennifer also provides managers and supervisors with real-time reporting and management tools that help them better manage their operations. Tens of thousands of associates at hundreds of distribution centers work with Jennifer every day.

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