Mexico's IMP Opens New Microscopy Center With FEI Tools


HILLSBORO, Oregon/October 3, 2006-Mexico's national research petroleum institute, the Instituto Mexicano del Petroleo (IMP), will open its new center for advanced microscopy and research tomorrow. In planning since 2002, the center features a complete suite of FEI tools that enable advanced nanoscale research and development. The opening was announced jointly by IMP and FEI Company (Nasdaq: FEIC).

The state of the art center features FEI's XL 30 environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), a Nova 200 NanoLab(TM), the first DualBeam(TM) installed in Latin America, two Tecnai(TM) transmission electron microscopes (TEMs), and FEI's flagship product, a Titan(TM) S/TEM, the world's most powerful commercially-available microscope.

Researchers at IMP will use the FEI tools for a variety of applications including the study and development of catalysts for more efficient fuels, fuel cell membranes, and new nano-enabled materials such as anticorrosive products for oil refineries and pipelines, among others.

"Throughout the planning process for our new center, we focused on selecting tools that would deliver groundbreaking results and reliability for our researchers and developers working on a wide spectrum of projects," explained Dr. Marcelo Lozada y Cassou, Director of the Molecular Engineering Program. "With FEI's proven solutions, history of technology innovation and excellent record for customer support, we believe IMP's center is well positioned for the future."

Opening ceremonies for the new center will be attended by prominent officials of PEMEX and leading research Institutes of Mexico.

"FEI's tools are supporting important scientific projects aimed at solving some of the world's most critical challenges. As the world's energy needs increase dramatically and traditional fuel sources diminish, the need for new and more environment-friendly fuel sources has new urgency," said Don Kania, FEI's president and CEO. "We are pleased to have been selected by IMP as their partner for tools and industrial applications that will support the development of nano-enabled products that can address both energy and environmental issues."

About IMP
IMP is a fully decentralized and legally-independent public organization of the Federal Government of Mexico. Its fundamental objectives are the scientific research and technical development required for the petroleum, petrochemical and chemical industries, the supply of technical services to these industries, and the commercialization of services and technological products resulting from research. It is also responsible for the development of highly specialized human resources to support the areas in which the Institute and its associates are involved.

About FEI
FEI is a global leader in providing innovative instruments for nanoscale imaging, analysis and prototyping. FEI focuses on delivering solutions that provide groundbreaking results and accelerate research, development and manufacturing cycles for its customers in Semiconductor and Datastorage, Academic and Industrial R&D, and Life Sciences markets. With R&D centers in North America, Europe, and India, and sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world, FEI's Tools for Nanotech(TM) are bringing the nanoscale within the grasp of leading researchers and manufacturers. More information can be found online at: www.fei.com.

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