SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., Aug. 6 /EMWNews/ -- Gerber

Scientific, Inc. (NYSE: GRB), a worldwide leader in integrated automation

solutions, today announced it is reducing its global work force by

approximately 6 percent. This reduction is in response to a significant

softening in demand during the fiscal first quarter ended July 31, 2008 for

the Company's ophthalmic lens processing and apparel and flexible materials

equipment. However, as a result of these actions and the continued ramp up

in demand and production of sign making and specialty graphics products,

the Company confirms its previous full year earnings guidance for fiscal

year 2009 of between $0.72 and $0.82 per diluted share.



    In connection with the reductions, Gerber expects to record

approximately $1.0 million in charges for severance benefits, all in the

form of cash payments, during the second quarter of this fiscal year. The

actions will eliminate approximately 135 positions worldwide, and result in

expected savings of approximately $5.5 million in fiscal 2009 and

approximately $8.8 million annualized savings going forward.



    "While the longer-term outlook for our apparel cutting and lens

processing equipment is positive and we still expect to sell between 400

and 600 Solara ion(TM) printers for the year, we believe it is prudent to

act aggressively now to respond to current market softness," commented Marc

T. Giles, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gerber Scientific, Inc.

"While this was a difficult decision for us to make, these work force

actions were necessary for us to achieve our commitment to continuously

improve our operating margins."



    Gerber has updated its revenue expectations for this fiscal year ending

April 30, 2009 to be in the range of $660 to $690 million, or up 3 to 8

percent from fiscal 2008. While this revenue guidance is about $30 million

below previous guidance, the Company continues to confirm its previous full

year earnings guidance for fiscal year 2009 of between $0.72 and $0.82 per

diluted share, net of the anticipated severance charges, but expects this

year's fiscal first quarter earnings to fall below the same quarter of last

year.

    About Gerber Scientific, Inc.



    Gerber Scientific, Inc. (http://www.gerberscientific.com) is a leading

international supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for

sign making, specialty graphics and packaging, apparel and flexible

materials, and ophthalmic lens processing industries. Headquartered in

South Windsor, Connecticut, the company operates through four businesses:

Gerber Scientific Products and Spandex, Gerber Technology, and Gerber

Coburn.



    Forward-looking Statements:



    This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the

meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements contained in this news release

regarding the Company's expected financial condition, results of

operations, cash flows, product launches and planned cost reductions are

forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For

information identifying other important economic, political, regulatory,

legal, technological, competitive and other risks and uncertainties,

readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Securities and

Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, the information included

in Gerber Scientific's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended

April 30, 2008 under the headings "Business," "Risk Factors" and

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of

Operations -- Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Influence Future

Results," as well as information included in subsequently filed quarterly

reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, which outline certain

important risks regarding the Company's forward-looking statements. The

forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the

date of this release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to

update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release,

except as required by law.