ATLANTA, Feb. 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SIPCO, LLC is pleased to announce that Mueller Systems, a leading innovator in water meters, metering systems and water management technology, has entered into a license agreement and become a member of SIPCO's Essential Wireless MeshTM ("EWM") Patent Portfolio. Mueller Systems is a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA), a leading North American provider of water infrastructure products and services.
The EWM Patent Portfolio provides an energy-efficient design that municipalities can use to implement wireless mesh networks. Combining the leading water infrastructure developments and proprietary technologies of Mueller Systems with the EWM Patent Portfolio creates a high-performance, low-cost Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) mesh system that can benefit municipalities of all sizes.
"Wireless mesh architectures offer a cost effective, robust and extensive network that can help municipalities better manage their water and energy needs and enhance revenue," said Hassan Ali, vice president and general manager of Mueller Systems. "By partnering with SIPCO, we not only strengthen our AMI offerings but also our ability to help municipalities with advanced solutions for leak detection, pipe condition diagnostics, remote disconnect, pressure management and water infrastructure management."
T. David Petite, chief executive officer of SIPCO, LLC, said, "We are pleased to have Mueller Systems join our network of industry leaders that are helping to develop Smart Networks. I have always seen water conservation and management as a major beneficiary of mesh networking. In fact, our first deployments with water utilities were over a decade ago. We see the benefits of sensor networks for management of water infrastructure and conservation to be as big and important of a change to the water industry, as the Smart Grid initiative is to the electricity industry. Mueller Systems is a thought leader in this space and we look forward to helping them meet their product goals. We are all committed to providing their customers with state-of-the-art mesh solutions. We have worked hard to develop an energy-efficient platform for connecting devices. We believe that, by partnering with Mueller Systems, we will be able to help municipalities and consumers better manage their water resources."
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, plan, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:
- the level of spending on water and wastewater infrastructure;
- the demand level of manufacturing and construction activity;
- our ability to service our debt obligations; and
- the other factors that are described in the section entitled "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1A of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. We do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we file this press release, except as required by law.
About SIPCO
SIPCO, a privately held company located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the leading developers of wireless mesh technology, providing technology to its customers and licensees. SIPCO also provides critical patent rights through the ESSENTIAL WIRELESS MESHTM Patent Portfolio for various wireless infrastructure systems and service applications. For more information visit its web site at and .
About Mueller Systems
Mueller Systems offers a full line of residential, fire line and commercial meters, AMR / AMI systems and related products. Mueller Systems provides Smart Metering solutions to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Municipalities that supply electricity, water or gas – or any combination of the three services – need innovative ways to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, conserve energy and water, and improve customer service. The Mi.Net™ Mueller Infrastructure Network for Utilities from Mueller Systems meets that need. For more information about Mueller Systems, please visit the Company's website at
About Mueller Water Products, Inc.
Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities throughout North America. Our broad product portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe fittings, water meters and ductile iron pipe, which are used by municipalities, as well as the residential and non-residential construction industries. With latest 12 months net sales through December 31, 2010 of $1.3 billion, the Company is comprised of three operating segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company employs approximately 4,800 people. The Company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MWA. For more information about Mueller Water Products, Inc., please visit the Company's website at
CONTACT: Investor Contact: Martie Edmunds Zakas Sr. Vice President - Strategy, Corporate Development & Communications 770-206-4237 mzakas@muellerwp.com Media Contact: John Pensec Director - Corporate Communications & Public Affairs 770-206-4240 jpensec@muellerwp.com