UXBRIDGE -- Xerox has been selected to receive the US National Medal of Technology, "recognising over fifty years of innovation in marking, materials, electronics, communications and software that created the modern reprographics, electronic printing, and print on demand industries." The award will be presented at the White House next month.

The National Medal of Technology is the highest honour awarded by the President of the United States to America's leading innovators. The medal is given to individuals, teams, and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions to the nation's economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialisation of technology products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and development of the nation's technological manpower.

"Xerox has been, and continues to be, a leading innovator and a key architect of the Information Age - from the first plain-paper copier to today's document processes that are revolutionising the productivity of people and businesses worldwide. This is a fantastic recognition of the top-notch work of the scientists and engineers who are at Xerox today; as well as the many Xerox people across our company who have contributed to these innovations over the past 60 years," said Sophie Vandebroek, chief technology officer and president of the Xerox Innovation Group.

The purpose of the National Medal of Technology is to recognise those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and to recognise those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the nation's technological workforce. By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the Medal also seeks to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.

The National Medal of Technology Evaluation Committee reviews and evaluates all nominations for the Medal of Technology. The committee makes its recommendations for medal candidates to the Secretary of Commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the President for final selection.

Xerox joins an illustrious group of past individuals and corporations including IBM, Bell Labs, DuPont and Dow Chemical.

Xerox's investment in innovation generates a steady stream of advanced technology. The company holds more than 8,000 active patents and invests about 6 percent of its revenue in research, development and engineering activities.

Xerox researchers, scientists and engineers conduct work in colour science, computing, digital imaging, work practices, electromechanical systems, novel materials, and other disciplines connected to Xerox's expertise in printing and document management. Named the Product Development & Management Association's Outstanding Corporate Innovator in 2006, the company consistently builds its inventions into business by embedding them in Xerox products and solutions, using them as the foundation for new business, or licensing or selling them to other entities. For more information, visit www.xerox.com/innovation.

About Xerox

Xerox markets a comprehensive range of Xerox products, solutions and services, as well as associated supplies and software. Its offerings are focused on three main areas: offices from small to large, production print and graphic arts environments, and services that include consulting, systems design and management, and document outsourcing.

Xerox also has manufacturing and logistics operations in Ireland, the UK and Holland, and a research and development facility (Xerox Research Centre Europe) in Grenoble, France. For more information visit, www.xerox.com

Xerox is a trademark of Xerox Corporation. All non-Xerox brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Prices, features, specifications, capabilities, appearance and availability of Xerox products and services are subject to change without notice.

Media Contacts:
Robert Corbishley, Xerox Europe, tel: +44 (0) 1895 843 239, email: robert.corbishley@xerox.com

Laura Lynne, Trimedia Harrison Cowley (on behalf of Xerox UK), tel: +44 (0)207 400 5584, email: Xerox@trimediahc.com