David Nycz, Academy's Vice-President/General Manager of its silver recovery and ink-refill businesses stated, "We are very pleased to make ACCUFILL INKJET SYSTEMSsm and Academy's national service capabilities available to mini-lab and other retailers. Ink consumption is exploding due to printing of digital photos and web pages. Refilling inkjet cartridges is an excellent synergistic, profit opportunity for mini-lab operators. These retailers have existing investments in floor-space and employees and already drive significant consumer traffic to the mini-lab section of their stores. We have developed reliable, compact, easy to use and cost effective inkjet refill machines that meet the needs of our retailers and their customers. Academy's financial strength, reputation and existing in-store services make ACCUFILL INKJET SYSTEMSsm the perfect choice for retailers".

ACCUFILL INKJET SYSTEMSsm comes in counter-top or floor models. The counter-top version is 36"W x 22"D x 36"H. They are capable of refilling over 75% of current OEM integrated cartridges. ACCUFILL INKJET SYSTEMSsm use centrifuge or vacuum systems to remove ink and ultrasonic or atomizer cleaners to prepare cartridge heads for refilling and printing. Refilling is accomplished through vacuum assisted pressure filling. An integrated tester ensures proper circuit and print capabilities. Touch-screen step by step instructions make employee operation easy and error-free. The ACCUFILL INKJET SYSTEMSsm will use OCP inks which provide the highest quality ink refill result for consumers. Germany-based OCP GmbH is a leading producer of inks for inkjet cartridges.

Academy will offer installation, training, full warranty, an 800 number technical help desk and Academy's own industry acclaimed in-store services. Photo mini-lab operators can also bundle their silver recovery and inkjet cartridge refill equipment and services at combined costs adding to retailer profitability of these services to their customers.

David Nycz continued, "It is an elegant competitive response to the printer/ink manufacturers who have siphoned off mini-lab operator revenues. It provides retailers an opportunity to better serve customers and drive more traffic to other store departments. Retailers can also improve their sales of OEM and compatible inkjet cartridges for those circumstances when a customer's inkjet cartridge cannot be refilled due to damage or age. Retailers can help their customers and themselves to RECYCLE, REFILL and $REWARDS$sm."

Academy Corporation, founded in 1979, is a precious metals materials sciences company, with projected 2006 revenues of $120 million, 212 employees and facilities throughout the United States and in China.