LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - Oct. 7, 2015 - Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in solutions and services that provide real-time visibility into organizations' assets, people and transactions, and KNS Communications Consultants, a provider of high-end technical solutions for wireless implementations, announced that the Zebra wireless (WLAN) AP 7161 access point is being deployed by Westmoreland Coal Company, the fourth largest coal mining operation in the world and the oldest independent coal company in the United States.

Westmoreland's Wyoming Kemmerer mine, which is the oldest open pit mine in the U.S., with over 70 pieces of mining equipment spread across 13,400 acres all needed to be reliably and constantly connected to the mine's WLAN network. Westmoreland wanted to improve the efficiency and profitability of the Kemmerer mine by enabling remote monitoring and maintenance, connecting the equipment and fleet management system, and extending internet access to all on-site workers and contractors.

KEY FACTS

• Improved data collection - the AP 7161 can be installed on vehicles such as shovels and backhoes that can pull information from the equipment and improve day-to-day management.
• Dramatic reduction in shovel repair costs - engineers can perform most repairs remotely in less than an hour, compared to the average of two to three days.
• Substantial increase in equipment uptime - the real-time data collected from the equipment has allowed maintenance engineers to perform timely programming upkeep to optimize operations and prevent equipment breakdown, saving millions of dollars.
• Added mine production - streamlined processes and increased equipment availability translate into reduced idle time and movement of more loads per shift.
• Increased equipment lifecycle - timely maintenance and the ability to monitor and manage how operators treat equipment helps extend the life expectancy of the equipment.
• Improved wireless network utilization - network administrators can monitor all users and traffic on the wireless network to prevent unauthorized use and pinpoint which access point and mobile device are involved.

SUPPORTING QUOTES

Don Rily, Kemmerer IT director, Westmoreland Coal Company
'We take pride in deploying state-of-the-art technologies to maximize equipment utilization, production, operational efficiencies and worker safety. We chose KNS Communications Consultants and Zebra for their experience and the reliability and superior bandwidth of the WLAN solution. It was the best option available for a rugged environment, and we are extremely pleased with the performance and cost savings offered by this solution.'

Imran Akbar, vice president, Enterprise Networking Communications, Zebra Technologies
'We are delighted to be working with KNS Communications Consultants to provide Westmoreland with increased visibility into their operations at the Kemmerer mine. Our WLAN infrastructure has improved the mine's operational efficiency, productivity and profitability, and it has given their mobile workers increased connectivity needed to excel in a tough environment.'

Sue Thomas, president, KNS Communications Consultants
'The reliability, ease of deployment and power of the AP7161 is why this solution was the perfect fit at Kemmerer. Additionally, the predictability and support we get from Zebra is why we use it in many of our worldwide deployments.'

SUPPORTING RESOURCES
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