Merrimac Achieves ISO 9002 Certification at Costa Rica Facility

WEST CALDWELL, NJ (March 23, 1998) - Merrimac Industries, Inc. (AMEX: MRM), announces that the Standards Institute of Costa Rica, INTECO has awarded the ISO 9002 certification to Industrias Merrimac Incorporada, SA, San Jose, Costa Rica manufacturing facility. The ISO 9002 certification verifies that Merrimac Industries complies with internationally recognized standards for RF and microwave components assembly and evaluation, and complies with the requirements of the standard INTE-ISO 9002, Quality Systems Model for Quality Assurance, in production, installation and servicing.

"The ISO 9002 certification is recognized as a standard for quality by our industry worldwide. Holders of this certification have developed, demonstrated and documented standardized processes for building quality into their products and services. By achieving ISO 9002 certification at our Costa Rica facility, Merrimac is able to assure our customers that we offer the same quality performance at our new facility, that they have come to expect from Merrimac. This accomplishment is a reflection of the capable and cohesive team we have brought together in San Jose. It is something for which every co-worker can be proud," said Mason N. Carter, Chairman and CEO.

"The ISO 9002 certification is not only proof of the highest quality of products manufactured at our San Jose, Costa Rica facility, but also represents the fact that our facility complies with the highest international standards of activities such as production, planning and material management," said Neil S. Thomas, Director of Quality Assurance.

Mr. Carter continued: "We also have used the ISO 9002 certification process as a tool to manage quality during a period of extraordinary growth in our Total Engineering and Manufacturing Solutions (TEAMS) program. The process enhances our ability to deliver a consistent level of quality products globally.

"This internationally recognized competency in our globalization strategy positions us to succeed in our Goal of Profitable Growth. Concentrating our approach on the driving-force issues of the business prepares us well for the market opportunities ahead. This focus has and will allow us to provide new products and services that our customers tell us they require. The promise of a new Merrimac is being realized and the commitment grows daily."

About Merrimac

Merrimac Industries, Inc. is a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave components, assemblies and Micro-Multifunction (MMFM®) Modules serving the wireless telecommunications industry worldwide with enabling technologies for commercial applications. Merrimac is focused on providing Total Integrated Packaging Solutions^TM with Multi-Mix® Microtechnology, a leading edge competency providing value to our customers through miniaturization and integration. The Multi-Mix® process for microwave, multilayer integrated MMFM® circuits is a patented method developed at Merrimac Industries based on fluoropolymer composite substrates. The fusion bonding of multilayer structures provides a homogeneous dielectric medium for superior electrical performance at microwave frequencies. The bonded layers may incorporate embedded semiconductor devices, MMICs, etched resistors, passive circuit elements and plated-through via holes to form a three-dimensional subsystem enclosure that requires no further packaging. Merrimac Industries, Inc. is ISO 9001 certified.

Merrimac Industries, Inc., with locations in West Caldwell, NJ and San Jose, Costa Rica, has approximately 170 employees in the design and manufacture of high-performance components and subsystems for communications, defense and aerospace applications. Merrimac (MRM) is listed on the American Stock Exchange. For more information about Merrimac Industries, visit its home page at www.merrimacind.com.

This press release contains statements relating to future results of Merrimac (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic and industry conditions; slower than anticipated penetration into the satellite communications, defense and wireless markets; the risk that the benefits expected from the acquisition of Filtran Microcircuits Inc. are not realized; the ability to protect proprietary information and technology; competitive products and pricing pressures; risks relating to governmental regulatory actions in communications and defense programs; and inventory risks due to technological innovation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in Merrimac's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Merrimac undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Contacts

Mason N. Carter, Chairman and CEO,
Tel: 973.575.1300, Ext. 1202; Fax: 973.882.5989
E-mail: mnc@merrimacind.com