News Release

Merrimac First Quarter 1997 Sales and Earnings Increase; Backlog and Incoming Orders Strong

WEST CALDWELL, NJ (May 6, 1997) - Merrimac Industries, Inc. (AMEX: MRM), announces results for the first quarter 1997, reflecting solid increases in sales and earnings and a rising backlog.

First quarter 1997 sales of $4,275,000 increased 34% over the first quarter of the prior year of $3,187,000. Net income increased 10% to $278,000 for the first quarter of 1997 compared to 1996. Net income per share increased to $.18 per share or 20%. The number of weighted average common shares outstanding was reduced by 87,000 shares primarily from common stock repurchases during 1996.

The backlog at the end of the first quarter is up to $9.4 million, 15% above year-end 1996. Orders continued to be strong for Merrimac products during the first quarter. Comparison of the end of the first quarter 1997 backlog to that of the first quarter of the prior year shows a 45% increase in backlog.

President and CEO Mason N. Carter commented: "Sales volume, gross profit and net income increased despite certain transitional manufacturing and administrative costs associated with further restructuring within the organization which impacted first quarter 1997 cost of operations. We expect to continue examining our business for establishing best practices and anticipate benefits brought about by these changes. We intend to refocus our awareness on learning more about our customers and their needs in order to service them more effectively.

"I am pleased that for the past two quarters the Merrimac Team has shipped $8.3 million, which is complemented by a sales order booking rate approaching $11 million or 31% above the rate of shipments. We are encouraged that our backlog is 38% above backlog of six months ago. The challenge has been issued to our Co-workers... their performance indicates acceptance."

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. located in West Caldwell, NJ employs 160 in the design and manufacture of high-performance components for communications, defense and aerospace markets. 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