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AST Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence in Innovation and Looks to the Future of Drug Product Manufacturing

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This milestone celebration sets the stage for AST’s next phase of strategic growth, anchored by its revitalized Mission, Vision, and Purpose statements

TACOMA, Wash., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AST marked the launch of its 60th anniversary year at INTERPHEX 2025, using the prestigious industry event as a springboard to highlight six decades of innovation. Building on the momentum of being named “Best in Show” at INTERPHEX 2024, AST entered its 60th anniversary receiving another reputable honor: the INTERPHEX Efficiency Champion award. This back-to-back recognition highlights not only AST’s legacy of innovation but also its forward-looking approach to advancing excellence across the industry.

AST was founded in Tacoma, Washington, in 1965. From the beginning, the company pursued a clear vision: provide advanced automated manufacturing solutions driven by a commitment to quality engineering, American ingenuity, and a customer-first approach. Now, for six decades, AST has been a leader in the advanced manufacturing space, and in 2004, the company leveraged its combined expertise and experience to begin providing flexible automation for life science applications.   

AST’s initial success was found in innovative manufacturing solutions designed and built by a small team of engineers, including prototypes and first-of-its-kind technologies that would set new standards in what was possible with automation. These early solutions would serve as the foundation for the later technologies that AST would become recognized for. AST continued to grow over the years, and the advanced solutions they provided gained a reputation for excellence across multiple industries, including hygiene, carbon fiber, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.   

A Timeline of Life Science Innovation.
AST has steadily evolved into a pioneer in aseptic manufacturing automation, marked by a series of industry-first innovations. In 2004, AST served its first life science customer, laying the foundation for what would become a legacy of excellence. By 2010, the company redefined industry standards with the launch of the ASEPTiCell®—the industry’s first robotic multiformat machine capable of processing RTU vials, syringes, and cartridges on a single line. Building on this momentum, AST introduced the GENiSYS® product family, starting with the GENiSYS C solution in 2016, followed by the GENiSYS Lab in 2017 and the fully robotic GENiSYS R in 2018.

In 2019, AST debuted its first isolated GENiSYS C line, reinforcing its leadership in integrated aseptic solutions. Most recently, with the 2024 launch of the Atmos™ isolator, AST became the only US-based manufacturer of integrated aseptic filling lines with isolator technology, underscoring its commitment to continued innovation and turnkey solutions. Now in 2025, AST is marking the next chapter in its mission to support the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing by expanding its portfolio with the introduction of the Shield™ glove integrity testing system and its digital suite of products and services with the launch of its digital twin tool—a preview of AST’s’ advanced solutions dedicated to digital and data integration.

AST’s Most Trusted Partners.
One of the cornerstones of AST’s strategic framework is providing innovative, customer-centric solutions for numerous stakeholders throughout the industry, comprising leading CDMOs, commercial pharmaceutical companies of every size, 503 entities, and biotech ventures. AST solutions support the broad scope of sterile product manufacturing applications, including advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), vaccine development, compounded products for hospital and health care settings, and breakthrough research and development initiatives.  

AST customers have been at the forefront of delivering innovative parenteral treatments that have advanced patient-centered medicine and have led to significant progress in the treatment of rare diseases, cancers, autoimmune, and other highly targeted conditions.

“As I reflect on this significant anniversary for AST, I think of the many customers that we’ve been privileged to serve, the A&Es and consultants we’ve worked with and alongside, and the exceptional AST Team that have made this journey possible – so many of whom have become close friends,” commented AST President and CEO Joe Hoff. “In marking our 60th year, AST is looking towards the future with optimism and intention. Our industry continues to move towards advanced technologies with improved, integrated processes that produce higher standards of quality and efficiency.”

Looking Towards the Future: AST Revitalizes Its Mission.
As AST reflects on six decades of innovation and impact, the company remains firmly focused on the future. In alignment with this forward momentum—and to support its next phase of strategic growth—AST is proud to introduce its revitalized Mission, Vision, and Purpose statements, thoughtfully crafted to guide the company’s continued evolution and long-term success.

These statements reinforce the company’s core values while aligning its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer partnership—ensuring AST remains a trusted leader in the life science industry for decades to come.

Mission
AST develops intelligent, intuitive, and innovative solutions that minimize (and where possible eliminate) process, efficacy, and safety risks associated with drug product manufacturing. We will consider all format applications, including but not limited to vials, syringes, cartridges, infusion bags, inhalers, bottles, and devices. 

Vision
AST strives to be one of our customers’ most trusted partners for drug product manufacturing. 

Purpose
The solutions AST delivers today enable life-changing therapies to reach more patients, in a race against time, where every day matters. 

“This revitalized mission statement sets a bold course for AST’s future. As we continue to lead in aseptic fill-finish solutions, we are also expanding to meet the growing demand for integrated and downstream technologies — prioritizing product efficacy, safety, and, most importantly, the long-term success of our customers,” said Joe Hoff.

ABOUT AST 
AST is a pioneering force in aseptic fill-finish processing technology, committed to pushing the boundaries of industry standards. With a rich history of innovation, AST delivers cutting-edge solutions that enable pharmaceutical manufacturers to achieve optimal efficiency and product quality. To learn more about AST, visit https://www.ast-inc.com/

To keep up with AST’s latest anniversary initiatives and highlights throughout the year, please visit: https://www.ast-inc.com/the-ast-story-60-years-of-innovation/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Brittany Cooksey
Marketing Manager
marketing@ast-inc.com

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SOURCE AST

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VNET Announces Changes to Leadership Team

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BEIJING, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VNET Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNET) (“VNET” or the “Company”), today announced that Mr. Qiyu Wang has resigned from his position as VNET’s Chief Financial Officer for personal reasons, effective April 30, 2026. Mr. Wang’s resignation is not due to any disagreement with the Company, nor does it relate to the Company’s operations, policies, practices, accounting matters, or procedures.

Mr. Josh Sheng Chen, Founder, Executive Chairperson and Interim Chief Executive Officer of VNET, commented, “On behalf of the Company, I would like to thank Qiyu for his contributions during his tenure. His financial discipline and strategic insight have been instrumental to the Company’s growth. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

In February 2026, the Company announced the appointment of Mr. Peter Zhihua Zhang as Senior Vice President, Operational Finance of VNET, to oversee the Company’s financial operations and to serve as the Company’s “principal accounting officer” in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws, SEC rules, and Nasdaq requirements. Since joining VNET in 2019, Mr. Zhang has demonstrated extensive expertise in multiple key roles within the Company’s finance operations.

About VNET

VNET Group, Inc. is a leading carrier- and cloud-neutral internet data center services provider in China. VNET provides hosting and related services, including IDC services, cloud services, and business VPN services to improve the reliability, security, and speed of its customers’ internet infrastructure. Customers may locate their servers and equipment in VNET’s data centers and connect to China’s internet backbone. VNET operates in more than 30 cities throughout China, servicing a diversified and loyal base of over 7,000 hosting and related enterprise customers that span numerous industries ranging from internet companies to government entities and blue-chip enterprises to small- to mid-sized enterprises.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “target,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement as well as VNET’s strategic and operational plans contain forward-looking statements. VNET may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about VNET’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: VNET’s goals and strategies; VNET’s liquidity conditions; VNET’s expansion plans; the expected growth of the data center services market; expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, VNET’s services; VNET’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers; VNET’s plans to invest in research and development to enhance its solution and service offerings; and general economic and business conditions in the regions where VNET provides solutions and services. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in VNET’s reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and VNET undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Xinyuan Liu
Tel: +86 10 8456 2121
Email: ir@vnet.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vnet-announces-changes-to-leadership-team-302747154.html

SOURCE VNET Group, Inc.

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Steven Rivera Appointed Chief Revenue Officer of NRI North America

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NEW YORK, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nomura Research Institute (NRI), a leading global provider of consulting and technology services, today announced that Steven Rivera has been appointed Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for North America.

In this role, Rivera will oversee revenue-related functions across the region, including sales, marketing, demand generation, strategic partnerships, and client engagement.

Rivera brings more than 26 years of experience to the role, having held sales and marketing leadership positions within the cybersecurity, managed services, and consulting sectors. Over the course of his career, he has led the development of integrated go-to-market strategies and supported organizations in strengthening client relationships and operational alignment.

Prior to joining NRI, Rivera served as Chief Revenue Officer at Logically, where he was responsible for coordinating revenue functions across sales, marketing, client support, and pricing. His work focused on improving organizational alignment and supporting consistent business performance.

“Steven’s experience across revenue leadership and his background in cybersecurity and consulting are well-aligned with our priorities in North America,” said Toshi Oiwa, Chief Executive Officer of NRI North America. “We believe his perspective will contribute to the steady advancement of our regional capabilities and support our efforts to further deepen relationships with our clients over the long term.”

Rivera’s areas of expertise include enterprise sales leadership, revenue operations, cloud and cybersecurity solutions, and financial planning. He also brings experience in security consulting, risk analysis, program management, and governance, risk & compliance (GRC).

About NRI

In North America, NRI is a business and technology solutions consultancy. Guiding our clients from insight to execution, we design and deliver solutions that fuel growth, grow profitability, and result in lasting innovation. NRI has more than 16,000 employees in 16 countries and regions including New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. NRI reports annual sales above US $4.8 billion and is rated “A” by S&P Global Ratings Japan. Learn more at www.nri-na.com

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SOURCE NRI

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Ionic Digital Announces March 2026 Mining and Operations Update

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AUSTIN, Texas, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ionic Digital Inc. (“Ionic Digital” or the “Company”), a digital infrastructure company supporting the expanding needs of AI and high-performance computing, today issued its unaudited Mining and Operations Update for March 2026.

In March, Ionic Digital mined 28.05 Bitcoin (“BTC”), a decrease of 14.9% compared to the prior month. The Company’s site production varied in line with strategic adjustments, following fleet consolidation.

The decline in production was driven by a 19.4% decrease in average hashrate and a 6.8% reduction in network block production, partially offset by a 3.3% decline in the global hashrate. Ionic’s share of the global hashrate declined 16.6% month-over-month to 0.21%, reflecting a sharper reduction in company output relative to the total network.

At our four Midland sites, production was 24.26 BTC, a 4.7% month-over-month increase, as the most efficient miners from the Oklahoma GXD facility came online at Midland. At GXD, production was 3.79 BTC, a planned decrease of 61.2% month-over-month due to continued de-racking and reduced operational contribution.

The daily average hashrate was 2.04 EH/s, down 19.4% compared to the prior month, due to the discontinuation of the GXD hosting contract and removal of miners (-62.5%), while Midland remained relatively stable (-1.2%).

Ionic Digital continues to maintain its zero-debt position and liquidated no BTC in March. As of March 31, 2026, the Company held 2,815.6 BTC, an increase of approximately 28.2 BTC over the prior month.

Key Mining and Operating Metrics Summary

Metric

March 2026

Capacity (MW)1

112.0

Efficiency (J/THs)2

29.1

Daily Average Hashrate (EH/s)3

2.04

BTC Mined4

28.05

Average BTC Mined/Day5

0.90

BTC Sold

0.0

BTC Holdings6

2,815.6

Total current energy available at the four Midland sites, representing a change in previous reporting.
Previous reporting only measured total current capacity for mining activities available at hosted and directly
owned sites.Represents the capabilities of active miners during the reporting period.The reported hashrate is derived from internal performance data. Hashrate values reflect miner downtime
and curtailment.Gross BTC mined of 28.05 BTC. No hosting fees were paid in BTC for March 2026.Average BTC/Day in the prior month was 1.18.BTC Holdings excludes 0.9 BTC earned but in transit as of month-end, a change of -0.2 BTC from prior
month. The BTC balance at the end of the prior month was 2,787.4 BTC.

About Ionic Digital 
Ionic Digital Inc. is a digital infrastructure company that develops strategic powered land assets for data centers, high-performance computing (HPC) and cryptocurrency mining. Learn more at www.ionicdigital.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ionic-digital-announces-march-2026-mining-and-operations-update-302746771.html

SOURCE Ionic Digital Inc.

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