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Commitments and Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Nov. 02, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

(15) Commitments and Contingencies

Product Replacement Program

In April 2013, tests conducted by the Company revealed that one of its suppliers had been using non-conforming material in the cover of the power supply used in certain models of Astro-Med’s Test & Measurement printers. No malfunctions have been reported by customers as a result of the non-conforming material.

 

Upon identifying this issue, Astro-Med immediately suspended production of the printers, notified all customers and contacted the supplier who confirmed the problem. Astro-Med is working with its customers to replace the non-conforming material on existing printers with conforming material and will do this on a gradual basis over several months. The estimated costs associated with the replacement program are $672,000, which was based upon the number of printers shipped during the period the non-conforming material was used. Those costs have been recognized and recorded in the first quarter and are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended November 2, 2013. The related remaining reserve amount of $520,000 is included in Other Accrued Expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet dated November 2, 2013.

Astro-Med is currently receiving power supplies with compliant materials and has resumed printer production and shipments to customers.

Since Astro-Med’s supplier deviated from the agreed upon specifications for the power supply while providing certificates of conformance to the original specifications, the Company is currently in negotiations with the supplier and is seeking recovery for the costs and associated with this issue.