<PAGE 1>

        UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


                      WASHINGTON, DC  20549


                            FORM 8-K

                         CURRENT REPORT


               PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
               THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  March 24, 1998


                     GERBER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
                -----------------------------------
                   (Exact name of Registrant as
                    specified in its charter)


           CONNECTICUT              1-5865          06-0640743
 ------------------------------  ------------  --------------------
  (State or other jurisdiction    (Commission    (I.R.S. Employer
       of incorporation or         File No.)   Identification No.)
          organization)


 83 Gerber Road West, South Windsor, Connecticut         06074
--------------------------------------------------  ---------------
     (Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)



Registrant's Telephone Number, including area       (860) 644-1551
code:                                               ---------------



                         Not applicable
                     -----------------------
  (Former name or former address, if changes since last report)

<PAGE 2>

Item 5. Other Events.

See  the following press release, dated March 24, 1998, announcing
recommended cash offers for Spandex PLC.



Contact:  Gary  K. Bennett             For Immediate Release
         (860) 648-8004                       March 24, 1998


       Gerber Scientific, Inc. Announces Recommended Cash
   Offers for Spandex PLC Acquisition of European Distributor
     Will Enhance Gerber's Position in Global Signmaking and
                    Specialty Graphics Markets

South  Windsor,  CT-Gerber Scientific,  Inc.  (NYSE:   GRB),  the
world's  leading supplier of automated manufacturing systems  for
the  signmaking, apparel, ophthalmic, and other industries, today
announced  cash  offers  for the entire issued  and  to-be-issued
share  capital of UK-based Spandex PLC (LSE:  SPA),  the  largest
distributor of equipment and related materials to the  signmaking
industry in Europe and North America.

Gerber Scientific is offering 325 pence in cash, with a Loan Note
Alternative,  for each Ordinary Share of Spandex, and  325  pence
with  a Loan Note Alternative, for each Spandex "A" Share.  These
two  offers, for the entire issued and to-be-issued share  capital
of  Spandex, value  the  company at approximately  109.2  million
pounds sterling (approximately  $183 million).  The offers have been
unanimously recommended  by  the  board  of  directors  of  Spandex.
Gerber Scientific  has received irrevocable undertakings to  accept
its offer  from  the  founder  and Chairman of  Spandex,  Charles  E.
Dobson,  and  from others, in respect of shares  representing  in
aggregate, 54.5 percent of the total Ordinary and "A"  Shares  of
Spandex.

In its results for the year ended December 31, 1997, announced on
March  10,  1998,  Spandex reported profit  before  tax  of  9.0
million pounds sterling ($14.8   million),  on  revenues  of   101.3
million pounds sterling ($167   million).    Gerber  Scientific
anticipates   that   the acquisition, which is expected to close
in May 1998, will make  a positive  contribution to its earnings for
its next  fiscal  year which begins May 1, 1998. Upon  completion
of the transaction, Spandex will become a wholly owned  subsidiary
of Gerber Scientific, Inc. Another  of  Gerber Scientific's   wholly
owned  subsidiaries,   Gerber Scientific Products  (GSP),  produces
the automated signmaking  systems for which  Spandex  has served as
principal distributor  in  most  of Europe  for  many  years.  More
recently, Spandex  has  become  a distributor  for  GSP  in North
America.   The  products  of  GSP represented approximately 12 percent
of Spandex's 1997 revenue.

<PAGE 3>

"Through  the  sales and marketing expertise of Spandex  and  the
engineering   and  manufacturing  capabilities  of  GSP,   Gerber
Scientific  will  be positioned to exploit opportunities  in  the
rapidly  growing signmaking and specialty graphics  markets.   We
will  also  secure  a  very  familiar, high-quality  distribution
channel  for our own products, as well as those of third  parties
in the signmaking industry," said Mr. George M. Gentile, Chairman
and  Chief  Executive Officer of Gerber Scientific.  "We  believe
Spandex's  business model can be replicated in  other  geographic
markets, such as South America, Central America, Eastern  Europe,
and  Asia, where there are significant opportunities for the  two
companies' products," continued Mr. Gentile.

Mr. Charles E. Dobson, the founder and Chairman of Spandex, said,
"Spandex   is  pleased  to  announce  this  merger  with   Gerber
Scientific.   We have a longstanding business relationship  which
is  now  set to prosper further.  Together, we will benefit  from
the  closer  alignment  of  Gerber  Scientific's  skills  as   an
inventive  manufacturer and those of Spandex as  a  marketer  and
distributor."

Gerber  Scientific expects to mail the formal offer  document  to
Spandex shareholders shortly.

Schroders  is  Gerber  Scientific's  financial  advisor  for  the
transaction.   Spandex  is  represented  by  Dresdner   Kleinwort
Benson.   Financing  for the transaction  is  being  provided  by
Wachovia Bank, N.A.

GSP  revolutionized signmaking in the early 1980s by  introducing
automation  systems  that sharply reduced laborious  manual  work
while  enhancing signmaker creativity, graphic impact,  and  sign
durability.   Typical  GSP end users are  sign  shops  or  screen
printers, and also include large specialized users such as point-
of-sale   marketing  organizations,  fabricators,   entertainment
complexes, and race-car-teams.  GSP had revenues of $116  million
for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1997.

Gerber Scientific, Inc., the parent company of GSP, reported  net
earnings  of $16.3 million, or $0.70 diluted earnings per  share,
on  revenues of $310.2 million for the nine months ended  January
31, 1998.  In the same period last year, the Company reported net
earnings  of $10.9 million, or $0.47 diluted earnings per  share,
on  revenues of $275.4 million.  For the fiscal year ended  April
30,  1997,  the  Company had revenues of $380.9 million  and  net
earnings of $16.0 million, or $0.69 diluted earnings per share.

Gerber Scientific, Inc. is a rapidly growing provider of advanced
computer-based  systems  and  equipment  to  a  broad  range   of
industries  seeking  to automate product design,  pre-production,
manufacturing,  and quality control.  Industries  served  include
apparel  and  sewn  goods, signmaking, graphic arts,  ophthalmic,
automotive, and aerospace.  In addition to GSP, Gerber Scientific
has   three   other  principal  subsidiaries:    Gerber   Garment
Technology, the world leader in providing automation solutions to
the  apparel  and  sewn goods industries, from conceptual  design
through  assembly;  Gerber  Systems Corporation,  a  supplier  of
computer  automated  systems  for  the  commercial  printing  and
electronics  industries; and Gerber Coburn, the world  leader  in
ophthalmic  lens  processing  systems  used  in  all  aspects  of
surfacing prescriptions in lens blanks and in matching lenses  to
fit patients' frames.

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Bristol, England, Spandex is
a  leading  marketer  and distributor of  equipment  and  related
materials to the sign and allied industries.  Operating out of 13
countries  in  Europe,  Spandex has more recently  acquired  sign
supplies  distribution companies in Canada and the U.S.   Spandex
is   engaged  in  three  main  activities:  the  distribution  of
signmaking systems, the distribution of signmaking materials, and
materials  manufacturing.   In signmaking  systems,  the  company
markets, distributes, and supports computer-controlled signmaking
equipment  such  as  vinyl  cutting  plotters,  specialist   sign
printers,   and  routers  manufactured  by  GSP.   In  signmaking
materials,  the  company  supplies  a  comprehensive   range   of
signmaking   materials  including  self-adhesive  vinyl,   banner
materials,  specialist signmaking films, application  tapes,  and
sign  blanks  and substrates, as well as extruded  aluminum  sign
systems and plastic components.  In materials manufacturing,  the
company  manufactures self-adhesive vinyl films for the sign  and
allied industries in addition to labeling films for the packaging
markets  through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ultramark  Adhesive
Products Limited.

In addition to the historical information contained herein, there
are matters discussed which are considered to be "forward-looking
statements."   The Private Securities Litigation  Reform  Act  of
1995  provides  a  "safe harbor" for forward-looking  statements.
These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties,
including,   but   not   limited   to,   economic,   competitive,
governmental,  and technological factors affecting the  Company's
operations,   markets,   products,  and  services,   that   could
significantly affect results in the future.

<PAGE 4>

                           SIGNATURES


Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Exchange  Act  of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed  on
its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.




                            GERBER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
                            ------------------------
                                  (Registrant)



Date:   March 31, 1998      By:  / s / Gary K. Bennett
        ------------------       ---------------------------------
                                 Gary K. Bennett
                                 Senior Vice President, Finance
                                 and Principal Accounting Officer
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "secsgml_size_bytes": 10018}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "GERBER SCIENTIFIC INC", "cik": "0000041133", "assigned-sic": "3559", "irs-number": "060640743", "state-of-incorporation": "CT", "fiscal-year-end": "0430"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-05865", "film-number": "98583914"}, "business-address": {"street1": "83 GERBER RD WEST", "city": "SOUTH WINDSOR", "state": "CT", "zip": "06074", "phone": "8606441551"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "83 GERBER ROAD WESTS", "city": "SOUTH WINDSOR", "state": "CT", "zip": "06074"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "GERBER SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT CO", "date-changed": "19781210"}}
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                      WASHINGTON, DC  20549

                            FORM 8-K

                         CURRENT REPORT

               PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
               THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  March 24, 1998

                     GERBER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
                -----------------------------------
                   (Exact name of Registrant as
                    specified in its charter)

           CONNECTICUT              1-5865          06-0640743
 ------------------------------  ------------  --------------------
  (State or other jurisdiction    (Commission    (I.R.S. Employer
       of incorporation or         File No.)   Identification No.)
          organization)

 83 Gerber Road West, South Windsor, Connecticut         06074
--------------------------------------------------  ---------------
     (Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including area       (860) 644-1551
code:                                               ---------------

                         Not applicable
                     -----------------------
  (Former name or former address, if changes since last report)
Item 5. Other Events.

See  the following press release, dated March 24, 1998, announcing
recommended cash offers for Spandex PLC.

Contact:  Gary  K. Bennett             For Immediate Release
         (860) 648-8004                       March 24, 1998

       Gerber Scientific, Inc. Announces Recommended Cash
   Offers for Spandex PLC Acquisition of European Distributor
     Will Enhance Gerber's Position in Global Signmaking and
                    Specialty Graphics Markets

South  Windsor,  CT-Gerber Scientific,  Inc.  (NYSE:   GRB),  the
world's  leading supplier of automated manufacturing systems  for
the  signmaking, apparel, ophthalmic, and other industries, today
announced  cash  offers  for the entire issued  and  to-be-issued
share  capital of UK-based Spandex PLC (LSE:  SPA),  the  largest
distributor of equipment and related materials to the  signmaking
industry in Europe and North America.

Gerber Scientific is offering 325 pence in cash, with a Loan Note
Alternative,  for each Ordinary Share of Spandex, and  325  pence
with  a Loan Note Alternative, for each Spandex "A" Share.  These
two  offers, for the entire issued and to-be-issued share  capital
of  Spandex, value  the  company at approximately  109.2  million
pounds sterling (approximately  $183 million).  The offers have been
unanimously recommended  by  the  board  of  directors  of  Spandex.
Gerber Scientific  has received irrevocable undertakings to  accept
its offer  from  the  founder  and Chairman of  Spandex,  Charles  E.
Dobson,  and  from others, in respect of shares  representing  in
aggregate, 54.5 percent of the total Ordinary and "A"  Shares  of
Spandex.

In its results for the year ended December 31, 1997, announced on
March  10,  1998,  Spandex reported profit  before  tax  of  9.0
million pounds sterling ($14.8   million),  on  revenues  of   101.3
million pounds sterling ($167   million).    Gerber  Scientific
anticipates   that   the acquisition, which is expected to close
in May 1998, will make  a positive  contribution to its earnings for
its next  fiscal  year which begins May 1, 1998. Upon  completion
of the transaction, Spandex will become a wholly owned  subsidiary
of Gerber Scientific, Inc. Another  of  Gerber Scientific's   wholly
owned  subsidiaries,   Gerber Scientific Products  (GSP),  produces
the automated signmaking  systems for which  Spandex  has served as
principal distributor  in  most  of Europe  for  many  years.  More
recently, Spandex  has  become  a distributor  for  GSP  in North
America.   The  products  of  GSP represented approximately 12 percent
of Spandex's 1997 revenue.
"Through  the  sales and marketing expertise of Spandex  and  the
engineering   and  manufacturing  capabilities  of  GSP,   Gerber
Scientific  will  be positioned to exploit opportunities  in  the
rapidly  growing signmaking and specialty graphics  markets.   We
will  also  secure  a  very  familiar, high-quality  distribution
channel  for our own products, as well as those of third  parties
in the signmaking industry," said Mr. George M. Gentile, Chairman
and  Chief  Executive Officer of Gerber Scientific.  "We  believe
Spandex's  business model can be replicated in  other  geographic
markets, such as South America, Central America, Eastern  Europe,
and  Asia, where there are significant opportunities for the  two
companies' products," continued Mr. Gentile.

Mr. Charles E. Dobson, the founder and Chairman of Spandex, said,
"Spandex   is  pleased  to  announce  this  merger  with   Gerber
Scientific.   We have a longstanding business relationship  which
is  now  set to prosper further.  Together, we will benefit  from
the  closer  alignment  of  Gerber  Scientific's  skills  as   an
inventive  manufacturer and those of Spandex as  a  marketer  and
distributor."

Gerber  Scientific expects to mail the formal offer  document  to
Spandex shareholders shortly.

Schroders  is  Gerber  Scientific's  financial  advisor  for  the
transaction.   Spandex  is  represented  by  Dresdner   Kleinwort
Benson.   Financing  for the transaction  is  being  provided  by
Wachovia Bank, N.A.

GSP  revolutionized signmaking in the early 1980s by  introducing
automation  systems  that sharply reduced laborious  manual  work
while  enhancing signmaker creativity, graphic impact,  and  sign
durability.   Typical  GSP end users are  sign  shops  or  screen
printers, and also include large specialized users such as point-
of-sale   marketing  organizations,  fabricators,   entertainment
complexes, and race-car-teams.  GSP had revenues of $116  million
for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1997.

Gerber Scientific, Inc., the parent company of GSP, reported  net
earnings  of $16.3 million, or $0.70 diluted earnings per  share,
on  revenues of $310.2 million for the nine months ended  January
31, 1998.  In the same period last year, the Company reported net
earnings  of $10.9 million, or $0.47 diluted earnings per  share,
on  revenues of $275.4 million.  For the fiscal year ended  April
30,  1997,  the  Company had revenues of $380.9 million  and  net
earnings of $16.0 million, or $0.69 diluted earnings per share.

Gerber Scientific, Inc. is a rapidly growing provider of advanced
computer-based  systems  and  equipment  to  a  broad  range   of
industries  seeking  to automate product design,  pre-production,
manufacturing,  and quality control.  Industries  served  include
apparel  and  sewn  goods, signmaking, graphic arts,  ophthalmic,
automotive, and aerospace.  In addition to GSP, Gerber Scientific
has   three   other  principal  subsidiaries:    Gerber   Garment
Technology, the world leader in providing automation solutions to
the  apparel  and  sewn goods industries, from conceptual  design
through  assembly;  Gerber  Systems Corporation,  a  supplier  of
computer  automated  systems  for  the  commercial  printing  and
electronics  industries; and Gerber Coburn, the world  leader  in
ophthalmic  lens  processing  systems  used  in  all  aspects  of
surfacing prescriptions in lens blanks and in matching lenses  to
fit patients' frames.

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Bristol, England, Spandex is
a  leading  marketer  and distributor of  equipment  and  related
materials to the sign and allied industries.  Operating out of 13
countries  in  Europe,  Spandex has more recently  acquired  sign
supplies  distribution companies in Canada and the U.S.   Spandex
is   engaged  in  three  main  activities:  the  distribution  of
signmaking systems, the distribution of signmaking materials, and
materials  manufacturing.   In signmaking  systems,  the  company
markets, distributes, and supports computer-controlled signmaking
equipment  such  as  vinyl  cutting  plotters,  specialist   sign
printers,   and  routers  manufactured  by  GSP.   In  signmaking
materials,  the  company  supplies  a  comprehensive   range   of
signmaking   materials  including  self-adhesive  vinyl,   banner
materials,  specialist signmaking films, application  tapes,  and
sign  blanks  and substrates, as well as extruded  aluminum  sign
systems and plastic components.  In materials manufacturing,  the
company  manufactures self-adhesive vinyl films for the sign  and
allied industries in addition to labeling films for the packaging
markets  through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ultramark  Adhesive
Products Limited.

In addition to the historical information contained herein, there
are matters discussed which are considered to be "forward-looking
statements."   The Private Securities Litigation  Reform  Act  of
1995  provides  a  "safe harbor" for forward-looking  statements.
These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties,
including,   but   not   limited   to,   economic,   competitive,
governmental,  and technological factors affecting the  Company's
operations,   markets,   products,  and  services,   that   could
significantly affect results in the future.
SIGNATURES

Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Exchange  Act  of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed  on
its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                            GERBER SCIENTIFIC, INC.
                            ------------------------
                                  (Registrant)

Date:   March 31, 1998      By:  / s / Gary K. Bennett
        ------------------       ---------------------------------
                                 Gary K. Bennett
                                 Senior Vice President, Finance
                                 and Principal Accounting Officer