Fremont, CA, September 18, 1998 - Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASYT), the leading supplier of manufacturing automation and Standard Mechanical InterFace (SMIF) isolation technology to the global semiconductor industry, announced today that as a result of the continued downturn of the worldwide semiconductor industry it expects total revenues for the second quarter fiscal year 1999 ending September 26, 1998 to be in the range of $13 to $15 million, compared to revenues of $40.3 million for the prior year comparable quarter (ended September 27, 1997).

Dr. Mihir Parikh, Asyst's chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "The lower revenue level is a direct reflection of the prolonged downturn in the industry. While we had anticipated a decline in revenues, the severity of the decline has been worse than expected."

"Given anticipated revenues, Asyst expects to report an operating loss for the quarter," noted Doug McCutcheon, senior vice president and chief financial officer. "The Company will also take two additional charges of an as yet undetermined amount; the first in connection with in process R&D for the recently completed acquisition of Hine Design Incorporated and the second a restructuring charge in connection with severance costs, the closure of several Asyst facilities and other general business reserves. In addition, based upon the industry's current lack of visibility, we expect revenues in the third quarter (December end) to be at the same level as those of the second quarter or perhaps lower."

The Company plans to announce actual results for the second quarter on October 21, 1998 after the close of market.

Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, semiconductor industry cycles, risks associated with the acceptance of new products and product capabilities, and other factors more fully detailed in the Company's most recent Forms 10-K annual report and 10-Q quarterly report on file with the SEC.

About Asyst
The pioneer of the Standard Mechanical InterFace (SMIF), Asyst Technologies, Inc. is the leading provider of automated material handling systems critical to seamless factory automation in the most advanced fabs worldwide. Asyst's comprehensive solutions, which include industry-leading 200 mm and 300 mm product offerings, result in greater fab profitability and productivity. Through innovative developments in the software and integration services area, Asyst Software, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides integrated circuit (IC) manufacturers fully automated solutions addressing their most advanced manufacturing challenges. Hine Design Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary, designs and manufactures precision substrate handling equipment for vacuum, atmospheric and corrosive environments.