Fremont, CA, April 7, 2000 - Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: ASYT), in a move intended to augment and strengthen the company's senior management team, today announced the appointment of several key recruits. Joining the company are Mr. Joseph Black as Sr. Vice President of Human Resource Development; Mr. Steve Carlson as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations; Mr. George Deltoro as Vice President Global Fab Upgrade Operations and Ms. Kay Kendall as Vice President of Corporate Quality.

Asyst Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mihir Parikh, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have recruited to the Asyst team executives of the caliber of Joe, Steve, George and Kay. In this next phase of the company's growth, it is vitally important that we bring into Asyst those executives who have had the hands-on experience of managing high growth organizations that can rapidly adapt to changing markets and opportunities."

Parikh added, "As Asyst continues its growth, Joe's leadership will be critical in further strengthening the company's development of human resources. Steve's extensive experience in high-volume contract manufacturing will provide leadership to take Asyst to the next phase in its manufacturing capability. George brings to Asyst seasoned experience in further developing the fab upgrade business, which is a critical part of Asyst's growth strategy. With Kay's extensive experience in Quality and Six-Sigma, she will provide strategic leadership in Corporate Quality, enabling Asyst to supplement its existing quality programs with a long-term Quality Vision."

Joe Black has broad experience in human resource management, from start-up companies to large-scale organizations. Most recently, Joe was Vice President, Human Resources with ReSound Corporation. In addition, he has had progressively increasing responsibility in human resources with Coopervision, Inc. and Eaton Corporation. Joe holds a M.S. from Pepperdine University.

Steve Carlson's broad experience with manufacturing operations experience at Jabil Circuit, Inc., where he was the Business Unit Manager, places him in an excellent position to guide the manufacturing operations at Asyst. Prior to his affiliation with Jabil, Steve was with Solectron Corporation and Lockheed Missiles & Space Company. He holds a M.S. from Stanford University and a MBA from Santa Clara University.

George Deltoro brings to Asyst's fab upgrade business extensive experience in technology integration, project management and strategic marketing. He most recently served as Chief Technical Officer for Comdisco Electronics Group. Prior to his affiliation with Comdisco, George held management positions of increasing responsibility with Motorola Corp., Western Digital Corp. and Standard Microsystems. George holds a M.B.A. from University of California, Irvine and a M.S. from S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook.

Kay Kendall brings a wealth of experience to Asyst. She has 15 years quality leadership at Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal Aerospace), where she was Director, Quality and Six Sigma. While at Honeywell, she held positions of increasing responsibility in quality systems and implementation. Kay holds a B.S. from Purdue University and is currently pursuing a MBA from the University of Arizona Eller School of Business.

In addition, Asyst noted that 13 year Asyst veteran, Ms. Deborah A. Partridge, Vice President of Employee Relations and Human Resources, will transition into a part-time position that will involve development of a comprehensive set of employee training and education programs. Finally, Mr. Thomas Waechter, who joined Asyst in early January as the Senior Vice President Global Business Operations, has resigned from the company. Mr. Waechter has accepted an offer with another company where he will be assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Asyst Technologies, Inc. engaged the New York-based executive search firm of Valletta Ritson & Company in its efforts to build its management team.

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 recent S-3 Registration Statement.

About Asyst:

Asyst Technologies, Inc. is the leading provider of SMIF-based minienvironment and manufacturing automation systems that enable semiconductor manufacturers to protect customers' valued assets throughout the manufacturing process while increasing manufacturing productivity. Asyst offers a broad range of 200 mm and 300 mm products that enable the Company to provide semiconductor manufacturers and OEMs automated manufacturing solutions for the transfer of wafers and information between the process equipment and the fab line.