FREMONT, Calif., Apr 25, 2002 (BUINESS WIRE) -- Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASYT) and VLSI Research Inc. have scheduled the fifth in a special series of joint technology conference calls dedicated to the status, challenges, opportunities and future direction of semiconductor fab automation. The Fab Automation Series explores a vital facet of fab automation and its enabling role in fabricating state-of-the-art chips.

Moderated by well-known industry analyst G. Dan Hutcheson, president and CEO of VLSI Research Inc., the segments include guest industry experts, chosen for their unique perspective on the specific topic at hand, as well as their visionary insight into the future semiconductor roadmap.

Date and Time:
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Thursday, May 9, 2002
10:00a.m. (PDT)
Title:
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Automation and Process Integration:
How Automation of the Information Flow Improves Results in
Manufacturing
Guest Speaker:
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Richard S. Hill, Chairman and CEO, Novellus Systems, Inc.
Webcast:
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http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=ASYT

Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor manufacturers to increase overall equipment effectiveness, improve yields and increase fab throughput. The company offers a broad range of 200mm and 300mm solutions that enable the safe and rapid transfer of wafers and information between process equipment and the fab line throughout the IC fabrication process, while reducing IC damage caused by human, environmental, mechanical and chemical factors. Asyst's homepage is http://www.asyst.com.

VLSI Research Inc. was founded in 1976 and specializes in market research and economic analysis on the technical, business and economic aspects of the high-technology semiconductor manufacturing industry.