AdvanTag Also Selected as Preferred Tool of Record at New 300mm Fab in Southeast Asia

FREMONT, Calif.—July 10, 2003—Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASYT) announced today that its AdvanTag™ radio-frequency identification (RFID) solution has been selected as tool of record by a large Japanese electronics manufacturer for the customer’s first 300mm wafer fabrication facility. AdvanTag also has been selected as preferred tool of record for a large new 300mm facility in Southeast Asia. Already the clear market share leader in 200mm auto-ID, Asyst estimates that its current share of the 300mm auto-ID market is in excess of 55%, up from 30% just three years ago.

Paula Lu Priore, vice president and general manager of connectivity solutions for Asyst, said, “ These two 300mm wins are reflective of Asyst’s continuing market leadership, measured not only by current revenue and installed base but also by the advanced performance and functionality of our solutions. With AdvanTag acknowledged as the industry standard throughout most of the world, we are particularly pleased with this significant penetration in Japan, where AdvanTag had been less widely adopted.”

The AdvanTag radio frequency ID system is a fully automated data communications and identification system that enables the instant identification of Front-Opening-Unified-Pods (FOUPs), lots, pods, boxes, reticles, and probe cards. The system uses a maintenance-free Microtag™ that permanently attaches to the fab asset and travels with it between tools, in the Automated Material Handling System and in storage. AdvanTag readers are sold to fabs and to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for integration with loadports, AMHS systems, sorters and other equipment.

As tool of record and preferred tool of record, Asyst anticipates that its AdvanTag readers will be purchased by the majority of OEMs shipping tools to these two fabs. The company anticipates both direct and OEM shipments will begin later this year and will continue as these fabs are fully equipped.

About Asyst:
Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor manufacturers to increase manufacturing productivity and protect investments in silicon wafers during the manufacture of semiconductors. The company offers a broad range of 200mm and 300mm solutions that enable the safe transfer of wafers and information between process equipment and the fab line throughout the chip fabrication process, while reducing damage caused by human, environmental, mechanical and chemical factors. Encompassing isolation systems, work-in-process materials management, substrate-handling robotics, automated transport and loading systems, and connectivity automation software, Asyst’s modular, interoperable solutions allow chipmakers and original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, to select and employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best suit their needs. Asyst’s homepage is http://www.asyst.com

CONTACT:
Investor Contact
John Swenson
Asyst Technologies, Inc.
(510) 661-5000
(510) 661-5166 (fax)
jswenson@asyst.com

Media Contact
Pamela Mah
Asyst Technologies, Inc.
510/661-5000
pmah@asyst.com