FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 6, 2003 — Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: ASYT) today announced that it has been awarded a $26 million order to supply the Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) for a Generation 6 (Gen 6) flat panel display manufacturing plant being built in South Korea. The order was received through Asyst Shinko, Inc., the company’s 51%-owned joint venture company. Asyst expects to recognize a booking of approximately $26 million for this Phase One project in its third fiscal quarter ending Dec. 27, 2003.
The customer is expected to use Asyst Shinko LCD stockers and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to efficiently and safely move the very large glass panels that are to be produced in this new factory. Asyst Shinko provided the AMHS for the same customer’s Gen 5 factory, also in South Korea.
“This is an important order for Asyst, because it reinforces our emerging presence in the large market for flat panel display manufacturing automation,” said Steve Schwartz, chairman and CEO of Asyst. “The order is doubly gratifying because this is a repeat customer who once again has entrusted us with responsibility for material movement in their factory.”

About Asyst
Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation systems for the semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing industries, which enable manufacturers to increase their manufacturing productivity and protect their investment in materials during the manufacturing process. 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, FPD manufacturers 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

"Safe Harbor" Statement
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: the risk that customers will delay planned projects and thus delay recognition of revenue, risks associated with the acceptance of new products and product capabilities, competition in the semiconductor and FPD equipment industries, and other factors more fully detailed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K (as amended) for the year ended March 31, 2003 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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