FREMONT, Calif., May 5, 2004 – Asyst Technologies, Inc., (Nasdaq NM: ASYT), a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enhance semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturing productivity, today announced that it has named Warren C. Kocmond, Jr. to the position of senior vice president, worldwide manufacturing operations. He has more than 20 years’ experience in engineering and manufacturing operations, most recently as a corporate vice president for Applied Materials, Inc.

“We believe that we have substantial opportunities to realize more of the inherent productivity and cost advantages of our outsourced manufacturing model,” said Steve Schwartz, chairman and CEO of Asyst. “Warren Kocmond has extensive manufacturing and operations experience within the semiconductor equipment industry, and a proven track record of improving efficiency and reducing costs throughout his career. In his new role, he will be responsible for accelerating productivity and cost reduction programs in our outsourced manufacturing operations and for leading a parallel effort at Asyst Shinko, Inc. We are excited that Warren recognized the opportunities here at Asyst and we look forward to his contributions as a member of our senior management team.”

Prior to joining Applied Materials, Kocmond, 44, was vice president, manufacturing for ETEC Systems, Inc., Hayward, Calif., and director of manufacturing, high-end operations, for Silicon Graphics, Inc. He also has held various manufacturing and engineering management positions for MIPS Computer, Hewlett-Packard Co., and Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. He holds a master of science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California and a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada – Reno.

Mr. Kocmond replaces Fred Tiso, who is leaving the company to pursue other business interests.

Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) manufacturers to increase their manufacturing productivity and protect their investments 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 chip and FPD manufacturers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, to select and employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best suit their needs. Asyst’s homepage is http://www.asyst.com

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 company’s ability to reduce costs or improve the productivity and efficiency of its outsourced manufacturing operations, as well as at Asyst Shinko, Inc. (the company’s 51% majority-owned joint venture) to retain key employees, 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.

“Asyst” is a registered trademark of Asyst Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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