Aetrium Announces Multiple Unit Order for 55V6 Test Handler Systems.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2004

Aetrium Incorporated (Nasdaq:ATRM) announced today that it has received a multiple unit order in excess of $2.4 million for a number of its Model 55V6 gravity feed test handlers from an existing U.S. based key customer with production facilities in Asia. This repeat order is for test handlers to be configured to handle a wide variety of sizes of the newest generation of leadless integrated circuit (IC) package types. The ordered test handlers include both single and dual site hardware configurations and both ambient and tri-temperature models. About one third of the order is scheduled for shipment in the first quarter and the remaining two thirds is scheduled for shipment during the second quarter. The Model 55V6 line of test handlers is one of Aetrium's latest product introductions and has been designed specifically to handle the leadless IC packages that are being increasingly accepted and broadly utilized by IC users.

"This order reflects both a continued expansion of production capacity for this particular customer and further confirmation of the growing recovery of the semiconductor and semiconductor equipment industries," said Joseph C. Levesque, President and CEO of Aetrium. "It also reflects the exceptional performance of our Model 55V6 gravity feed test handler line and its growing acceptance within our customer base as the preferred handling solution for the newest generation of IC packages."

Certain matters in this news release are forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, adverse domestic or global economic conditions, slowing growth in the demand for semiconductor devices, the volatility and cyclicality of the microelectronics industry, changes in the rates of capital expenditures by semiconductor manufacturers, progress of product development programs, unanticipated costs associated with the integration or restructuring of operations, and other risk factors set forth in the company's SEC filings, including its Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2002.

Aetrium, based in North St. Paul, Minnesota, is a leading supplier of proprietary technologies and equipment that are used by the worldwide semiconductor industry to assemble and test ICs and other electronic components. The company's products are used by customers to advance reliability, improve quality, increase product yield or improve manufacturing processes. Aetrium has manufacturing facilities in North St. Paul, Minn. and Dallas, Texas. Aetrium's common stock is publicly traded on the Nasdaq market under the symbol ATRM. More information about Aetrium is available on the internet at www.Aetrium.com.