Aetrium Announces Multiple Unit Order for Reliability Test Systems.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2004

Aetrium Incorporated (Nasdaq:ATRM) announced today that it has received a multiple unit order with a value in excess of $1.3 million for its Model 1164 reliability test system from one of the integrated circuit (IC) industry's largest integrated device manufacturers. The order is from one of Aetrium's long-time key customers and is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2004. The Model 1164 systems will be used for advanced structural testing on latest generation DRAM and flash memory IC structures. The ordered systems will be configured with modules to perform electro-migration, time dependent dielectric breakdown and advanced hot carrier testing applications, and will incorporate Aetrium's latest generation reliability test technology.

"This order reflects the growing industry acceptance of our reliability test systems for copper metallization and other new generation IC designs and manufacturing processes. It also represents the first installation of our new Advanced Hot Carrier Module that we introduced to some of our key customers in late 2003," said Joseph C. Levesque, President and CEO of Aetrium. "The miniaturization of IC geometries and the industry migration to copper metallization processes continue to challenge our customers with new and changing reliability test requirements. This order reflects the responsiveness of our product development team to provide timely and effective solutions to the IC industry for these evolving requirements."

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.