Applied Materials Commemorates Two Decades of Partnership and Achievements with Its Japanese Customers; Applied Materials Japan Celebrates 20th Anniversary.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 1999--

Applied Materials, Inc., the world's largest supplier of wafer fabrication systems and services to the global semiconductor industry, today celebrated the 20th anniversary of Applied Materials Japan (AMJ), a regional operations of Applied Materials, Inc.

Applied Materials' 20 years of partnership with Japanese customers, government and financial institutions has resulted in numerous breakthroughs for U.S.-Japan business relationships.

Founded in December 1979, AMJ was the first operation established by a U.S. semiconductor equipment manufacturer in Japan. In 1984, Applied Materials became the first non-Japanese company to receive a loan from the Japanese Development Bank (JDB).

The JDB's US$3.2 million loan funded construction of AMJ's Narita Technology Center where customers evaluate and test the most advanced chip building equipment and processes in the world. The Narita Technology Center was the first facility of its kind constructed by a foreign company in Japan.

"Over 20 years ago, we saw the potential of Japan's semiconductor industry and decided to make the commitment necessary for long-term success in the very competitive Japanese market," remarked James C. Morgan, chairman and chief executive officer of Applied Materials today at a press conference in Tokyo. "During this time we have learned a great deal together with our customers which has resulted in Applied Materials' early focus on providing the highest level of quality, service and solutions.

"These close relationships with customers, as well as the dedication and hard work of AMJ's management and account teams, have enabled our success in Japan and helped make Applied Materials a stronger company around the world."

AMJ now has nearly1,000 employees in 24 locations and accounted for approximately 17 percent of Applied Materials' fiscal year 1998 revenue. In the third quarter of 1999, AMJ's orders accounted for 16 percent of Applied Materials' US$ 1.46 billion in new orders worldwide.

"I am grateful for the support of our many customers in Japan," said Tetsuo Iwasaki, senior vice president of Applied Materials and chairman of AMJ. "AMJ's focus has always been on productivity, partnership and enabling our customers' business success. We are now working toward further enhancing our value to customers through stronger and more collaborative support as their need for such global capabilities continues to grow."

"We are proud of the role that AMJ has played in helping our customers further their advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities," said Yoishi Akasaka, group vice president of Applied Materials and president of AMJ. "Many people have contributed to the success of our company. I would like to thank our employees for their dedication and our customers for their confidence and support."

Applied Materials, Inc. is a Fortune 500 global growth company and the world's largest supplier of wafer fabrication systems and services to the global semiconductor industry. Applied Materials is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol, "AMAT." Applied Materials' website is http://www.appliedmaterials.com.