Applied Materials Marks Its 30th Anniversary With 30 Pound Food Pledge For Every Person Attending Celebration.

Santa Clara, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 14, 1997-- Applied Materials, Inc., the world's largest supplier of capital equipment to the global semiconductor industry, today announced that it will kick off its annual food drive at the company's 30th anniversary celebration by donating 30 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank for every person attending the evening's event in San Jose.

In the spirit of giving back to the community, Applied Materials will equally match each employee's contribution this evening and donations raised throughout this year's food drive. This tradition of volunteerism and commitment has helped the company to conduct one of the largest corporate food drives in the nation for the past five years.

"As Applied Materials celebrates its 30th year in business, we are fortunate to be able to share our success with our community during this very important time of the year," James C. Morgan, chairman and chief executive officer of Applied Materials. "The dedication and generosity of our employees, and commitment of our company to those in need will again result in the donation of time and food to greatly impact the lives of thousands of people."

Applied Materials' Annual Food Drive

Applied Materials' annual food drive will be kicked off this evening and run November 24 through December 12. Over 70 employee volunteer team captains will help coordinate donations and encourage employees in Santa Clara and Austin to contribute to area children and adults who are homeless or find themselves in need of assistance. Employees throughout Santa Clara and Austin will be encouraged to fill shopping bags with needed food supplies such as peanut butter, canned tuna and beef stew, powdered milk, soups and boxed juices.

Food contributed during this drive will be distributed to both Second Harvest Food Bank in Santa Clara and the Capital Area Food Bank in Austin. Last year, employees at Applied Materials' Santa Clara and Austin facilities, teaming with the company's pound-for-pound matching donation, provided approximately 800,000 pounds of food to these food banks.

"For many years Applied Materials has been an outstanding corporate citizen by providing food and funds to advance the work of Second Harvest Food Bank," said Amy Somers, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. "This gift will help the food bank work toward its goal that no one in Santa Clara or San Mateo Counties should go hungry."

Helping Hands Day

On December 6, Applied Materials will stage "Helping Hands Day," an event where employees and their families and friends will set aside their personal time and come together to assemble, pack and load boxed holiday meals for local families in need. Providing more than 1,500 boxed holiday meals in 1996, this year Applied Materials volunteers plan to double the number of meals delivered. The meals will be distributed to low-income families by Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is a private nonprofit organization that each year collects and distributes more than 16 million pounds of food to low-income children, adults and seniors. The Food Bank is currently serving an average of 104,000 individuals each month. During the holidays that number increases to 150,000 each month.

Applied Materials

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 Marketing System under the symbol "AMAT." Applied Materials' web site is http://www.AppliedMaterials.com .

CONTACT: Applied Materials, Inc.

Jeff Lettes, 408/563-5161 (editorial/media)