Applied Materials Presents 2004 Best Supplier Quality Award to Helix Technology.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Applied Materials, Inc. presented Helix Technology, Inc. with its Best Supplier Quality Award for outstanding commitment to continuous quality improvement in 2004. Helix Technology, based in Mansfield, Massachusetts, provides vacuum pumps and controllers for Applied Materials' semiconductor manufacturing systems.

"Delivering world-class performance reflects Applied Materials' core values, and each year we reset the bar higher for quality and reliability improvements, both for ourselves and our suppliers," said Surinder S. Bedi, vice president of Global Quality and Reliability at Applied Materials. "Having highly reliable components is critical and allows us to provide our customers with production-worthy tools for their fabs. Helix Technology demonstrated continuously increasing quality, reliability and performance excellence and is positioned to meet future challenges through a winning combination of advanced technology and responsive quality management."

The Best Supplier Quality Award showcases Applied Materials' aggressive quality program that permeates the company's products and culture. Each year a new benchmark is established for innovation, cost management, customer satisfaction and delivery, as well as high rates of continuous improvement in quality metrics, year after year.

James Gentilcore, Helix Technology's president and chief executive officer, said, "Applied makes more ultra-high vacuum systems than any other company in the industry, so it is especially gratifying for Helix Technology to win this award for our dedication to quality in our products. We are already moving toward even higher quality levels as we compete for the 2005 award."

"Key suppliers that can match our own quality improvement targets are a select group within the industry, and we are proud to work with them," noted Garry Berryman, vice president and manager of Applied Materials' Global Materials Organization.

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT), headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is the largest supplier of equipment and services to the global semiconductor industry. Applied Materials' web site is www.appliedmaterials.com.