CEM Announces Major New Product Releases.

CHARLOTTE, N. C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 1998--Speaking today at the annual meeting of shareholders, Michael J. Collins, President and Chief Executive Officer, announced several major new product releases for CEM Corporation (Nasdaq/NM:CEMX). These include MAX, a new testing system for the worldwide asphalt industry; MARS-X, the first microwave extraction system to be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and CleanSTAR, a system that sets new standards for microwave-based instruments in terms of precision measurements.

"Initial response has been encouraging to our new microwave ashing system, or MAX, that was initially marketed during the first fiscal quarter. This instrument is targeted specifically for the U.S. asphalt industry and is a sound alternative to existing methods of analysis that are being phased out by environmental regulations. Over the next few years, additional opportunities should develop in foreign markets, particularly Europe, as legislation advances governing environmental standards and quality. Winter in northern regions creates seasonality in the asphalt business and will have some impact on demand for MAX; but we expect shipments to help our ongoing progress during the later half of fiscal 1999."

Collins added, "As anticipated, during the first quarter, the U.S. EPA's Office of Solid Waste announced microwave extraction as the latest of the "green methods" which provide improved sample preparation methods for both volatile and semi-volatile organic analytes. MARS-X establishes a new standard in microwave extraction by decreasing extraction times from hours to minutes and reducing solvent usage up to tenfold. The combination of EPA approval and the progression of this system to the MARS instrument platform provides exciting opportunities for MARS-X in this market.

"We have also executed our introduction of CleanSTAR. This new system incorporates means for measuring samples to standards as low as parts per trillion. We are pleased with the development work that has produced such a precise instrument and are excited about the opportunity to market it to industries such as semiconductor fabrication plants that demand such accuracy."

Collins noted that last month CEM reported improved first-quarter results that included an 8% gain in net sales and a 29% increase in net earnings per diluted share. He remarked, "The gains recorded for the first quarter have provided a strong start for us this year. The addition of these proprietary new systems to our product offerings enhances our enthusiasm about CEM's growth prospects. We expect to realize continued progress during fiscal 1999, particularly in the second half."

At the annual meeting, shareholders re-elected Michael J. Collins, Ronald A. Norelli, John L. Chanon and John D. Correnti as directors. Shareholders also ratified the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999.

CEM manufactures microwave-based instrumentation for testing, analysis and process control. The Company's products are used worldwide in the general analytical laboratory market and in many manufacturing and processing industries, including chemical and food processing.

This document contains statements that could be deemed "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, expectations or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. Factors that could influence the matters discussed in such statements include business cycles, foreign exchange fluctuations, regulatory changes, government spending levels, general economic conditions, laws governing environmental testing standards and CEM's ability to develop commercially acceptable products, as more fully described in the cautionary statement included in CEM's most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.