Micronic Named 2003 Supplier of the Year by Microchip Technology

Micronic Named 2003 Supplier of the Year by Microchip Technology Täby, Sweden - April 14, 2004 - Micronic Laser Systems AB (Stockholmsbörsen's Attract 40: MICR), a leading manufacturer of laser pattern generation equipment to the display and semiconductor industries, today announced that it has been recognized by Microchip Technology Inc. for outstanding performance in quality, reliability and service as a supplier. Micronic was among 11 suppliers chosen by Microchip Technology to receive its Supplier of the Year Award, which was presented on April 5 by Microchip Technology, President and CEO Steve Sanghi, and CFO Gordon Parnell at the company's headquarters in Chandler, Arizona, USA. "Microchip is committed to becoming the worldwide supplier of choice in the microcontroller and analog semiconductor markets, and our suppliers play an important role in helping us achieve our goals," said Ed Lindstrom, Manager of Supply Management for Microchip. "We feel it's important to recognize suppliers that have shown excellence in their quality and customer service efforts, and with so many deserving the award, the selection process is never an easy task." The 11 companies chosen as recipients of the Supplier of the Year Award were selected for outstanding support of Microchip Technology's facilities in Thailand and the U.S. Suppliers were evaluated on the critical nature and impact of the materials and/or services provided. Factors considered included quality, competitive pricing, on-time delivery, technical support and responsiveness pre- and post-sale. "Micronic is very pleased to receive this distinguished award from Microchip Technology," said Ulf Sundstrom, Micronic Sr.Vice President, Corporate Sales. "Customer satisfaction and commitment are our highest priorities. This award demonstrates that we are achieving our goals in this critical area." Microchip Technology has been a Micronic customer for ten years. In 2000 a Micronic Omega laser pattern generator was installed at their Chandler facility. Micronic has been selling the Omega product line since 1999, and has installed more than 10 systems worldwide. Omega is a raster scan pattern generator with very flexible architecture enabling photomask manufacturers to achieve optimal quality and writing speed. The latest generation, Omega6600, is an established workhorse for the production of photomasks for semiconductors for the 130 nm technology node and above, and is also being used in the production of photomasks for image sensors in camera phones and digital cameras. Company contact: Ulf Sundström Sr.Vice President, Corporate Sales Tel: +46 8 638 52 00 Ulf.sundstrom@micronic.se Agency contact: Luz Rodriguez Loomis Group, Inc. Tel: +33 1 58 18 59 30 rodriguezl@loomisgroup.com About Microchip Technology Inc. Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com. About Micronic Laser Systems AB Micronic Laser Systems is a Swedish high-tech company engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of a series of extremely accurate laser pattern generators for the production of photomasks. The technology involved is known as microlithography. Micronic´s systems are used by the world´s leading electronics companies in the manufacture of television and computer displays, semiconductor circuits and semiconductor packaging components. Micronic is located in Taby, north of Stockholm and at present has subsidiaries in the United States, Japan and in Taiwan. The company has 342 employees. Micronic maintains a web site at: http://www.micronic.se ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/04/14/20040414BIT20120/wkr0006.pdf Complete document