ISSAQUAH, WA, September 8 - Applied Precision, Inc. (API) announced a reorganization of their European sales and customer service team to assure that customers continue to receive the very best probe card metrology tool support. The reorganization allows for increased efficiencies, cost reductions, improved pricing flexibility, standardized processes and improved product introductions.

"1998 was a very challenging year for most of us in the semiconductor equipment industry. It also marked the first time in the 13-year history of Applied Precision, Inc. that we did not achieve our business and profitability goals, despite our best efforts. This prompted the need to change the way we do business, to become more efficient and creative in our approach, while evaluating what is really "value-added" to our customers," stated Joe Ahladis, Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Marketing & Service.

API is pleased to announce the addition of Rex Sandbach as the new European Sales Manager for their semiconductor product line effective September 1, 1999. Also, Sam Waggoner a 3-year veteran at Applied Precision, Inc. has been promoted to European Service Manager. Combined, Rex and Sam have over 20 years of experience in the area of probe card metrology/test.

As of 01-January-00 it is our intention to provide regional, native speaking, PrecisonPoint® service support for Germany, France and the UK. This should enable increased access to API-trained support personnel and reduced on-site response times. Additional information regarding the details of this new service program will be made available in the weeks to come.

"As a result of our cost-down efforts thus far, we are happy to announce that we have reduced prices on many of our products and accessories," stated Joe Ahladis. "This is one of the direct results and benefits of our reorganization, enabling us to achieve mutually beneficial objectives."

The European Customer Sales & Service Office has been moved to the UK. New contact information for Applied Precision, Inc. is:

Applied Precision, Inc.
Europe Office
121 High Street
Marlborough SN8 1LZ
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1672 518350
Fax: +44 1672 518359

Applied Precision uses its unique expertise in electronics, software and precision-engineering to provide product solutions that repeatedly set new standards in semiconductor metrology test, biotechnology, photonics, digital flow control and micropositioning. With 100 employees, Applied Precision reported worldwide sales of approximately 22 million in the last fiscal year (1998/99).

PrecisionPoint is a registered trademark of Applied Precision, Inc., Issaquah, WA.