Axcelis Announces Joint Development Program With Kingstone Semiconductor

BEVERLY, Mass., July 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ACLS), a leading supplier of innovative, high-productivity solutions for the semiconductor industry, announced today that it has formed an alliance with Kingstone Semiconductor Company Ltd. to jointly develop advanced ion implantation equipment and technology. Kingstone is an independent developer of semiconductor equipment based in Shanghai, China.

Mary Puma, chairman and CEO, commented, "The goal of this alliance is multi-faceted. The unique semiconductor systems expertise at Kingstone will allow us to explore enabling ion implantation solutions for next generation device manufacturing. In addition, it expands Axcelis' footprint, enhancing our customer relationships and increasing our global sourcing opportunities in Asia." She added, "Axcelis is focused on continuing to invest in leading edge technology and strengthening our commitment to customer service. This relationship ensures that we will continue to deliver the best products and support to our customers."

Axcelis maintains a strong local presence throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin, China as well as in Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

Safe Harbor Statement

This document contains forward-looking statements under the SEC safe harbor provisions. These statements, which include our expectations for benefits from a joint development agreement, are based on management's current expectations and should be viewed with caution. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the Company, including the timing and effectiveness of product development programs, timing of orders and shipments, the conversion of orders to revenue in any particular quarter, or at all, our ability to implement successfully our profit plans, the continuing demand for semiconductor equipment, relative market growth, continuity of business relationships with and purchases by major customers, competitive pressure on sales and pricing, increases in material and other production costs that cannot be recouped in product pricing and global economic, political and financial conditions. These risks and other risk factors relating to Axcelis are described more fully in the most recent Form 10-K filed by Axcelis and in other documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ACLS) headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, provides innovative, high-productivity solutions for the semiconductor industry. Axcelis is dedicated to developing enabling process applications through the design, manufacture and complete life cycle support of ion implantation and cleaning systems. The company's Internet address is: www.axcelis.com.

Kingstone Semiconductor Company Ltd. headquartered in Shanghai, China, is led by a multinational team renowned in the field of ion implantation. Kingstone believes that its focus on developing and manufacturing leading edge technology based on customer requirements and feedback set it apart from its competition.

CONTACT: Axcelis Technologies, Inc. Editorial/Media Maureen Hart 978.787.4266 Financial Community Stephen Bassett 978.787.4000