FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 13, 2003 — Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: ASYT), a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enhance semiconductor and FPD manufacturing productivity, today announced that it has named David L. White as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He replaces Geoffrey Ribar, whose planned departure was previously announced.

White, 48, has more than 20 years of experience in financial leadership and general management positions. He most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Candescent Technologies, a private company engaged in the development of a new technology for flat panel displays. Prior to that appointment, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Candescent. Prior to joining Candescent, White was a Senior Vice President for Conner Peripherals, at the time a $2.7 billion storage systems company and a member of the FORTUNE 250. During his tenure at Conner, he oversaw, among other financial responsibilities, worldwide fiscal management of the company, leading the execution of numerous programs to reduce manufacturing and operating costs, improve operating efficiencies and overhaul business processes in support of Conner’s rapid growth. Prior to Conner he held various financial and operating roles with Zehntel, Inc., a manufacturer of automatic electronic test equipment, which now operates as a business unit of Teradyne, Inc.; Digital Equipment Corporation; and Burroughs Corporation, which following a merger with Sperry-Rand became Unisys Corporation.

Steve Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of Asyst, said, “Having largely completed the outsourcing of our North American manufacturing and taken steps to restructure our operations, we are entering a phase of our transformation that will require strong execution and continued operating discipline to deliver on the planned benefits of our new model. David White has a strong operating and financial background that fits these requirements and complements the talents of the team already in place in the company. We are delighted that he was attracted to the opportunity here at Asyst."

Mr. White holds a bachelor of science degree in physics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Washington.

About Asyst
Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) manufacturers to enhance manufacturing productivity and protect investments in materials during the manufacturing process. Encompassing isolation systems, work-in-process materials management, substrate-handling robotics, automated transport and loading systems, and connectivity automation software, Asyst’s modular, interoperable solutions allow chip and FPD manufacturers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, to select and employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best suit their needs. Asyst’s homepage is http://www.asyst.com

"Safe Harbor" Statement
Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to, the risk that the company may not be able to recruit or retain key personnel, that the company’s outsourcing and restructuring may not provide intended benefits, and other factors more fully detailed in the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2003 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:
Investor Contact
John Swenson
Asyst Technologies, Inc.
(510) 661-5000
(510) 661-5166 (fax)
jswenson@asyst.com