September 14, 2001 — BERKELEY, CA — Ion Systems’ California manufacturing facility has received certification for the protection of electrical or electronic parts, assemblies and equipment from ESD.

The company received ANSI ESD S20.20-1999 certification by official registrar Det Norske Veritas Certification.

“Ion’s dedication to supporting ESD control standards is evident in their early adoption of the S20.20 certification,” said Stephen Halperin, president of industry consulting firm Stephen Halperin and Associates. “Ion’s efforts will help the industry further the awareness and importance of S20.20 certification.”

Halperin is also the senior vice president of the ESD Association.

“Ion believes in delivering the highest quality of electrostatics management products and services to its customer. Therefore, we wanted to be one of the first to offer products produced in a S20.20 certified facility to our customers,” said Scott Gehlke, president and CEO of Ion.

According to statistics provided by Halperin’s firm, costs associated with ESD damage exceed $45 billion, including replacements costs, repairs and equipment downtime.