April 22, 2003 – San Jose, CA – SEMI, a global industry association, has eliminated 20 staff positions at its North America region operations to address the anticipated revenue decline resulting from the extended downturn in the semiconductor industry and other uncertainties related to current world events. SEMI now employs 129 people in North America, which includes global operations staff in its headquarters office in San Jose.

“The prolonged weakness in the semiconductor equipment and materials industry has had a significant negative impact on the members of our association. Additionally, we anticipate reduced participation in SEMI activities this year because of travel limitations related to economic, security, and health concerns,” said Stanley Myers, president and CEO of SEMI. ” Consequently, with sincere regret for the individuals whose positions have been eliminated, I have taken this action to preserve the stability of our organization and its ability to serve our members.”

SEMI has expanded staff in Asia to better serve the developing market opportunities for members in China and other Asian regions. Even with these additions, however, the association’s global headcount since the beginning of 2002 has been reduced 11% to 202 employees.