Genus Announces ALD Marketing Strategy for Non-Semiconductor Applications

SUNNYVALE, Calif. (September 14, 2000) – Genus, Inc. (Nasdaq: GGNS) yesterday presented its Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) marketing strategy of targeting non-semiconductor manufacturers to an audience at the "Class of 2000" conference hosted by First Security Van Kasper in San Francisco.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. William Elder discussed how Genus' plans for future growth are dependent upon ALD systems for not only current semiconductor segments such as gate stacks, capacitors and interconnects, but also many non-semiconductor applications including magnetic disk drives for personal computers, flat panel displays, inkjet printing devices, photo mask production and microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMs). He stated that Genus is aggressively pursuing these ALD opportunities and is currently in discussions with several major manufacturers in those markets.

"This strategy allows Genus to be less influenced by the cyclic nature of the semiconductor industry," said Tom Seidel, chief technology officer at Genus. "These new segments have the potential for doubling the total available market for Genus products."

To support Genus' entry into non-semiconductor markets, the company recently hired Eddie Lee, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, as Vice President of New Technology Business Development. Lee's career includes management positions at Honeywell, AMD, Varian and most recently Silicon Valley Group.

"Eddie is both a top notch technologist and a savvy businessman. He has already made it clear that these markets are penetrable in a shorter time than we previously believed," Seidel commented.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains statements that may be deemed forward-looking regarding the use of ALD technology by the semiconductor industry. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including actual acceptance of ALD technology by the marketplace, potential development of competing technologies, cyclical economic conditions in the semiconductor equipment market, and global economic conditions. Additional associated risks and uncertainties are found in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations section of Genus' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1999 and in Genus' subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Genus

Founded in 1982, Genus, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets capital equipment and deposition processes for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, as well as for other emerging non-semiconductor applications. Genus offers various thin-film deposition modules using its own production-proven equipment and processes for both chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The deposition processes are used to manufacture integrated circuits for the computer, communications, medical, military, transportation, and consumer electronics industries. Genus' customers include semiconductor manufacturers located throughout the United States, Europe, and the Pacific Rim, including Korea and Japan. Company headquarters are in Sunnyvale, California. For additional information, visit Genus' Web site at www.genus.com.