NPI selects past CEO of TheSupply to lead North American subsidiary

Belmont, Calif., February 1, 2002 -- Nikon Precision Inc. (NPI), the North American lithography subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, Japan, announced today that Geoff Wild has joined the company as President and Chief Operating Officer of Nikon Precision. Additionally, Mr. Wild joins NPI's Board of Directors. Mr. Wild comes to Nikon Precision after having held a number of executive positions of increasing responsibility for several semiconductor equipment and materials companies.

Mr. Wild has been in the semiconductor and electronics industry for the past 20 years. Most recently, he was the CEO of "TheSupply"; a San Jose based e-commerce provider of supply chain services to the semiconductor, equipment and materials industry. Before that, Mr. Wild held the positions of president at both Allied Signal and Johnson Matthey where he was responsible for business units with nearly $1 billion in sales. Mr. Wild holds a B.Sc. degree from the University of Bath, U.K.

"We are pleased to be joined by someone of Mr. Wild's caliber. His extensive semiconductor materials and equipment experience provide him with the necessary perspective to manage NPI", stated Dr. David Huchital, CEO and past president of Nikon Precision. "Geoff's experience covers the total range of business functions and he is an excellent fit with the NPI management team."

Nikon Precision Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Nikon Corp., the world leader in lithography equipment for the microelectronics manufacturing industry with more than 6,900 units installed worldwide. Nikon offers the most extensive selection of production-class steppers and scanners in the industry. These products serve the wafer, photomask, flat panel display and thin-film magnetic head industries. Nikon Precision provides service, training, applications and technical support, as well as sales and marketing for Nikon lithography equipment in North America.

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Company Contacts:
Susan Bernardi
Nikon Precision Inc.
(650) 508-3819
sbernardi@nikon.com