AIXTRON ASSIGNS JOE UTSCHIG AS SALES MANAGER SILICON EQUIPMENT FOR ITS SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT UNIT

!!! Press Release !!!

AIXTRON assigns Joe Utschig as Sales Manager Silicon Equipment
for its Semiconductor Equipment Unit

Aachen, 21 April, 2004 - AIXTRON is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Joe Utschig as the new Sales Manager Silicon Equipment for its Semiconductor Equipment Business Unit. He is in charge of all sales activities for Silicon Germanium equipment for HBT and CMOS Applications as well as Oxide equipment for CMOS and Memory.

Joe has over eight years of direct experience in the semiconductor industry in which he has established a widespread network of contacts. Starting his career in 1996, he has occupied sales and management positions in the Environmental Equipment and Epitaxial Services divisions of ATMI. Joe's last position was Director of Semiconductor Equipment Sales for Matheson Tri-Gas. Prior to his entry into the semiconductor industry, Joe held numerous management positions during a career in the U.S. Navy.

Tim McEntee, Executive Vice President, COO of AIXTRON's Semiconductor Equipment unit states: "I very much welcome Joe's decision to join AIXTRON. I am convinced that Joe, with his solid background in the semiconductor industry and his thorough business experience, will further push the acceptance of AIXTRON's state-of-the-art semiconductor equipment in the market. Joe will be in close contact to our customers and potential customers to evaluate their requirements, so that AIXTRON's silicon equipment can be adapted to fulfill the customers' individual needs."

Joe Utschig adds: "I am very impressed by AIXTRON's dedicated and experienced Semiconductor Equipment team. I am confident that with my experience in the market, I can help the team bring our significant customer-focused strengths to the market. My task is to strengthen the awareness of the flexibility and distinct advantages of AIXTRON's Silicon Germanium Semiconductor Equipment for the customer, and thus, open new business opportunities in the near future."

For further information please contact:

Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
AIXTRON AG
Kackertstr. 15 - 17
D-52072 Aachen, Germany
Phone:+49 241 8909 444
Fax: +49 241 8909 445
E-mail: invest@aixtron.com