Press Release 

Epitech Ramps Up Production With Multiple Close Coupled
Showerhead And Planetary Reactor Systems

Aachen, Germany / Tainan, Taiwan, 1^st September, 2004- AIXTRON AG (FSE: AIX; ISIN DE0005066203), a leading provider of equipment for compound semiconductor epitaxy, today announced that Epitech Corporation has recently placed orders for seven more MOCVD Mass Production tools as part of an existing as well as a new Long Term Purchasing Agreement. The company adds more large-scale AIXTRON Planetary Reactors for the mass production of AlGaInP based red and orange, and yellow-green Ultra High Brightness (UHB) LEDs, as well as CCS (Close Coupled Showerhead) type reactors for the mass production of GaN based blue, green, UV and white UHB-LEDs. All systems will be installed at Epitech's latest MOCVD Plant located in the Tainan Science Based Industrial Park.

The additional capacity resulting from the purchase is expected to further strengthen Epitech's position in the market as a high-end LED Epi-wafer supplier for the complete spectrum of ultra high brightness LEDs, from the deep red to the UV range, including power LEDs for white lighting applications.

Dr. Simon Chen, President of Epitech commented: "The demand for our leading edge UHB LED products, produced solely on MOCVD systems from the AIXTRON Group, continues to increase very strongly, especially from overseas. Corresponding to our long-term expansion plan, we will start-up the new systems shortly in order to ramp up our production in our new factory building as soon as possible. This is mandatory to cover the demand for virtually all of our products. With our expertise, reflected by our proprietary technologies and experience on one hand, and the strong commitment of the AIXTRON Group to our company and their flexibility to meet our requirements on the other, we are very confident to succeed."

Dr. Bernd Schulte, Executive Vice President of AIXTRON added: "With the two most advanced MOCVD technologies for compound semiconductors in our portfolio, the AIXTRON Group underlines its position as the most successful supplier of MOCVD Tools worldwide. In Taiwan, one of the most challenging markets in the world, we have repeatedly received very encouraging feedback from our customers, in terms of built quality, engineering, performance as well as production cost and yield. This is also reflected by numerous long-term purchasing agreements and multiple orders from our valued customers."

AIXTRON's Planetary Reactor Concept and Thomas Swan's Close Coupled Showerhead Technology are recognized as the leading edge technologies, fully configured for large-scale production of compound semiconductor materials. These materials are used for all kinds of electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as high brightness LEDs for backlighting, outdoor and automotive applications, lasers for telecommunication and DVD writers, and mobile applications.

About AIXTRON

AIXTRON AG (FSE: AIX; ISIN DE0005066203) is a leading provider of equipment for compound semiconductor epitaxy. The Company's products are used by a diverse range of customers worldwide to manufacture advanced semiconductor components such as HBTs, PHEMTs, MESFETs, Lasers, LEDs, Detectors, and VCSELs used in fiber optic communication systems, wireless and mobile telephony applications, optical storage devices, illumination, signaling and lighting, as well as a range of other leading-edge technologies. AIXTRON AG's securities are listed in the Prime Standard market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and are included both in the TecDAX index and the MSCI World Index. More information about AIXTRON can be found on the Web at www.aixtron.com.

Forward Looking Information
This news release may contain forward-looking statements about the business, financial condition, results of operations and earnings outlook of AIXTRON within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "contemplate," "intend," "plans," "believe," "continue" and "estimate," and variations of these words and similar expressions, identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed herein. In any forward-looking statement in which AIXTRON expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement or expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Actual operating results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements and are subject to certain risks, including risks arising from: actual customer orders received by AIXTRON; the extent to which metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, or MOCVD, technology is demanded by the market place; the timing of final acceptance of products by customers; the financial climate and accessibility of financing; general conditions in the thin film equipment market and in the macro-economy; cancellations, rescheduling or delays in product shipments; manufacturing capacity constraints; lengthy sales and qualification cycles; difficulties in the production process; changes in semiconductor industry growth; increased competition; exchange rate fluctuations; availability of government funding; variability and availability of interest rates; delays in developing and commercializing new products; general economic conditions being less favorable than expected; and other factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and AIXTRON does not assume any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Any reference to the Internet website of AIXTRON is not an incorporation by reference of such information in this news release, and you should not interpret such a reference as an incorporation by reference of such information.

For further information please contact:

© AIXTRON AG, September 1st, 2004

Homepage | Contact | About Aixtron | Products & Services | Customer Support | R & D | Production Results | What's new | Events

© 1996 - 2004 by AIXTRON AG