ESI Names Naoki Nishio as President and Representative Director ESI Ja

    Business Editors/Technology Writers

    PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2005--Electro Scientific Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:ESIO), a leading provider of world-class production laser systems for microengineering applications, today announced the appointment of Naoki Nishio, age 55, to the position of President and Representative Director ESI Japan. In March 2003, Mr. Nishio joined the company as ESI's Japan Technology Center Manager. He replaces Michio Tetsui, who recently resigned to devote his time to church ministry. Mr. Nishio will report to ESI's senior vice president of customer operations, Bob Chamberlain.
    "It is with great respect that ESI wishes Mr. Tetsui well on his future endeavors with his Christian ministry. At the same time, we are very pleased to announce Mr. Nishio as Japan Regional Manager for ESI," said Mr. Chamberlain. "He possesses a level of experience that will ensure ESI's commitment to delivering superior service and value to its Japan and global customer base. We look forward to Mr. Nishio's valuable contributions in this new role."
    "ESI is the technology leader in its served markets," explained Mr. Nishio. "As Japan Regional Manager, I welcome the opportunities to meet and exceed our local and global customers' expectations, and to maintaining and enhancing ESI's leadership tradition."
    Prior to joining ESI Mr. Nishio spent 23 years at Advantest Corporation where his experience included managing product, technical, and system development. He graduated from Japan's Asahikawa National College of Technology where he received his degree in Electrical Engineering.

    About ESI

    Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (ESI) is a pioneer and leading supplier of world-class production laser systems that help its microelectronics customers achieve compelling yield and productivity gains. The company's industry-leading, application-specific products enhance electronic-device performance in three key sectors -- semiconductors, components and electronic interconnect -- by enabling precision fine-tuning of device microfeatures in high-volume manufacturing environments. Founded in 1944, ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore. More information is available at www.esi.com.

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CONTACT: Electro Scientific Industries Inc. Craig Stoehr, 503-671-7061 or Mike Dodson, 503-671-7028

KEYWORD: OREGON JAPAN INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC Technology_IT INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT CHANGES SOURCE: Electro Scientific Industries Inc.

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