MKS Instruments Awarded $20 Million Order for Solar Applications

ANDOVER, Mass., Oct 20, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

MKS Instruments, Inc. (Nasdaq: MKSI), a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, announced today that it has been awarded a contract from a major Chinese solar cell manufacturer for its new RF power supplies and matching networks, as well as a number of vacuum related products. The equipment will be used in the production of photovoltaic thin film solar cells and will be installed in two fabs currently under construction in China.

"Our newly designed advanced power supply technology, with its superior power conversion efficiency and high reliability, was a key factor in the selection of MKS for this initial order," said Jerry Colella, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our strong local presence in China, including our highly skilled applications engineering team, was essential to being qualified and selected by this customer and to fully support their future needs."

Shipments are scheduled to begin in late December and continue through early 2011. MKS continues to expand its presence in the solar market, especially as it grows in Asia.

About MKS

MKS Instruments, Inc. is a leading, global provider of technologies to power, control, deliver, monitor, measure and analyze advanced processes in high growth markets. Our primary served markets are manufacturers of capital equipment for thin film applications including semiconductor devices, flat panel displays, light emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, data storage media and coatings, as well as medical equipment; energy generation and environmental monitoring processes; biopharm and other industrial manufacturing; and university, government and industrial research laboratories.

SOURCE MKS Instruments, Inc.