In the first and third graphs, it should read APQC (sted AQPC).

The corrected release reads:

APQC RECOGNIZES ESI FOR EXCELLENCE IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

ESI selected among top five, best-practice organizations for its ability to embrace adaptable new product development processes

Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESIO), a leading supplier of innovative laser-based manufacturing solutions for the microtechnology industry, today announced that the American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC), the international resource for benchmarks and best practices, has recognized ESI as one of five top organizations demonstrating excellence in its recently released ?New Product Development: Embracing an Adaptable Process? study. APQC selected ESI out of more than 280 participating organizations.

In the consortium benchmarking study, APQC evaluated what organizations are currently doing to manage their New Product Development (NPD) processes, identified current best practices and provided a baseline that participating organizations can use for capability comparisons. APQC analyzed several key themes, including measures and metrics, NPD process standards and activities, governance and organizational culture.

?ESI has long been recognized as a pioneer and innovator of breakthrough technologies for such applications as memory repair, advanced micromachining and high capacitance MLCC testing,? said Brad King, director of program management at ESI. ?This recognition by APQC is testament of our commitment to implementing NPD processes that align with and surpass our customers' requirements for state-of-the-art, next-generation microengineering solutions.?

About APQC

APQC is a member-based nonprofit and one of the world's leading proponents of knowledge management, benchmarking, and best practices business research. Working with more than 750 organizations worldwide in all industries, APQC provides organizations with the information they need to work smarter, faster and with confidence. More information is available at: www.apqc.org.

About ESI, Inc.

ESI is a leading supplier of innovative, laser-based manufacturing solutions for the microtechnology industry. Our systems enable precise structuring and testing of micron to submicron features in semiconductors, electronic devices, LEDs and other high-value components. We partner with our customers to make breakthrough technologies possible in the semiconductor, microelectronics and other emerging industries. Founded in 1944, ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with global operations from the Pacific Northwest to the Pacific Rim. More information is available at www.esi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements about the markets we serve, profitability and growth. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us on the date of this release and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for any reason. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may affect the forward-looking statements include: the risk that anticipated growth opportunities may be smaller than anticipated or may not be realized; risks related to the relative strength and volatility of the electronics industry - which is dependent on many factors including component prices, global economic strength and political stability, and overall demand for electronic devices (such as capacitors, semiconductor memory devices and advanced electronic packages) used in wireless telecommunications equipment, computers and consumer and automotive electronics; the health of the financial markets and availability of credit for end customers and related effect on the global economy; the ability of the company to develop, manufacture and successfully deliver new products and enhancements; the company's need to continue investing in research and development; the company's ability to hire and retain key employees; and the company's ability to create and sustain intellectual property protection around its products.

ESI
Debbie Caldwell, 503-671-5405