Rockwell Semiconductor Systems Partners With The EPA To Reduce Threat Of Global Warming; Also Awarded Mexico's Environmental Excellence Award

Business Wire, Sept 2, 1997

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 2, 1997-- Fulfilling its commitment to protect the environment, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems Tuesday announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States Environmental Protection Agency titled "PFC Emission Reduction Partnership." Rockwell and the EPA will work together to find ways to reduce the emissions of gases that may cause global warming.

The announcement is Rockwell's second major environmental initiative in the past twelve months, following the successful completion in late 1996 of a comprehensive program at the company's Mexicali, Mexico operation. That program netted Rockwell an environmental excellence award in October from Mexico's federal environmental protection agency.

"We are committed to doing our part in reducing the possibility of global warming in the U.S., and to protect the environment both in the U.S. and abroad," said Michael Gooch, manager, Environmental Engineering, Rockwell Semiconductor Systems. "As a leading manufacturer of semiconductor solutions worldwide, we recognize our responsibility to protect our precious environment. Our ongoing success in Mexico also demonstrates that our commitment extends to Rockwell operations around the globe."

Under the terms of its agreement with the EPA, Rockwell will provide the EPA with annual estimates of Perfluorocompound (PFC) emissions from U.S. operations, and will examine the possibilities of reducing the rate of emissions through recycling, abatement and efficient usages of manufacturing and chemicals as these alternatives become technologically and economically feasible. The company will also share information with the EPA and the semiconductor industry about successful PFC emission reduction processes and technologies.

PFCs, are considered by some to be "greenhouse" gases. The gases are used by the semiconductor industry to remove unwanted materials from integrated circuits and to clean the equipment used in circuit manufacturing. The semiconductor industry has been identified as a small but unique contributor to the global warming issue.

Other members of the partnership include: Advanced Micro Devices, Cherry Semiconductor Corp., Digital Equipment Corp., Hewlett-Packard Company, Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., Lucent Technologies, LSI Logic, Motorola Inc., the National Security Agency, Symbios Logic Inc., National Semiconductor Corp., Texas Instruments Inc. and VLSI Technology Inc.

Rockwell's progress to minimize emissions was exemplified by Rockwell Semiconductor Systems Mexicali, Mexico, which in October 1996, received the Environmental Excellence Award for full compliance to the requirements mandated by PROFEPA, Mexico's Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Regulatory requirements included critical environmental compliance programs such as having all of the required permits and licenses, annual reporting for waste shipments and air emissions, record keeping programs and site specific plans for waste minimization, business emergencies and equipment maintenance.

The award was given by CNIME, Mexico's Maquila Association and validated by PROFEPA. This was the first time that the award has been validated by PROFEPA. There are approximately 2,356 Maquilas operating in Mexico, all of which were invited to compete for the award. Of those, only 16 were found to be in full compliance. In Baja, California, the state where the Mexicali facility is located, there are 769 Maquilas in operation, five received awards.

Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, based in Newport Beach, is a leading worldwide provider of semiconductor system solutions for personal communications electronics. RSS comprises the Personal Computing, Wireless Communications, Network Access, Digital Infotainment and Switching System divisions. Personal Computing is the leading supplier of facsimile and PC modem chipsets.

Wireless Communications provides total system solutions for advanced cordless telephony and global positioning systems receiver engines. Network Access offers a broad line of high-bandwidth communications and networking devices. Digital Infotainment focuses on products for the digital consumer electronics information and entertainment markets. Switching Systems, based in Wood Dale, Ill., is a leading supplier of mission-critical call center solutions.

Rockwell is a global electronics company with leadership market positions in industrial automation, semiconductor systems and avionics and communications, with projected fiscal 1997 sales of approximately $8 billion and 44,000 employees. In March, Rockwell announced plans to spin off its automotive components business. That transaction is expected to be completed in September 1997.

CONTACT: Rockwell Semiconductor Systems

Eileen Algaze, 714/221-6849

eileen.algaze@nb.rockwell.com

or

The Benjamin Group Inc.

Suzanne Foxworth, 714/245-7500 x213

Fax: 714/245-7505