DuPont Photomasks Executive Harold W. Lehon Appointed to U.S. Trade Committee; Lehon to Represent Electronics and Instrumentation Industry in Trade Matters

Business Wire, Oct 14, 1998

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 1998--DuPont Photomasks, Inc. (Nasdaq:DPMI), commonly referred to as DPI, announced the appointment of Harold W. Lehon to an industry sector advisory committee for the United States Commerce Department.

Lehon is the director of global supply chain management for DPI, the global leader in photomask manufacturing.

As a representative on the Industry Sector Advisory Committee on Electronics and Instrumentation for Trade Policy Matters, Lehon will represent the company, high technology and U.S. industry. The selection of Lehon reflects both his personal reputation as a strong and experienced international businessman and DPI's significant contributions to the technological advancement of the semiconductor industry.

"In making this appointment, the commerce department considered Harold Lehon's expertise in industry and trade matters, and the company he represents," said Mike Hardinger, chairman and CEO of DuPont Photomasks, Inc. "I am confident that he will serve as an excellent ambassador for the global semiconductor industry and a sound guardian of U.S. trade interests."

Having begun his professional career in 1980 with E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co., Inc., Lehon has held positions of increasing responsibility and was a key member of the IPO team that took DuPont Photomasks public in 1996. Lehon has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson University in South Carolina. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, National Association of Purchasing Managers and the American Production and Inventory Control Society.

According to the Department of Commerce, representatives to the Advisory Committee have direct access to trade policy makers at the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and develop the industry's positions on U.S. trade policy and negotiation objectives. The committee addresses issues such as: market access problems; barriers to trade; tariff levels; discriminatory foreign procurement practices; the information, marketing and advocacy needs of their sector; and other significant trade issues.

Approximately 25 industry executives serve on the Industry Sector Advisory Committee on Electronics and Instrumentation for Trade Policy Matters. Individuals represent a geographically diverse group of businesses from various segments of the industry, including Xerox Corporation, GTE, Sun Microsystems, Applied Materials and Tektronix, Inc. Lehon will serve on the committee through the spring of 2000 when members are reviewed for reappointment.

DPI, the world's largest photomask manufacturer, operates globally from 10 strategically located facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. The company produces and supplies photomasks as well as photoblanks (photomask substrates) and pellicles (protective covers for photomasks). Headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, DPI posted worldwide sales of over $271 million in fiscal 1998. The company maintains a Web site at www.photomask.com.

Note: This release includes forward-looking statements based on management's current plans and expectations. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause future activities and results of operations to differ from those suggested, including risks associated with industry trends, international currency fluctuations, capacity utilization and the need to manage growth. For additional information, please refer to DPI's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the company's most recent Form 10-K dated September 18, 1998, which identifies important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward looking statements. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the year.