General Semiconductor Taiwan Factory Production Near Normal

Business Wire, Sept 21, 1999

MELVILLE, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--September 21, 1999--

General Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:SEM), a leading manufacturer of discrete semiconductors, though saddened by the devastation and loss of life on the Island, announced that its Taipei factory sustained no major damage in Tuesday morning's earthquake. It is expected to return to normal production by Wednesday, local Taiwan time.

Power was restored, equipment was recalibrated and processes were recertified by Tuesday evening, Taiwan time. General Semiconductor has also been assured by suppliers that all important materials for the business have been secured, providing assurance that all needs of its customers will be met.

General Semiconductor, Inc. has manufacturing facilities in China, France, Germany, Ireland, Taiwan and the United States. The Company provides customers with a broad array of power rectifiers, transient voltage suppressors and small signal transistors and diodes. It has a diversified customer base, in terms of geography and end-use markets. Customers include leading manufacturers, located around the globe, of consumer electronics, lighting, telecommunications

equipment, computers, automotive and automotive aftermarket products.

The information set forth above includes "forward-looking" information and, accordingly, the cautionary statements contained in Exhibit 99 to the Company's Form 10-K/A and Form 10-Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated herein by reference. General Semiconductor's actual results could differ materially from the "forward-looking" information in this press release.

Visit General Semiconductor on the web at www.gensemi.com