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Micrel Achieves Major Environmental, Energy and Cost Reduction Goals

Posted on: Monday, 1 August 2005, 09:00 CDT

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Micrel, Inc. , an industry leader in IC analog, high bandwidth and Ethernet solutions, today announced that it has achieved several major environmental, energy and cost reduction milestones. By successfully installing and deploying a new Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) abatement system, the Company was able to cut annual fab energy costs by a significant 25 percent. The milestones are the result of the Company's ISO14001:1996 certification and 'Green' initiatives which strive for on-going reductions in emissions in addition to on-going energy savings which may reach 30 percent on an annual basis. Additionally, by working closely with PG&E representatives and various local agencies, including the City of San Jose, Micrel was able to qualify for, and receive, a rebate of $300,000.00.

"All fabs have a variety of process material waste and by-products that must be disposed of in the most environmentally responsible manner possible. However, this can end up costing a semiconductor company a great deal of money in terms of energy costs," noted Guy Gandenberger, vice president of wafer fab and foundry operations, Micrel. "By working closely with PG&E, the City of San Jose and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District during the qualification, installation, test and permit processes, we were able to qualify for a substantial rebate from PG&E, cut our long term energy costs by at least 25 percent and continue to dispose of waste using the most environmentally sound techniques available."

"We are pleased to see corporations like Micrel attain these environmentally sound goals," noted Alan Richter, manager, account services, PG&E. "This accomplishment paves the way for other Corporations, showing them how PG&E's programs support the on-going pursuit of environmentally sound business practices. In addition, Micrel's 'green' leadership shows companies how these efforts can result in significant, long-term cost savings as well as substantial financial reimbursements through our various rebate programs."

Micrel's San Jose California-based wafer fabrication facility has been certified to ISO14001:1996, the International Environmental Management System Standard. The goal of the environmental management system is to ensure regulatory compliance and to reduce environmental impact through waste reduction and recycling. Micrel continues to focus on continuously improving its quality, safety and environmental practices. As a result, the Company continues to significantly reduce water and energy consumption, saving significant operating funds as well as preserving the environment. To ensure compliance with the European directive on the restriction of use of hazardous substances (ROHS) and other similar regulations, Micrel is committed to providing customers lead-free products. As a result, the vast majority of Micrel products may be ordered in lead-free versions. More information about Micrel's Environmental Management System and lead-free products can be found on the Micrel website at: http://www.micrel.com/.

About Micrel, Inc.

Micrel Inc., is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. The Company's products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; high performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products. Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities located in San Jose, CA with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company maintains an extensive network of distributors and reps worldwide. Web: http://www.micrel.com/ .

Micrel Inc.

CONTACT: Julieanne DiBene, Marketing Communications of Micrel, Inc.,+1-408-474-1276, or Julie.DiBene@Micrel.com

Web site: http://www.micrel.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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