Newsclips

Varian Semiconductor Pursues Wind Power for the Benefit of the Company and Community

Market Wire
February 22, 2006

Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSEA) announced today it is seeking approval to install two wind turbines on its world headquarters property at 35 Dory Road, Gloucester, Massachusetts. These wind turbines could provide Varian with up to 50% of its electricity requirements by leveraging the environmental advantages of Gloucester's seaport location.

Using grant funds received from the Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Initiative of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Varian completed a wind turbine feasibility study in July 2005. Based on the results of this study, the Company is now moving forward to obtain the necessary approvals from the City of Gloucester, its zoning board and the Gloucester Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC). Rick Johnson, Varian's director of facilities, said, "The generation of wind power benefits both Varian and the community in many ways: by lightening the load on the local grid; reducing the emission-based health effects of using fossil fuels; and providing a competitive advantage to a major employer in the City of Gloucester and Cape Ann area."