Rockwood Press Release

Rockwood Announces Major Investment in European-based Wafer Reclaim Operations

GREASQUE, FRANCE (January 27, 2003) — Rockwood Specialties Inc. announced today a $7 million expansion and refurbishment project for its Gréasque Wafer Reclaim facility located in the South of France. The project focuses on increasing capacity and enhancing capabilities, particularly in the area of 200mm reclaimed silicon wafers. The project is under way and is set for completion by the end of the second quarter 2003.

As a result of the upgrades to the Gréasque facility, Rockwood will enhance its ability to penetrate the European marketplace for 200mm wafers, as well as maintain its market share in the refurbishing of 150mm wafers. Rockwood plans to increase its 200mm capacity from 370,000 to 550,000 wafers per year to meet future market demand.

“By improving and enhancing our capabilities in Gréasque, Rockwood will position itself to meet the demanding requirements of the marketplace and build on our leading market position,” said Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman and CEO, Rockwood Specialties Inc. “In addition to more effectively supporting our major customer (one of the largest European semiconductor manufacturers), Rockwood Wafer Reclaim will position itself as a leader in technological innovation and will become a more attractive partner for current and potential customers in the European electronics market.”

The key focus of the upgrade project involves automation of the final cleaning process and improved process environments. This investment secures the future of the facility in Gréasque and is supported by grants from local authorities and government.

Rockwood’s Wafer Reclaim business unit provides wafer reclaim services through several facilities around the globe, including, Rockwood Electronic Materials in Riddings, Derbyshire, UK and Gréasque, France; and Exsil, Inc. in Prescott, Arizona, USA and Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Rockwood, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, is a leading global specialty chemical company with sales of more than $800 million. The company focuses on niche segments of the specialty chemical market, including additives, specialty compounds, electronic chemicals, materials and services. Rockwood Specialties maintains operations in North America, Europe and Asia with a workforce of over 2,500 employees.