GLOUCESTER, MA -- (Marketwire) -- 07/30/09 -- For the seventh consecutive year, Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSEA) received the 1st place ranking in the VLSI Research annual survey of large semiconductor capital equipment makers.

These awards are based upon customer survey results. Varian Semiconductor received the best ratings among its wafer processing peers in each of the following categories that are critical to customers: uptime, software, build quality, usable throughput, quality of results, product performance, process support, field engineering support, spares support and support after sales. Varian improved its 2009 ranking in 12 of the 13 surveyed categories.

The results were based on 35,726 surveys distributed to chip manufacturers representing 95% of worldwide chip production. Each company is evaluated on 13 criteria which encompass equipment performance and customer service. Varian earned the highest ranking in ten of the thirteen categories and had the second highest ranking in the remaining three.

"The last year has been a tremendous challenge for every supplier in the industry," said Gary Dickerson, Chief Executive Officer of Varian Semiconductor. "It is a testament to the employees of Varian that we have maintained our high level of customer service and support in 2009 as recognized by VLSI."

"VLSI Research acknowledges that companies will make compromises in the face of economic pressure," said G. Dan Hutcheson, Chief Executive Officer at VLSI Research. "By, yet again, winning the number one designation for the 12th time in 13 years, Varian has proven it understands that success in good times comes from commitment in bad times. The combination of superior products and superior support has made Varian a benchmark for the industry."

About Varian Semiconductor

Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates is the leading supplier of ion implant equipment to semiconductor manufacturers, enabling them to pack more, higher performing transistors into computer chips that are revolutionizing the electronics industry. Varian Semiconductor's products are used by chip manufacturers worldwide to produce high-performance semiconductor devices. Customers have made Varian Semiconductor the market leader in ion implant because of its architecturally superior products that lower their costs and improve their productivity. Varian Semiconductor operates globally and is headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts. More information can be found on Varian Semiconductor's web site at www.vsea.com.

About VLSI Research, Inc

VLSI Research Inc is the leading provider of market research and economic analysis on the technical, business, and economic aspects of the high technology chip making industry. The Company is known for its unparalleled accuracy, innovation in market research, and its sharply focused insight into the rapidly changing landscape of the chip making business. VLSI Research's databases on chip making are used throughout the industry, the investment community, and by governments for decisive strategic planning. VLSI Research was founded in 1976 and incorporated in California in 1981. The Company's website is www.vlsiresearch.com.