Solectron Begins Volume Lead-Free Manufacturing in Taiwan

    MILPITAS, Calif. & KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan--June 11, 2003--Solectron Corporation , a leading provider of electronics manufacturing and supply-chain management services, said today it has begun volume production of lead-free computer battery packs at its site in Kaohsiung, Taiwan -- a step that expands Solectron's lead-free volume production to six countries and strengthens the company's leading role in helping customers transition to lead-free assemblies to meet emerging global requirements banning lead from electronics products.
    Solectron Taiwan began prototyping lead-free products in January 2003 and currently provides design, lead-free printed circuit board assembly, testing and volume manufacturing.
    Solectron now provides prototyping or high-volume manufacturing lead-free services from its locations in Belgium, California, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, Romania, Singapore and Taiwan for the automotive, computing, consumer electronics and communications industries. Customers include Olympus Technologies and Sony Corporation. Several Solectron sites have received Sony's "Original Equipment Manufacturer Green Partner" certification, by complying with Sony's quality control for environmental-related substances in the OEM manufacturing processes.
    "At Solectron, we are steadily expanding the production of lead-free products as we help customers around the world meet more rigorous lead-free standards," said Srinivas Rao, vice president of technology. "Over the last decade, we have helped develop and test lead-free technologies, and today we are working with customers to produce lead-free products in greater volumes. We have now built more than two million lead-free units, helping our customers meet evolving legislative requirements globally."
    Legislation targeting products manufactured with lead is changing the way electronics makers conduct business worldwide. As a result of recent European legislation, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), most new electronics products containing lead will be banned from sale in Europe starting in 2006. Countries such as Japan and the United States are considering similar laws.
    Solectron is a leader in identifying a lead-free solder paste that is reliable at the high temperatures necessary for lead-free manufacturing. Solectron is also working with component suppliers in an effort to ensure an adequate supply of lead-free parts and components compatible with the demands of lead-free manufacturing. The company maintains stringent requirements that suppliers must meet before their materials are approved for use -- ensuring reliable, high-quality products.

    About Solectron

    Solectron (www.solectron.com) provides a full range of global manufacturing and supply-chain management services to the world's premier high-tech electronics companies. Solectron's offerings include new-product design and introduction services, materials management, high-tech product manufacturing, and product warranty and end-of-life support.

    Safe Harbor

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things, anticipated legislative and regulatory developments and evolution of consumer preferences towards lead-free products, and the ability of component suppliers to develop reliable components and assemblies suitable for reliable lead-free manufacturing processes. The news release is based on current information and expectations, as to which there exist a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include possible changes in existing legislation and/or adoption of new legislation or regulations relating to hazardous substances, changes in technology, unforeseen technical or other obstacles to the successful implementation and marketing of the lead-free products, and the willingness and ability of component suppliers to develop and supply reliable components and assemblies suitable for reliable lead-free manufacturing processes in the volumes, and at the prices, demanded in the marketplace. Solectron disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Other potential risks that could cause actual events to differ materially are included in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Forms 8-K, 10-K, 10-Q, S-3, S-4 and S-8 for Solectron Corporation. Solectron disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.