Southwall Technologies Inc. Announces Andre Horn As New Director

PALO ALTO, Calif.--March 1, 2006--Southwall Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:SWTX), a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of thin-film coatings for the electronic display, automotive glass and architectural markets (the "Company"), reported today that Mr. Andre Horn has joined the Company's board of directors.

Mr. Horn started his career with Arthur Young & Co. in Europe. Mr. Horn has 30 years of experience in financial and operating management positions, including acting as Chairman of Joy Manufacturing Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, now known as Joy Global Inc. ("Joy"). At the time of Mr. Horn's retirement from Joy in 1985, it was a billion-dollar manufacturer of machinery for mining, construction, pollution control, oil drilling and other capital goods. Some of Mr. Horn's achievements at Joy were featured in the book "Creating Excellence." Mr. Horn later became Chairman of Needham & Co., Inc. ("Needham"), specializing in raising equity for emerging growth companies. Mr. Horn retired from that position in March 1991, and was elected Chairman Emeritus of Needham. Mr. Horn is currently a director and Chairman of the Board of REMEC, Inc., a San Diego, California manufacturer of microwave components for communications and defense electronics. Mr. Horn has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Mathematics from the University of Paris, is a graduate from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (France's leading college of industrial management), and is a graduate of Saumur Cavalry and Armored Warfare Academy.

"I am very pleased to announce the addition of Andre to our board and am delighted that he has decided to join us," said Thomas G. Hood, President and CEO. "Andre will bring a wealth of financial and operational experience to our Company. We believe our board, management team and shareholders will benefit from Andre's addition."

About Southwall Technologies Inc.

Southwall Technologies Inc., designs and produces thin film products that selectively absorb, reflect or transmit light. Southwall products are used in a number of automotive, electronic display and architectural glass products to enhance optical and thermal performance characteristics, improve user comfort and reduce energy costs. Southwall is an ISO 9001:2000-certified manufacturer and sells advanced thin film coatings to over 25 countries around the world. Southwall's customers include Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Hewlett-Packard, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsui Chemicals, Peugeot-Citroen, Philips, Pilkington, Renault, Saint-Gobain Sekurit, and Volvo.