Appex Corp and Alcatel Vacuum Technology, an Alcatel-Lucent company (Euronext Paris and NYSE : ALU), announced that they are opening their new service center in Shin Yokohama (Kita Shin Yokohama 1-9-4, Kohoku-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-Prefecture) on December 4th 2007.

Because of the considerable expansion of its activities in Japan through direct sales or through Original Equipment Manufacturers landing in Japan, Alcatel Vacuum Technology and Appex, its partner in Japan since 1995, have decided to open a brand new, state-of-the-art service center in Shin Yokohama.
This new service center incorporates all the required high tech equipment to maintain and repair the full product portfolio of Alcatel Vacuum Technology, from disassembling and cleaning to final testing and verification of performance and specifications. The service center has been designed and is operated to comply with Alcatel-Lucent's strict environmental policy, including waste disposal treatment.

In Asia, Alcatel Vacuum Technology has today service centers in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Singapore. These centers are audited annually in order to check their compliance with Alcatel-Lucent’s overall policies and processes. “This new service center represents a significant milestone in Alcatel Vacuum Technology's long history in Japan as our products have been available in Japan since 1974. This demonstrates our strong confidence in the future expansion of this market. Our customers are requesting fast, reliable and high quality service and we are committed to support them.� said F. della Faille, Vice-President of Alcatel Vacuum Technology.

About Appex:
Appex is specialized in 3 major areas: Production of semiconductor equipment, sales and service of camera lenses & sales and service of vacuum equipment and components. Appex has been the official service provider for Alcatel Vacuum Technology since 1995. The company employs approx. 150 persons.

About Alcatel Vacuum Technology:
Alcatel Vacuum Technology is a Alcatel-Lucent’s company and one of the world leaders in vacuum solutions for semiconductor, analytical and general industry. The company specializes in vacuum pumps, leak detection systems. Alcatel Vacuum Technology has been active in Japan for over 30 years. The head office is located in Annecy, France and employs close to 1000 persons.

Contact
Appex Head Office: Nishi Azabu 3-21-20, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0031; President T. Sekine

Alcatel Vacuum Technology operating in Japan under: Alcatel-Lucent Japan Ltd., Roppongi 1-4-30, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-8508; President E. Shimizu.