The Tech Group to Sponsor FIRST Robotics Competition

Scottsdale, AZ - - September 12, 2002 The Tech Group is pleased to announce its active participation as a sponsor in Phoenix's FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Regional Robotics Competition.

"The FIRST Robotics Competition helps build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating high school students in Arizona and nationwide to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering," said Mr. Sanghi, President and CEO of Microchip Technology. Arizona's leading businesses have contributed more than $165,000 in sponsorship dollars so far to secure the Phoenix event, enabling more local high school students to participate."

In the FIRST Robotics Competition, more than 20,000 students and their mentors have six weeks to brainstorm, design, construct and test their problem-solving robot. These 670 teams compete in one of 17 regional competitions and then at a national championship competition. Teams are supported by volunteers: teachers, industry engineers, university faculty, parents and the community. Students are eligible for $1,700,000 in college scholarships.

About FIRST:

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people, their schools and their communities. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence for high school students. With the support of many of the world's most well-known companies, the non-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition for high school students and the FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old. To learn more about FIRST and the 2003 FIRST Robotics Competion, go to www.usfirst.org.

About The Tech Group:

The Tech Group is a market leader in plastic injection molding and contract manufacturing for the medical, electronics and consumer industries. The Tech Group operates facilities throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia with annual sales of $130MM and over 2,000 employees world-wide.

Contact:

The Tech Group, Shari Krusniak 480-281-4500, shari.krusniak@techgroup.com.