Spire, Nisshinbo Form Partnership

BEDFORD, Mass., June 8 -- Spire Corp. has entered into a global consortium agreement with Nisshinbo Industries Inc., based in Tokyo, for the development, manufacturing and sales of solar photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment.

Nisshinbo has purchased a permanent license to manufacture and sell Spire module manufacturing equipment for an undisclosed amount and additional royalties over the 10-year term of the agreement. The companies have also agreed to pursue joint research and development and product improvement activities. Worldwide marketing and sales will be a joint effort -- Nisshinbo will focus on the Pacific Rim region, and Spire on the Western Hemisphere.

Under the sublicense arrangement, Nisshinbo has already manufactured Spire equipment for module manufacturers in Japan and the Pacific Rim.

Nisshinbo makes various manufacturing equipment and is developing commercial production capabilities for solar module production equipment. Spire develops technology for the solar energy, biomedical, telecommunications and defense industries.

For more information, visit: www.spirecorp.com