VAT : Media release - Announcement Juergen Krebs

Haag, December 23, 2016 - VAT announces the appointment of Jürgen Krebs as Chief Operating Officer and member of the Group Executive Committee from July 1, 2017.

Jürgen Krebs joins VAT from Hauni Maschienenbau AG, Hamburg, Germany where he has been Executive Vice President Operations and member of the Group Executive Board since September 2004. Prior to Hauni, Jürgen Krebs held various management positions at Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG and Heidelberg Web Systems Inc. Jürgen Krebs holds a degree in Engineering from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Germany and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

"Jürgen is a seasoned Executive with long experience in the field of mechanical engineering, state of the art manufacturing and international technology transfers", said Heinz Kundert, CEO of VAT, and, "With his experience, Jürgen will be a key contributor to our further growth and manufacturing excellence in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania. I welcome Jürgen to VAT and to our Management Team".

"I consider it a great opportunity to join VAT", adds Jürgen Krebs. "Throughout my professional carrier I have been applying the methods of Manufacturing Excellence such as lean principles and concepts of Industry 4.0 in the context of planning, developing and managing international manufacturing networks. I am looking forward to bringing in my experience and helping shape the successful future of VAT."

Jürgen Krebs succeeds Kurt Trippacher who will leave VAT by April 30, 2017 as previously communicated.

Michel R. Gerber

Head of Corporate Communication and Investor Relations Phone: +41 81 772 42 55

E-Mail: m .ger ber @v at.c h

VAT is the leading global developer, manufacturer and supplier of high-end vacuum valves. VAT vacuum valves are mission-critical components for advanced manufacturing processes of innovative products used in daily life such as portable devices, flat screen monitors or solar panels. VAT is organized into three different reporting segments: Valves, Global Services and Industry offering high- end vacuum valves, multi-valve modules, edge-welded bellows and related value-added services for an array of vacuum applications. VAT Group is a global player with approximately 1,300 employees and main manufacturing sites in Haag (Switzerland), Penang (Malaysia) and Arad (Romania). Net

sales in the financial year 2015 amounted to CHF 411 million. For further information visit: www.vatvalve.com.