Business Editors/High Tech Writers

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2002

Data I/O(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:DAIO), the leading innovator in device programming and handling solutions announced today that Kyocera Wireless Corp.(R) has expanded their utilization of Pro-LINE RoadRunner(TM) systems by converting yet another manufacturing cell to On-Line programming. Kyocera Wireless initially began converting manufacturing lines to Data I/O in 2001. Each manufacturing cell contains 2 production lines and Kyocera Wireless uses one RoadRunner per line. The RoadRunner installs as a feeder on the SMT assembly machine, automatically removing blank components from carrier tape, programming them, and presenting the programmed components for immediate placement onto the PCB.

Since their initial purchase, Kyocera Wireless has realized impressive gains in operation by virtue of their upgrade to Data I/O RoadRunners, saving significant amounts in operating costs and inventory expenses.

"This approach allows us to download our information to the Flash memory at the time of assembly. We're adding value as late as possible in the value chain, while still maintaining our maximum line rate," said Greg Balas, Engineering Manager at Kyocera Wireless Corp. "These improvements in operations as well as substantial inventory reductions as a result of our conversion have allowed us to achieve a return on our investment in well under one year. We've also cut several weeks out of our new product delivery time."

"Kyocera Wireless is a luminary customer for Data I/O, in that they truly embrace the principles of Lean Manufacturing. The benefits of RoadRunner such as streamlined processes, removal of unnecessary steps in the value chain, and the elimination of batch work are all recognized and managed well by Kyocera Wireless. Their environment is the state-of-the-art model for which the RoadRunner was designed," said Stuart Jensen, Customer Program Manager for Data I/O.

About Kyocera Wireless Corp.

Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000. Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA handsets and accessories for customers worldwide. Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. For more information, please visit the Kyocera Wireless Corp. Web site at http://www.kyocera-wireless.com.