Ceradyne, Inc. recently received orders totaling $14.6 million for its lightweight ceramic armor systems, including approximately $12 million for certain elite U.S. fighting units and $2.6 million for the U.S. Marine Corps. Shipments are expected to commence in October 2005 and be completed by August 2006. These new orders are separate from the $461 million contract, announced on August 20, 2004, for SAPI and ESAPI for the U.S. Army. "I am pleased that the orders for ceramic armor being received by Ceradyne represent not only potential growth beyond ESAPI products but also the addition of new customers," said Joel Moskowitz, Ceradyne chief executive. "Approximately $1.56 million of the above orders is for specially designed body armor shaped to protect other areas of the body in addition to the chest and back."

Additional information about the company can be found at www.ceradyne.com.