Plextronics: Renewable Energy

A Renewable Energy Company

Contact: Lori Lecker, +1 412.423.2030 extention 111, llecker@plextronics.com, www.plextronics.com

Plextronics and Pittsburgh: Our Story

Why Pittsburgh? We've been asked this question many times by investors, reporters, partners and customers. They always want to know what this beautiful, historic and unassuming city in Western PA had to offer to Plextronics - an emerging, green technology company - which other places did not. The answer we give is always the same...talent and technology, partners and pedigree.

When Plextronics spun-out of CMU in 2002, we could have chosen anywhere in the country as our headquarters. We picked Pittsburgh because of the talent and knowledge base coming out of the local colleges and universities. We saw the opportunity for potential partnerships with world-leading companies such as Alcoa, PPG, US Steel and Bayer, all of which make materials that we could potentially print our products on. We chose the city because it's a great place for our employees to live and work, with a relatively low cost of living and access to diverse cultural offerings.

Even more importantly, we wanted to be in Pittsburgh because the city has always been an innovation leader whose resident companies have long been known for inventing new, game-changing technologies. That's particularly true for the energy industry. Some of the world's leading energy companies are right here in Pittsburgh, from nuclear and coal companies to natural gas and renewable energy pioneers. We wanted to be a part of that next generation of companies to redefine the region as a leader in the global energy market.

Since then, Plextronics has continued to grow and serve an international customer base. We started 2002 with just four employees. Today we employ 70, with about half of those employees relocating to Pittsburgh from all over the world specifically to take a job at our company. We're bringing talent into Pittsburgh, and will continue to do so as we expand our operations here. And to be honest, Pittsburgh is an easy sell for us. Once a candidate is here, they fall in love with the city. Every time.
About Plextronics, Inc.

Plextronics is an international technology company that specializes in printed electronics, specifically organic solar technology and energy efficient lighting. Our primary products are conductive and semi-conductive inks that can be used to print electronic devices, such as energy-generating solar cells, using low-cost manufacturing techniques.
Plextronics is a privately held company with select strategic investors and corporate partners. Some of the United States' most prominent venture capital firms have invested in the company, and world business leaders such as Solvay and Applied Materials are among our corporate investors.

Over the past seven years, our scientists have amassed an intellectual property portfolio that includes more than 150 patent applications and issued patents as they further refine and develop our technology to deliver exceptional performance.
More information about the company can be found at www.plextronics.com.