Tower Semiconductor Implements Cost Reduction Plan

MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, May 28, 2008 -- Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ: TSEM; TASE: TSEM) today commenced the first steps of the recently announced $40 million per annum cost reduction plan. Tower continues to place strong focus on cost efficiencies in order to better withstand the continuous decline in the US dollar/NIS exchange rate, foundry wafer price pressures and the overall worldwide economy. Tower additionally, has not yet received government grants relating to its cap-ex investments during 2006 through 2008, which were promised, committed and two years past due. To this end, Tower is filing a petition with the Israeli High Court of Justice targeting an approval certificate from the State of Israel for up to $80 million of grants, approximately $40 million of which are overdue.

The plan’s key areas of focus are:

Immediate reduction in workforce of approximately 170 employees, primarily in managerial and support related functions, which Tower expects will result in about $14 million per annum reduction of employment related and activity expenses
Changes in Tower’s organizational structure to generate a wider span of control per manager
Continued materials and spare parts costs savings through multiple sourcing and price negotiation

Tower’s recently released acquisition of Jazz Semiconductor creates additional opportunities for synergies, which Tower plans to realize through operational and purchasing efficiencies. This acquisition is targeted to result in a near doubling of revenue and EBITDA.

“These measures are needed for Tower to overcome the current unfavorable market and economic trends, hence improving Tower’s financial picture”, said Russell Ellwanger, CEO of Tower Semiconductor. “This leaner organizational structure will allow Tower to be stronger in the market and sets the proper foundation for the integration of activities surrounding the Jazz acquisition.”

About Tower Semiconductor Ltd.

Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (Nasdaq: TSEM, TASE: TSEM) is an independent specialty foundry that delivers customized solutions in a variety of advanced CMOS technologies, including digital CMOS, mixed-signal and RF (radio frequency) CMOS, CMOS image sensors, power management devices, and embedded non-volatile memory solutions. Tower’s customer orientation is complemented by its uncompromising attention to quality and service. Its specialized processes and engineering expertise provides highly flexible, customized manufacturing solutions to fulfill the increasing variety of customer needs worldwide. Boasting two world-class manufacturing facilities with standard and specialized process technologies ranging from 1.0- to 0.13-micron, Tower Semiconductor provides exceptional design support and technical services to help customers sustain long-term, reliable product performance, while delivering on-time and on-budget results. More information can be found at http://www.towersemi.com.