Orion Energy Systems: Retains KCSA Worldwide for public relations counsel

CONTACTS: Katie Bestenlehner / Ann Higgins

KCSA Public Relations

(212) 896-1269 / (212) 896-1299

kbest@kcsa.com /ahiggins@kcsa.com

Steve Heins, Orion Energy Systems, 920-892-9340

sheins@oriones.com

PLYMOUTH, WI, AUGUST 10, 2004 – Orion Energy Systems, a leading designer and manufacturer of energy efficient lighting systems and controls for industrial, commercial and retail environments, has retained KCSA Worldwide to establish a national profile and to help educate the U.S. manufacturing community about the role energy efficient lighting can play in significantly benefiting their bottom line, improving their productivity in the workplace and still safeguarding the environment.

Orion’s energy efficient lighting in industrial settings addresses a $50 billion market in the United States alone.

“Electricity consumption in the U.S. has been increasing by 2.2 percent per annum over the last decade, leaving the nation even more vulnerable to blackouts like the one we experienced last summer,” said Neal Verfuerth, President of Orion Energy Systems. “We all know that inexpensive and available electricity is a key ingredient to America’s continued global economic leadership. What has been missing in the U.S. is an awareness of the importance of energy efficiency, both for the reliability of the power grid and the cost of electricity.”

The following recognizable national companies are some of Orion’s current customers: Kohler Company, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Pfizer, R.R. Donnelly, Pepsi-Cola of America, Stora Enso, Quad/Graphics, Charter Steel, Coachman, Oshkosh Truck, John Deere, Daimler Chrysler, Rockwell Automation, Caterpillar, UPS Logistics, Kohl’s Department Stores, Federal Mogul, Kimberly Clark, Trane, Toro, and Cabela’s Out-Fitters. In addition, Orion markets to government, academic and institutional customers in such applications as gymnasiums and auditoriums.

Recently, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has done a study, entitled “The Technical, Economic and Achievable Potential for Energy Efficiency in the United States: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Studies,” that shows as much as a 24% reduction of all electricity usage could be achieved in the U.S or 100,000 MW. According to Stephen Heins, VP of Corporate Communication for Orion, “With electricity consumption expected to double in the next twenty years, Energy Efficiency is the quickest, cleanest and cheapest new source of energy.”

Neal Verfuerth and Orion recently won the Ernst & Young Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the DNR’s Clean Air Award. Orion has also won the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award in the Emerging Growth category, given by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Association, the Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award ,the prestigious Spirit of Ecology Award at the 32nd Annual Governor’s New Product Award Program for the Illuminator and Orion was chosen as one of three ” Success Stories ” for the 2002 Governor’s Summit on Capital.

By establishing a strong public relations campaign and continuing its on-going education programs, Orion hopes to increase the national awareness of Energy Efficiency, its innovative Energy Efficient lighting systems and its unique self-funding purchase option.

KCSA’s public relations campaign for Orion Energy Systems will be managed by Henry Feintuch, managing partner, and Ann Higgins, managing director.

About Orion Energy Systems

Orion Energy Systems ( www.oriones.com ) is an innovative designer and manufacturer of highly advanced, energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting systems and controls for use in commercial/industrial, warehouse, big box retail, institutional, agricultural and hospitality environments.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Wis., 40 miles north of Milwaukee, the privately held firm has been an innovator in the energy efficiency business since 1996. Orion is an energy services company (ESCO) whose lighting systems provide capacity displacement solutions for electric supply-side management, transmission management and demand-side management.

About KCSA Public Relations Worldwide

Now in its 35 th year, KCSA Worldwide is the only corporate communications firm in the nation that integrates investor relations, public relations and marketing services. The firm’s customized programs and strategic counsel create communications solutions for public and private companies allowing them to effectively reach their desired audiences and achieve their business marketing goals.

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