Key Technology Hires Jarrod Li as Country Manager for China

November 15, 2005 – Key Technology announces the appointment of Jarrod Li to the new position of Country Manager for China. Mr. Li is responsible for bringing Key’s automated inspection, specialized conveying, product preparation systems, and world-class service to Chinese customers in the food processing and industrial markets. Mr. Li will be based at Key’s new Shanghai office, scheduled to open in early 2006, which will provide sales and service as well as an applications lab and an engineering group.

“As an international leader in the design and manufacture of process automation systems, Key is focused on expanding its presence in China,” noted Ormand Hilderbrand, Market Development Director at Key Technology. “China is a very important market – we want to provide our Chinese customers with superior service and support locally. Hiring Jarrod Li is a significant step in this process.”

Born and raised in China, Mr. Li has an extensive background in developing international organizations and starting up operations in China. Most recently, he was a Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center. Previously, he was President/COO with Tekcamp International, Inc., and prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Operations at AboveCable, Inc. He holds a B.A. degree from National Taiwan University and earned his MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management.

“I am excited to join Key – the company has an outstanding reputation worldwide for its quality equipment and its dedication to customer service,” noted Jarrod Li. “With Chinese companies focused on producing high quality products, Key has a tremendous opportunity. By opening an office in Shanghai, we’ll be able to provide the highest level of support to our customers in China.”

About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock MarketSM under the symbol: KTEC.