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                                                                      EXHIBIT 99


                AUGUST TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT

MINNEAPOLIS, MAY 10, 2002 - August Technology Corporation (Nasdaq: AUGT) today
announced the resignation of Tom Velin, chief financial officer. Mr. Velin's
resignation is effective immediately as he leaves to attend to personal and
family matters that require his full attention.

"Tom has been a valuable contributor to the company over the past 3+ years,"
stated Jeff O'Dell, August Technology's chairman and CEO. "He played an active
role in the Company's initial public offering in June of 2000, as well as the
ongoing financial and investor relations activities required by a newly public
company. We thank Tom for his many contributions to the Company and wish him
well as he makes this transition."

In Mr. Velin's absence, Corporate Controller Scott Gabbard will serve as acting
CFO, managing financial responsibilities, while other business matters and
investor relations will be divided between Jeff O'Dell, CEO and David Klenk,
president and chief operating officer.

August Technology Corporation, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a leading
supplier of automated visual defect inspection equipment for the
microelectronics industries, and has established service and sales
representation in all major microelectronics manufacturing markets worldwide.
The inspection solutions designed, manufactured and marketed by August
Technology provide microelectronic device manufacturers with cost-saving quality
and process information. August Technology is a founding member of the Advanced
Packaging and Interconnect Alliance (APiA) and is active in the Die Products
Consortium (DPC). Additional information can be found on the company's web site
at www.augusttech.com.

CONTACT:

August Technology Corporation, Bloomington
David Klenk, 952/820-0080
david.klenk@augusttech.com
or
Megan Rasmusson, 952/259-1647
megan.rasmusson@augusttech.com







