EXHIBIT 99.1

 
                                    For Further Information Contact:
                                    Stephen D. Allison,
                                    Chief Financial Officer
                                    (978) 670-4270 ext. 3129
                                    Marianne Baldrica,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               Demer IR Counsel, Inc.
                                    (925) 938-2678
                                    baldrica@demer-ir.com


                      PRI AUTOMATION ANNOUNCES ANTICIPATED
                      LOWER SECOND FISCAL QUARTER RESULTS

Billerica, MA - March 23, 1998 - PRI Automation, Inc. (NASDAQ:PRIA), a leading
supplier of factory automation systems to the semiconductor industry, today
announced it expects lower than anticipated financial results for the second
fiscal quarter ending March 29, 1998. The company anticipates its revenue for
the quarter, including revenue of its recently acquired subsidiary, Equipe
Technologies, Inc., to be between $47 million and $49 million. Diluted net
earnings per share are expected to be between $0.05 and $0.07, prior to a charge
for costs related to the January 1998 acquisition of Equipe. The charge for
acquisition costs is expected to be approximately $5.0M.

"The Asian financial crisis and DRAM over-capacity continue to impact the
semiconductor industry as a whole. Despite our limited exposure to Asian
semiconductor manufacturers, the overall situation has caused several shifts in
deliveries this quarter," stated Mitch Tyson, President and Chief Operating
Officer of PRI Automation.

"We remain optimistic with respect to our long term prospects due to our unique
ability to provide complete solutions of seamless fab automation. We are
continuing to invest in 300mm and 200mm product development and global
infrastructure in order to strengthen our market position and prepare for the
next market upturn and transition to 300mm wafer processing," said Tyson.

PRI noted that its expectations for second fiscal quarter results are
preliminary, subject to the closing of its books and the completion of customary
quarterly review procedures by company management and independent auditors. PRI
plans to announce its final results on Thursday, April 23, 1998, after the close
of market.

PRI Automation, Inc. is a leading supplier of advanced factory automation
systems that enhance the competitiveness of semiconductor manufacturers. PRI is
the only company to provide a tightly integrated and flexible hardware and
software solution that optimizes the flow of wafers throughout the fab. For more
information, visit PRI's Website at www.pria.com.
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Some statements made in this release are forward looking. Actual results could
differ materially from these statements. Certain risk factors that affect future
results are listed in PRI's latest Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.