MANITOWOC, Wis., May 22, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- New production equipment at Orion Energy Systems Inc.'s (NasdaqGM:OESX - News) Manitowoc production facility is increasing efficiencies and ``running at a steady pace,'' according to Scott Kopetsky, executive officer of manufacturing and engineering.

The new, custom designed roll former produces the shell of Orion's power packs from aluminum coil stock. The power packs encapsulate the ballasts and wiring needed to power the lamps in Orion's patented high performance lighting systems.

The roll former produces 10 power packs per minute, as opposed to one per minute using Orion's previous production methods. The roll former, which requires only a single operator, frees two manufacturing cells that require four operators. The roll former also generates higher yields with no scrap as the power packs are produced from a master coil of aluminum.

``It's a remarkable savings of time and work effort,'' Kopetsky said. ``It's a way to be much more efficient in our manufacturing.''

After installation and extensive testing, the machine is now on-line and fully operational. Orion has another custom roll former used to produce its patented, polished aluminum reflector. That roll former was installed in early 2005.

No reduction in manpower occurred as a result of the efficiency gains and the machines previously used to form the power packs are being used to complete other manufacturing processes.

``This custom roll former positions Orion to meet its growth and margin improvement targets,'' commented Orion CEO and President Neal Verfuerth. ``Moreover, this roll former allows Orion to maintain its competitive advantage in lead times, ensuring that our customers begin to see efficiency gains as soon as possible.''

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 3,655 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 334 megawatts, saving customers over $351 million, and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by over 4.4 million tons.

About Orion Energy Systems Inc.

Orion Energy Systems Inc. (NasdaqGM:OESX - News) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting systems, controls and related services for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. For more information, visit http://www.oriones.com.

The Orion Energy Systems, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4540

          Orion Energy Systems Inc.
          Media Contact
          Linda Diedrich, Director Corporate Communications
          920-482-1988
          ljd@oes1.com