MANITOWOC, Wis., Aug. 22, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Senator Herb Kohl today will tour the Manitowoc manufacturing facility of Orion Energy Systems Inc. (NasdaqGM:OESX - News), a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting systems, controls and direct renewable products for commercial and industrial customers.

Recently, Orion announced it will expand its Manitowoc factory, creating 170 jobs for people in the region. In addition to creating more jobs, the expansion will allow more energy-saving products to reach the market, which will help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and protect the environment.

In Congress, Kohl was successful in ensuring the federal government provides funding for the demonstration of direct solar light pipe technologies, such as Orion's Apollo Light Pipe technology, which uses solar energy to significantly cut energy demand and reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants.

Orion's Apollo Light Pipe(tm) is a rooftop-installed apparatus that collects sunlight and directs it downward into a facility without using electricity. When used with Orion's control system, electric lights are automatically shut off when the light pipe provides enough daylight. Because lights are turned off, the electricity used to power them isn't generated. As a result, the greenhouse gas by-products of energy production aren't emitted into the atmosphere.

``All of us at Orion appreciate the work Sen. Kohl has done for furthering solar light pipe technologies,'' Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth said. ``These technologies will help relieve our dependence on fossil fuels and significantly decrease our customers' energy bills.''

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 3,762 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 357 megawatts, saving customers more than $402 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 3.6 million tons.

Kohl will meet at 10 a.m. with Verfuerth at the company's manufacturing facility, 2001 Mirro Drive, Manitowoc. Orion also operates a facility in Plymouth, Wis.

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.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4540

          Orion Energy Systems Inc.
          Media Contact
          Linda Diedrich, Director Corporate Communications
          920-918-2643
          ljd@oes1.com