Photronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLAB), a worldwide leader in supplying innovative photomask-based imaging solutions for the global electronics and display industries, announced today that Peter C. Broadbent has been named Vice President, Investor Relations & Marketing. Broadbent will manage the company's communications with the investment community to build awareness for Photronics' business strategies and financial performance. He will report directly to Constantine ("Deno") Macricostas, the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

Prior to joining Photronics, Broadbent was CEO of Wahlstrom Group, a directional advertising agency and unit of Interpublic Group, from 2002 to 2009. He had over 25 years of ever-increasing marketing and operating roles at Wahlstrom, one of the largest directory agencies in the U.S. A well respected member of the directory industry, Broadbent served on the Board of Directors of the Local Search Association and the Insurance Marketing Communications Association.

"We are delighted to have someone of Pete's leadership and marketing expertise join the Photronics team," stated Deno Macricostas. "He has been consulting with us this past year, in an investor relations capacity, and it just made sense to bring him on full time at this strategic period of expansion and growth."

"I am excited to join Photronics, a highly regarded and outstanding brand in the photomask industry," added Broadbent. "The company is executing on all dimensions of the business, from customer service to high-end technology, and financial results. It's an exciting success story, and I am thrilled to be working with the management team to help communicate that message to the investment community."

Photronics is a leading worldwide manufacturer of photomasks. Photomasks are high precision quartz plates that contain microscopic images of electronic circuits. A key element in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays, photomasks are used to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers and flat panel substrates during the fabrication of integrated circuits, a variety of flat panel displays and, to a lesser extent, other types of electrical and optical components. They are produced in accordance with product designs provided by customers at strategically located manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. Additional information on the Company can be accessed at www.photronics.com.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Photronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release and other parts of Photronics' web site involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products, services, prices, and other factors. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, legal, governmental, and technological factors. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company's expectations will be realized. For a fuller discussion of the factors that may affect the Company's operations, see "Forward Looking Statements" in the Company's Quarterly and Annual Reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K. The Company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements.

03-2012

Photronics, Inc.
Sean T. Smith, 203-775-9000
Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
ssmith@photronics.com