MANITOWOC, Wis., Feb 27, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) was awarded on Thursday the prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award at its 21st annual black-tie awards ceremony in Milwaukee, Wis.

Orion won in the medium category for companies with 50 to 299 employees. Orion employs approximately 280 employees. The category drew 21 nominees.

This is the third time Orion has been honored with an award at the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year program. In 2004, Orion won the award in the small business category for companies with one to 49 employees, and, in 2001, Orion won the emerging company award.

According to the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the awards recognize Wisconsin companies demonstrating a commitment to business excellence, which has a positive impact on the company and the state, making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and play.

"In this time of economic uncertainty, Orion Energy Systems produces products that help decrease customers' energy bills while reducing greenhouse gasses and improving the environment," said WMC President Jim Haney.

"We are extremely pleased to receive this honor," said Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth. "The state of Wisconsin is home to some of the world's leading manufacturers of energy efficient technology, due in part to a manufacturing workforce that is second to none. As a state, we are positioned to play a leading role in recovering our economy and improving our energy future."

Nominees were evaluated in areas of financial growth or consistency, technological advances, product development, environmental solutions and sustainability, operational excellence, continuous improvement, commitment to employees and effective research and development.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,387 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 423 megawatts, saving customers more than $514 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 4.3 million tons. Orion's technology was recently internationally recognized with a Platts Global Energy Award for the single most innovative and sustainable green technology of 2008.

Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) 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 www.oesx.com.

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SOURCE: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

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

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