MANITOWOC, Wis., Jan 28, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- The Sysco Corporation recently presented Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) with the food service company's esteemed Facilities Supplier of the Year award for the second year in a row. The award was presented in mid-January at Sysco's Regional Conference in Houston, Texas.

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"To be recognized by Sysco, the global leader in the food service industry and a Fortune 100 company, for the second straight year is truly an honor," said Orion President and CEO Neal Verfuerth. "We appreciate the opportunities Sysco has given us to bring value to their business with innovative technology that saves money and reduces energy consumption, while providing better lighting for their operations and employees."

Orion has retrofitted more than 60 Sysco facilities nationwide with its Compact Modular(tm), high-intensity fluorescent technology designed to save customers approximately 50 percent on light-related energy costs while providing 50 percent more light. Several Sysco facilities also have implemented Orion's InteLite(r) wireless control system and patented Apollo(tm) Solar Light Pipes, which harvest natural daylight and direct it to the facility floor without using electricity.

In describing Orion at the awards banquet, Gary Cullen, vice president of distribution services, said Orion "revolutionized the industry with the development of its high-intensity fluorescent technology platform. Their superior technology, advanced controls and its vision of the future have helped (Orion) earn the business of many well-respected and successful companies throughout the United States."

Cullen also called Orion "an industry leader in product innovation and development in the energy and lighting fields."

The award winner was chosen by the popular vote of Sysco's broadline distribution companies in the United States and Canada. John Scribante, Orion's senior vice president of business development, credits the win to the fact that voters from facilities that were upgraded with Orion technology over the last four years continue to reap the benefits of the energy savings today.

Other Sysco award winners include ThermoKing, for Transportation Supplier of the Year; Refrigiwear, for Warehouse Supplier of the Year; and Pactiv for Food and Foodservice Supplier of the Year.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 4,068 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 386 megawatts, saving customers more than $455 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 4 million tons.

Photo caption left to right: Ken Spitler, Sysco's President and Chief Operating Officer; Therese Bartz, Orion Energy Systems Business Development; Joe Bluma, Orion Energy Systems Business Development; Larry Pulliam, Sysco's Executive Vice President, Sales & Global Supply Chain.

The Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates 180 distribution facilities serving more than 400,000 customers. For the fiscal year 2008 that ended June 28, 2008, the company generated more than $37 billion in sales. For more information about Sysco visit the company's Internet home page at www.sysco.com.

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.

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

(Photo: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=)

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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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