Benchmark Electronics, Inc., a leading contract manufacturing provider, announced today that it expects sales and earnings per share to exceed the high end of guidance for the fourth quarter of 2009. On October 27, 2009, the company had provided fourth quarter guidance for sales between $520 million to $560 million and diluted earnings per share, excluding restructuring charges, between $0.22 and $0.26.

The company is currently finalizing its financial closing for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. Results for the fourth quarter will be announced on February 4, 2010. A conference call hosted by Benchmark management will be held at 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on February 4, 2010 to discuss the financial results of the company and its future outlook. This call will be broadcast via the Internet and may be accessed by logging on to the company's Web site at www.bench.com.

About Benchmark Electronics

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. provides electronics manufacturing, design and engineering services to OEMs of computers and related products for business enterprises, medical devices, industrial control equipment, testing and instrumentation products and telecommunication equipment. Benchmark's global operations include 24 facilities in ten countries. Benchmark's Common Shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE. For more information, visit www.bench.com.