X0303 4 2008-12-03 0000772897 HUTCHINSON TECHNOLOGY INC HTCH 0001008785 FORTUN WAYNE M 40 WEST HIGHLAND PARK DRIVE NE HUTCHINSON MN 55350 1 1 President & CEO Stock Option (Right to Buy) 3.03 2008-12-03 4 A 0 90000 0 A 2018-12-03 Common Stock 90000 90000 D This reports a grant of an employee stock option under the Issuer's 1996 Incentive Plan; 32,996 shares are subject to an incentive stock option grant, and 57,004 shares are subject to a non-qualified stock option grant. The option will become exercisable in two equal installments, with 50% of the shares covered by the option grant exercisable on December 3, 2010, and the remaining shares exercisable on December 3, 2011. /s/ Peggy Steif Abram, attorney-in-fact 2008-12-05