ATS founder Klaus Woerner passes away
TSX: ATA
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Feb. 7 /CNW/ - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. today
announced with great sadness the death of its founder, President and Chief
Executive Officer Klaus Woerner following his courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Woerner was 65.
Lawrence G. Tapp, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of ATS issued the
following statement this morning:
"Klaus was a gifted engineer, entrepreneur and business leader who made a
significant and lasting contribution to the global automation industry, to the
Region of Waterloo where he chose to found ATS more than 25 years ago and to
thousands of young engineers and tradespeople around the world who benefited
from his commitment to apprenticeship training.
"His sharp intellect, dedication to adding value through innovation,
global insight, and passion to succeed made him one of Canada's great
entrepreneurs.
"His tragic passing will be mourned by the automation industry worldwide
as well as all of us at ATS who have had the privilege of knowing him.
"Klaus will leave many lasting legacies as a committed husband, father,
distinguished member of the community and caring employer. Speaking on behalf
of our Board, Executive Committee and all 4,000 employees of ATS, I extend our
deepest sympathies to Klaus's family and pay tribute to a man who has enriched
all of us both personally and professionally."
The Board will convene shortly to formalize its previously developed
succession plan.
About ATS
ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. (www.atsautomation.com) is the
industry's leading designer and producer of turn-key automated manufacturing
and test systems, which are used primarily by multinational corporations
operating in a variety of industries including: automotive, electronics,
healthcare, and consumer products. The Company also makes precision components
and sub-assemblies using its own custom-built manufacturing systems, process
knowledge and automation technology. Through Photowatt International S.A., and
Spheral Solar Power Inc., ATS is an emerging leader in the rapidly growing
market for solar energy cells and modules. ATS employs approximately 4,000
people at 26 facilities in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
The Company's shares are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
ATA.
%SEDAR: 00002017E
For further information: Carl Galloway, Corporate Treasurer, (519) 653-6500