ATS makes five executive appointments to enhance strategic
and operational effectiveness worldwide
TSX: ATA
CAMBRIDGE, ON, March 4 /CNW/ - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. today
announced it has promoted five company executives as part of an ongoing
program to strengthen its global industry leadership, enhance the delivery of
customer-focused strategies and improve operational effectiveness.
In making the appointments, Ron Jutras, ATS President and Chief Executive
Officer said: "Looking forward, our goal - on behalf of customers and
shareholders - is to maximize the value of every asset we have while
continuing to accelerate our global growth and industry leadership. To do
this, I believe it's vital to create a leadership team for the future - one
that is experienced and fully motivated to enhance our potential and
operational effectiveness. The appointments made today further round out our
executive management team and reflect our intention to build on the ATS
tradition of active, strong and engaged leadership."
The first appointment is Mike Cybulski to the position of Executive Vice
President of Operations, Automation Systems Group. In his new role, Mr.
Cybulski takes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of ATS's 17
automation systems facilities worldwide and a highly-skilled employment base
of approximately 2,600. Mr. Cybulski was formerly Vice President of Automation
Systems Operations, Canada and Eastern USA. He is a 19-year veteran of ATS. He
reports directly to Mr. Jutras.
To underscore the importance of European operations to ATS's performance,
Uwe Geissinger is appointed Vice President of Automation Systems Operations,
Europe. Mr. Geissinger was formerly Director of Automation Systems Operations,
Europe. He joined the Company in 1998. He reports to Mr. Cybulski, as does Jim
Sheldon, Vice President of Automation Systems Operations, Western USA and Lim
Chin Hui, Managing Director of Automation Systems Operations, Asia.
Also named to executive management in a newly created position is John
Scott, who becomes Vice President, Quality and Strategic Processes. In this
position, Mr. Scott will take corporate-wide responsibilities for quality,
business and strategic planning process improvements. He joined ATS in 1995
and was formerly Director of Corporate Quality.
Carl Galloway is appointed Vice President, Treasurer. Mr. Galloway has
served as Corporate Treasurer since 1997.
Mike Verhoeve is appointed Vice President, General Counsel. Before
joining ATS in early 2004 as General Counsel, Mr. Verhoeve recently spent six
years as corporate counsel to a public company.
Messrs. Galloway, Scott and Verhoeve report to Mr. Jutras.
"We're delighted to formally recognize the outstanding contributions made
by these experienced executives," said Mr. Jutras, "and we're proud to be able
to promote from within - which is testimony to the internal development of ATS
leaders and the strength of our workforce.
"By making these appointments, I believe ATS is well prepared for the
future, with a senior management team that reflects our potential, our strong
opportunities as well as our size, growing operational scope and global
presence - and our commitment to create value for our shareholders and
customers."
Corporate Description
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,
computer/electronics, healthcare, and consumer products. The Company also
makes precision components and subassemblies using its own custom-built
manufacturing systems, process knowledge and automation technology. ATS is
also an emerging leader in the rapidly growing market for solar energy cells
and modules. ATS employs approximately 4,000 people at 26 manufacturing
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.
Certain forward looking statements are made in this news release,
including statements regarding possible future business. Investors are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of ATS's
products, technologies, customer requirements and other risks detailed from
time to time in ATS's periodic reports filed with Canadian regulatory
authorities.
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For further information: Carl Galloway, Vice President, Treasurer, (519) 653-6500