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.
