ATS Automation appoints new Chief Executive Officer

CAMBRIDGE, ON, Feb. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. (TSX:ATA) ("ATS" or the "Company") is very pleased to announce that Andrew Hider has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ATS.  This critical appointment follows an extensive planning and search process led by its Board of Directors.

Mr. Hider is uniquely qualified to lead ATS and its global team of 3,500 employees.  He is an experienced executive with a track record of success founded on his ability to drive business growth and operational performance in complex business environments and across multiple industries including transportation, advanced technology, instrumentation and industrial products.

Most recently, Mr. Hider served as President and CEO of the Taylor Made Group, LLC, a diversified global leader in the supply of innovative products and systems for marine, transportation, agriculture, and construction markets.  Prior to that, Mr. Hider served for 10 years at Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR), a global science and technology company, including as President of Veeder Root which included a group of subsidiary companies: Red Jacket, Catlow, Insite 360, and Fuel Quest. 

Mr. Hider began his career with General Electric (NYSE: GE), serving in a number of areas over a six-year period including manufacturing, project management, procurement and finance, culminating in his appointment as General Manager of GE Tri-Remanufacturing.  Mr. Hider holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering and Management and a Masters of Business Administration, both from Clarkson University.

"Andrew is a proven, high-energy leader with strong operational, commercial and strategic skills honed while serving for almost two decades for highly disciplined and successful global companies," said David McAusland, Chairman of the Board of Directors.  "As ATS continues to drive its value creation strategy through organic growth and acquisitions, our shareholders, our customers and our employees will definitely benefit from Andrew's focused leadership.  On behalf of the Board, we welcome Andrew as our next leader."

Said Mr. Hider: "ATS has great customers, automation industry-leading employees and a proven value creation plan for shareholders.  I look forward to building on the Company's success in the months and years ahead."

As planned and announced in March 2016, current CEO Anthony Caputo will be stepping down and resigning from the Board of Directors as of February 15, 2017.  Mr. Hider will assume leadership of ATS on March 6, 2017.

"The Board joins me in thanking Anthony for his strong leadership and congratulating him on his many achievements over the last nine years," said Mr. McAusland.

About ATS
ATS is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world's most successful companies.  ATS uses its extensive knowledge base and global capabilities in custom automation, repeat automation, automation products and value-added services including pre-automation and after-sales services to address the sophisticated manufacturing automation systems and service needs of multinational customers in markets such as life sciences, chemicals, consumer products, electronics, food, beverage, transportation, energy, and oil and gas.  Founded in 1978, ATS employs approximately 3,500 people at 23 manufacturing facilities and over 50 offices in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and China.  The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ATA. Visit the Company's website at www.atsautomation.com.

SOURCE ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.

Maria Perrella, Chief Financial Officer, 519 653-6500