ATA ATS Automation Tooling Systems

CAMBRIDGE, ON, Jan. 6 /CNW/ -- TSX: ATA  CAMBRIDGE, ON, Jan. 6 /CNW/ - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. ("ATS" or the "Company")  announced that its French subsidiary Photowatt International (Photowatt France) has advised its Comité d'Entreprise (employee works council) of a restructuring project, which may result in an overall headcount reduction of approximately 95 at its facility in Bourgoin-Jallieu, France. Under employment law in France, employee works council notification and consultation are required for a project of this nature. The ultimate success of such restructuring project depends on a number of factors including the support of the employees. Photowatt France has been facing significant competitive pressures which have negatively impacted average selling prices. Initiatives undertaken by Photowatt France to improve operations and lower manufacturing costs have not offset these global pressures. Photowatt France continues to monitor market conditions and intends to take appropriate actions in relation to such conditions.  As always, there is ultimately no guarantee that the restructuring project and potential future actions will offset all competitive challenges. ATS, in relation to the contemplated separation of Photowatt France, is continuing to work with advisors in identifying and evaluating strategic alternatives. Conditions in the solar and capital markets, Photowatt France performance and other factors will influence the timing and form of separation and its impact on ATS. In this regard, whilst ATS is still considering alternatives for the separation, the restructuring project announced by Photowatt France is an important step in view of the separation process. About ATS ATS Automation provides innovative, custom designed, built and installed manufacturing solutions to many of the world's most successful companies. Founded in 1978, ATS uses its industry-leading knowledge and global capabilities to serve the sophisticated automation systems' needs of multinational customers in industries such as life sciences, computer/electronics, energy, automotive and consumer products. It also leverages its many years of experience and skills to fulfill the specialized automation product manufacturing requirements of customers. Through Photowatt, ATS participates in the growing solar energy industry. ATS employs approximately 3,000 people at 21 manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, 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. Notes to Readers: Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements").  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ATS, or developments in ATS's business or in its industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action.  Forward-looking statements may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. ATS cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.  Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: a restructuring plan; potential headcount reduction; the intention of Photowatt to take future actions in relation to market conditions; and contemplated separation of Photowatt France.  The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: general market performance including capital market conditions and availability and cost of credit; economic market conditions; impact of factors such as increased pricing pressure and possible margin compression; foreign currency and exchange risk; the availability and possible reduction or elimination of government subsidies and incentives for solar products in various jurisdictions; the risk that the restructuring plan or other future actions taken by Photowatt would not be sufficient to address the competitive pressures faced by Photowatt; that potential overall headcount reduction is other than 95; impact of conditions in the solar and capital markets and Photowatt France performance on the timing and form of separation; and other risks detailed from time to time in ATS's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, ATS does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. To view this news release in HTML formatting, please use the following URL: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2011/06/c8910.html pMaria Perrella, Chief Financial Officerbr/ Carl Galloway, Vice-President, Treasurerbr/ 519 653-6500/p

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