CAMBRIDGE, ON, Dec. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Bruce Power has signed a multi-year master tooling agreement with ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.(TSX: ATA) for the supply of automated tooling systems and related services for Bruce Power's Life-Extension Program.

This program will ensure Bruce Power nuclear continues to provide low-cost electricity for families and business for years to come. Bruce Power supplies 30 per cent of Ontario's energy at 30 per cent less than the average residential price.

The agreement will bring major long-term economic benefits to the province as Bruce Power advances its multi-year investment program. This is a long-term agreement with initial orders valued at approximately $40 million, and the potential for future orders related to the Bruce Power Life Extension program.

"We are pleased to expand our relationship with Bruce Power through a multi-year enterprise supply agreement that is central to Bruce Power's Life Extension Program," said Anthony Caputo, CEO, ATS Automation.  "We are committed to the on-time, on-budget success of this very important nuclear refurbishment program." 

Under this agreement, ATS will apply its innovative manufacturing methodologies and knowledge of the nuclear industry to assist Bruce Power in meeting its goals. ATS's relationship with Bruce Power has included co-development of The Bruce Reactor Inspection and Maintenance System (BRIMS) system.

The agreement names ATS as a supplier for strategic tooling services including key reactor tooling systems for the removal of fuel channels for Bruce Power's long-term investment program. The program includes the life extension of six units announced last December.  Since the Bruce Power Refurbishment Agreement took effect January 1, 2016 enabling operation through 2064, it remains on time and on budget.

"This provides us with a strong and innovative industry partner for a program that will continue to create jobs and enhance Ontario's energy infrastructure," said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power's President and CEO. "While we are planning for the long term, collaboration with strong and diverse partners today will help us deliver our program. We believe this agreement will be the foundation for a long-standing arrangement with ATS as we work to successfully invest in our units, and continue to provide Ontario families and businesses low-cost power."

Hon. Kathryn McGarry, Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and the MPP for Cambridge, said low-cost, clean, reliable nuclear power is a key component of the province's electricity system and will help Ontario meet its climate change targets while keeping the air clean.

"As Bruce Power extends the lives of its nuclear reactors, the long-term partnership with ATS, a global leader in automation headquartered in Ontario, will leverage innovative technologies and experience to improve safety and efficiency in our nuclear power operations," said Minister McGarry. "This partnership will help to drive our economy forward and is focused on collaboration to sustain Bruce as one of the lowest cost electricity providers in Ontario."

Ian Howcroft, Vice President of the Ontario Division of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, said the life extension of the Bruce units will ensure a steady supply of low-cost electricity, allowing Ontario manufacturers to remain competitive and strong.

"Bruce Power and the low-cost, stable electricity it provides Ontario is part of the solution over both the short and long term," Howcroft said. "One of the biggest issues we hear about is the need for low-cost electricity and that's what Bruce Power delivers."

Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, praised the announcement and welcomed the benefits the nuclear industry brings to Cambridge.

"This agreement is terrific news for Cambridge as Bruce Power extends it nuclear reactor life," said May. "ATS is an important part of our local community, and their success makes us all stronger. This partnership is in keeping with the great work that ATS has always done, and I look forward to their long-term collaboration with Bruce."

About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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.

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, the potential for future orders related to the Bruce Power Life Extension program. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: impact of the global economy and general market performance; that the customer changes its plans in relation to the program; that ATS fails to win any potential bid to provide additional tooling systems or other equipment; 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.

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SOURCE ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.