Bruce Power Selects ATS for Innovative Automated Reactor Component Removal Solution

CAMBRIDGE, ON, June 29, 2018 /CNW/ - ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. (TSX: ATA) ("ATS" or the "Company") an industry-leading automation solutions provider, today announced the receipt of new enterprise Order Bookings from Bruce Power valued at approximately CAD $60 million. ATS was selected by Bruce Power to design and deliver innovative automated reactor component removal tools for their Major Component Replacement (MCR) project. ATS' solutions will enable Bruce Power to safely and efficiently remove and replace each reactor's 480 fuel channels and calandria tubes to update the reactors for continued safe and long service.

The added Order Bookings are expected to be delivered over the next six quarters. This new program includes detube production removal tools, rigorous enhanced testing, and the provision of spare replacement parts for the removal tools and is a follow-on to the original Bruce Power Life Extension Program announced in December 2016.

"The addition of these new Order Bookings demonstrates the strategic value that ATS brings to Bruce Power," said Andrew Hider, ATS Chief Executive Officer. "ATS' uncompromising commitment to the highest safety and quality standards, extensive knowledge of the nuclear industry, proven automation methodologies, and intense customer focus are the reasons why customers, such as Bruce Power, repeatedly choose ATS."

The original agreement named 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 December 2016. ATS' long-standing relationship with Bruce Power has also included co-development of The Bruce Reactor Inspection and Maintenance System (BRIMS) system.

Supporting Bruce Power's MCR Program

ATS is supporting Bruce Power's MCR program by designing and supplying all of the automation equipment required to remove the irradiated reactor components including the fuel channels, calandria tubes and calandria tube inserts. There are multiple systems required to remove the components; all are highly automated and controlled remotely. This equipment has been designed to maximize safety during the removal process while optimizing operational resources. To this end, ATS will test the automation equipment in its new MCR Integration Facility in Cambridge that has geometries and interfaces identical to the actual Bruce Power reactor vault. "By forming partnerships with key suppliers, such as ATS, we are innovating and creating advanced robotics while securing Made in Ontario solutions for the components we will need to successfully complete our Major Component Replacement (MCR) projects and for Ontario companies to successfully compete at a global level," said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power's President and CEO.

The Bruce Power MCR will begin in Unit 6 in 2020, followed by Units 3 through 8, extending the life of the site to 2064. Bruce Power's Life-Extension Program, which includes Asset Management and MCR, began on Jan. 1, 2016, and remains on time and on budget.

"By extending the life of the site, Bruce Power will create and sustain 22,000 jobs annually, both directly and indirectly, across the province, while also delivering 30 per cent of Ontario's electricity at 30 per cent less than the average cost to generate residential power. At Bruce Power, we power more for less," Rencheck said.

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 3,800 people at 20 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

For further information:

Sonya Mehan, Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, 519-653-6500