CAMBRIDGE, ON, March 20 / ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. today announced that its Photowatt subsidiary - one of the world's leading producers of solar energy - has been awarded a major contract for the supply of photovoltaic solar modules over the next 12 months with an estimated value of $31.1 million.

The solar modules will be manufactured and sold by the Company's Photowatt International S.A. subsidiary located in Bourgoin-Jallieu, France -- just outside of Lyon -- over the next twelve months. The customer is a leading international solar systems supplier and installer. Shipments will commence later this month and are expected to be made monthly thereafter through the balance of the contract term. Shipment dates are subject to renegotiation under certain circumstances.

"This is an attractive and large contract for Photowatt which significantly firms up a major portion of our solar revenue targets for fiscal 2004," said Klaus Woerner, President and Chief Executive officer of ATS. "Of equal importance, this is a new customer for Photowatt, one which is a world leader in PV solar systems, and there is potential for further revenues through contract options and extensions into 2004. This contract was won in a competitive environment and confirms the world class quality of our products and our production efficiencies gained as a result of the investments ATS has made in automating Photowatt since we acquired it in 1997."

ATS, the leader in industrial automation, has made a significant commitment to manufacturing solar energy cells and modules, first through its Photowatt operations and more recently through Spheral Solar(TM) Power, which will launch its first products -- based on revolutionary next generation solar technology -- later this year.

In the trailing 12 months to December 31, 2002, Photowatt produced revenue of $53.9 million. ATS has increased the annual capacity of Photowatt from approximately 4 megawatts at acquisition to an estimated 25 megawatts of global module manufacturing capacity today. This has been achieved through improved manufacturing throughput and efficiency and by increasing the power generating efficiency of the company's solar cells. During the past 12 months, Photowatt has been rapidly increasing its module manufacturing capacity to better match its solar cell output with the changing requirements of customers.

This contract is expected to be fulfilled with the existing and previously planned investments for Photowatt.

The contract is for the supply of Photowatt's largest power modules, model PW 1650. The PW 1650 series modules use Photowatt's multi crystalline technology. The solar cells are individually characterized and electronically matched prior to interconnection. Encapsulation beneath high transmission tempered glass is accomplished using an advanced, UV resistant thermal setting plastic. The encapsulation, ethylene vinyl acetate, cushions the operating characteristics of the solar cell under virtually any climatic conditions. The rear surface of the module is completely sealed from moisture and mechanical damage by a continuous high strength polymer sheet. The glass/tedlar construction of the module minimizes weight while providing a durable, protective environment for the solar cells. The product is configured for 12-24 volt systems operation and bypass diodes are factory fitted as standard. The module is 42.3 inches wide by 48.3 inches in length, is 1.7 inches thick and weighs approximately 40 pounds. Peak power is 155 to 175 watts at 4.8 to 10.0 amps depending on series number.

About ATS

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. 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, computer/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. This includes a line of advanced thermal management devices used by computer manufacturers to cool high-speed processors. 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 3,400 people at 28 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.