KUKA Systems exclusive North American distributor for ALEMA Automation products

Press release
November 10, 2009

Seattle | Detroit | Augsburg, Germany - KUKA Systems Corporation North America has been named exclusive distributor for North America by ALEMA Automation, Inc of France. The distributorship includes the United States, Canada and Mexico for ALEMA's aerospace manufacturing products including drilling and drilling/fastening end effectors for robotic applications.

"KUKA's extensive sales presence in North America will give ALEMA products enhanced exposure and enable us to offer new KUKA Aerospace manufacturing solutions that incorporate ALEMA products," says Robert Reno, Director-Aerospace for KUKA Systems North America.

ALEMA Automation, part of VERDOSO INDUSTRIES, has developed tooling solutions for stationary, track-mounted and mobile robotic platforms used by leading aircraft manufacturers and Tier 1 subcontractors for drilling, drilling and fastening, riveting and non-destructive testing. "The new agreement with KUKA Systems gives ALEMA Automation a great opportunity to develop new business in North America. The partnership with KUKA System best meets the requirements of aerospace programs in North America and the customer demand for premium services," says Philippe Prat, technical and commercial director for ALEMA Automation.

KUKA Systems at SAE AeroTech 2009, November 10-12
KUKA Systems will be attending the SAE AeroTech 2009 Congress & Exhibit. From November 10-12 it will be presenting a selection of state of the art KUKA Aerospace tools and solutions at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington.

KUKA Systems is located at Booth #501

More Information:
www.kuka-systems.com
www.kukanao.com
www.sae.org/aerotech

About KUKA Systems
KUKA Systems is an international supplier of flexible production systems to the automotive, aerospace, renewable energy and other industries in which highly automated processes are required. A workforce of around 3,700 worldwide works on ideas, concepts and solutions for automated production, as well as supplying products and services for virtually all tasks in the industrial processing of metallic and non-metallic materials.

In aerospace, KUKA's worldwide network of specialists develops and markets innovative solutions, including the provision of engineering services, automated production systems, process technology, flexible robot cells for individual functions, tools and standard components.

Its range of products and services is marketed internationally by subsidiaries and distribution agents in Europe, the Americas and Asia. KUKA Systems posted a total order volume of over $1.27 billion in 2008.

About ALEMA Automation
ALEMA Automation is headquartered in Bordeaux (France) with a workforce of over 60 people and total order volume of $18 million (2008) in the aerospace industry. The company leveraged its long history of supplying robotic automation in the automotive sector to develop comparable solutions for aerospace applications. ALEMA is now one of the European leaders in this market recognized by companies such as AIRBUS, Dassault Aviation and SNECMA Group for its proven manufacturing equipment. For these end users, due to the exceptional performance of the solutions provided, robot-based assembly is now a viable alternative to more traditional gantry machines or the decision to outsource. The development of end effectors dedicated to the drilling and fastening process is the foundation of proven and cost effective solutions to this market.

For further information, please contact:

KUKA Systems GmbH
Marketing / Corporate Communications
Markus Meier
Tel. +49 821 797-2483
Fax +49 821 797-1951
email markus.meier@kuka.de
Web www.kuka-systems.de

PR Toolbox Inc.
Martin Wendland
Phone +1 416 368 6636
Fax +1 416 368 5306
eMail mwendland@pr-toolbox.com
2234 Queen Street, Suite 4
Toronto, Ontario M4E 1G2 / Canada