By ATS Life…
ATS Life Sciences Systems
ATS Corporation 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 solutions 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, transportation, food & beverage, consumer products, and energy.
The ATS Life Sciences Systems (LSS) business unit builds on a distinguished track record of providing automated manufacturing solutions for the assembly and handling of a broad range of medical device, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical products while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.
Our Shared Purpose
Creating solutions that positively impact lives around the world.
At ATS, we are global leaders for advanced automation solutions. Our innovations enable customers to deliver products and services to their markets that drive progress and improve lives.
Through an uncompromising commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, we create value for both customers and shareholders. This allows us to give back to our employees and community in meaningful ways.
Products & Services
ATS LSS product and service portfolio is optimized to meet the specialized needs of four main sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Automated Pharmacies, Medical Diagnostics, and Medical Devices. It covers five main expertise areas in automated manufacturing assembly and handling solutions:
- Assembly: Realizing a customer’s subassembly or completed product from components or subassemblies (pre-assembly or final assembly) using proven technologies. Learn more: https://www.atslifesciences.com/automation-solutions/assembly/
- Material Handling: To meet the challenges of introducing components, subassemblies, and finished product to and removing from automation, LSS offers proven solutions for trayhandling, palletizing, bin picking, assembly, packaging, a wide range of label forms and shapes, and turnkey robotic solutions. Learn more: https://www.atslifesciences.com/automation-solutions/material-handling/
- Component Transport: Precise, durable and accurate conveyance between value-add stations, for standard or customized applications. Learn more about conveyance solutions for aseptic and non-septic applications: https://www.atslifesciences.com/automation-solutions/conveyance/
- Vision & Testing: ATS’ in-depth experience in machine vision is leveraged to provide a range of high-quality optical and system designs with the addition of AI offering powerful new tools to solve inspection challenges in production. Learn more: https://www.atslifesciences.com/automation-solutions/vision-testing/
- Control Software: ATS smart test, inspection, and digital solutions are optimized for a GMP environment to confirm product quality, maintain data integrity, monitor equipment performance, and empower operators. They are also integrated within a design philosophy that embraces the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for end-to-end process and data integration. Learn more: https://www.atslifesciences.com/automation-solutions/software-iiot/
From ramp-up to decommissioning, ATS has solutions and technologies that are designed to help predict, identify, and resolve issues before they happen, and achieve higher, sustained operational performance.
Company History and Structure
Founded in 1978 by engineer Klaus Woerner as a special purpose machine and die shop in Kitchener, Ontario, coinciding with the advent of robots in manufacturing.
With the NAFTA trade agreement creating a Pan-American market and the end of the Cold War transforming European markets, ATS grew rapidly during the late 1980s and early 90s becoming a publicly listed company in 1993.
In 1998, Canadian Business magazine named Mr. Woerner Canada’s Entrepreneur of the Year. In the same year, he donated $1 million to Conestoga College to upgrade its robotics and automation equipment.
The ATS LSS business has grown both organically and through acquisitions, with the ATS LS Group formed as the umbrella for the string of companies that have been acquired in the life sciences sector, including Comecer as a specialist in high-tech systems for aseptic processing and containment, Scientific Products offering aseptic fill-finish and freeze-drying solutions, and Avidity Science specializing in water purification and delivery technologies for laboratories. Learn more: https://atslifesciencesgroup.com/
Today, the global ATS workforce has passed 7,000 people at more than 65 manufacturing facilities and 85 offices in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania. ATS trades on both the TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange) and NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) under the symbol ATS.
Quality, Regulatory and Standards
ATS has world-class processes, quality management systems and certifications to meet the strictest quality standards demanded of a life sciences company. At the core of these is its internal QMS based on the PDCA model and certified to ISO 9000 quality standards.
Specific certifications also include compliance with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, FDA & EMA GxP guidelines, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 13485:2016 (REM).
Internal processes for ensuring quality include templates implemented for design reviews, change control, non-compliance issues, requirements traceability, and commissioning and qualification.
Supplier Management and auditing, internal auditing regimen, in-process and final product inspections.
The ATS Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) plan is a roadmap to make positive, meaningful differences in the communities where it operates through targeted actions and impactful initiatives that are underpinned by ATS’ core values of People, Process, and Performance. Learn more: https://investors.atsautomation.com/sustainability/default.aspx
ATS Life Sciences Systems is also a founding member of the Estainium organization, leading a global movement for climate-positive supply chains, promoting transparency, collaboration, and innovation. Learn more: https://www.estainium.eco/en/
Click on Virtual Tour to take a detailed tour of the company’s Cambridge facilities.