Cattron Group Affiliate Acquires SIAMtec Business

Georgetown, Ontario, Canada – (16, June 2005) Cattron-Theimeg Canada, Ltd. announced today it has acquired the mining remote control and communications business of SIAMtec LP from Noranda Inc. of Toronto, (Ontario) Canada and STAS Ltd. of Chicoutimi, (Quebec) Canada.

Cattron-Theimeg Canada is part of Cattron Group International, a global group of companies that are leading manufacturers of remote control products and professional services for the industrial, mining, commercial mobile and railroad markets.  SIAMtec engineers and manufactures the SIAM remote control, communications and automation systems for underground mining. Cattron will integrate SIAMtec’s products and service network with their current mining business.

“This is a substantial step for us in our continuing strategy to develop a strong international group focused on underground and surface mining,” said Tom McFall, Chairman of Cattron Group International. “The addition of the SIAM portfolio of quality products is a significant indication of our commitment to the mining industry and our goal to offer the most comprehensive array of technically advanced systems and world class services possible.”

Cattron Group International established its reputation in the industry with the Cattron brand radio remote control systems for mining equipment including Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) vehicles and mobile feederbreakers. The Cattron CM-1000 has been a highly successful remote control system for continuous mining machines.

The SIAM product line also includes radio remote control systems in addition to a range of communications and control products developed to improve the safety, productivity and efficiency of mining operations. SIAMnet is a powerful communication system specifically designed for underground mining applications supporting simultaneous transmission of voice, data and video signals. SIAMguidance is an automated haulage system designed for underground mining trucks and LHDs. The company also offers customization of their products to suit the individual requirements of their customers.

“SIAMtec has an excellent reputation for technically superior products and a depth of experience in the underground mining industry,” said Eric Brouillette, Director of Operations, SIAMtec LP. “Being part of Cattron Group will further expand and enhance the products, services and experience our customers have come to expect.”

Both SIAMtec and Cattron Group officials emphasized that the SIAM products will continue with full support for existing customers and installed systems.

www.cattron.com