Stackpole CEO Robert Lander Talks to The Wall Street Transcript

    NEW YORK--May 14, 2001--The Wall Street Transcript has published an in-depth interview with Robert Lander, CEO of Stackpole , in which he talks at length about the company's future.
    The entire 2,800-word interview is available free online at http://www.twst.com/ceos.htm
    Lander gives an overview of the company. "Stackpole is a leading supplier of powertrain components and modules to the automotive industry in North America and Europe. The company has been in existence as Stackpole Limited since 1953 and our background has been principally in powder metallurgy. We've parlayed that capability into what we currently are, as a designer and manufacturer of highly engineered components and complete modules for transmissions, engines and four-wheel-drive systems."
    Lander explains, "We enjoyed higher sales from a number of recently launched products and benefited from the strong automotive volumes. Our year 2000 sales were a little above $250 million Canadian dollars and operating income was $23 million before interest and taxes. We've achieved steady growth over the past 10 years in the neighborhood of 15% annually. So we've really been a growth-oriented company, driven by our capability in the powder metallurgy and particularly as a result of our industry leading technology."
    Looking forward, Lander states, "Anytime you grow, the people are the key element. Our number-one objective is the growth of the organization and putting in place the culture and bench strength that will be needed going forward. So that's an area on which I personally spend much of my time. My belief is that your long-term competitive advantage is ultimately determined by the capability and enthusiasm of your people. Anything else, be it technology, products, customers, is a result on your people. Going forward, that's the area that we'll always need to focus on the most. If you have the best people everything else, quite frankly, will follow."
    This interview is part of a 56-page Autos & Auto Parts Issue available at http://www.twst.com/info/info347.htm or by calling 212/952-7433.
    The Wall Street Transcript does not endorse the views of any interviewees nor does it make stock recommendations. For subscription information call 800/246-7673.