Automation Alley Signs 600th Member Company, Stola North America

TROY, Mich., Dec. 5, 2005 -- Automation Alley, which drives the growth and image of Southeast Michigan's technology economy, announced today that its 600th member-company has joined; the newest addition is Stola North America.

"The 600 member-company mark is an impressive accomplishment for Automation Alley as the member count has doubled within the past five years," said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley. "The rapidly growing number of Automation Alley member companies demonstrates that Southeast Michigan is indeed a technologically rich region."

Stola NA is a transportation design and engineering organization with full vehicle development capability. Activities include concept styling, design engineering, prototype execution and low-volume manufacturing. The Stola NA design team utilizes the latest digital technology combined with traditional craftsmanship in a highly creative environment. Stola has plant locations in Italy, France, Brazil and an additional liaison office in Japan.

With its membership to Automation Alley, Stola will be able to take advantage of the Alley's unique programs focused on technology acceleration, business assistance and attraction, and exporting. Members are also able to utilize Automation Alley's resources, attend seminars and networking events, gain exposure through the Alley's advertising and marketing initiatives, participate in career fairs and use the Automation Alley Web site for posting press releases, requests for proposals and job openings.

"Having recently opened an office in Southeast Michigan, we are confident that Automation Alley will be a key factor in our growth in this area," said Michael Check, general manager, Stola North America. "We chose Ferndale, Michigan as our North American location because Southeast Michigan is the car capital of the world."

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley drives the growth and image of Southeast Michigan's technology economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives. Six hundred businesses, educational institutions and government entities belong to Automation Alley, covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through the Automation Alley International Business Center, which provides business attraction services and exporting assistance; the Automation Alley Technology Center, which brings together businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs accelerate technology commercialization; and the GLIMA Network, a state-wide association for individuals engaged with and involved in technology-oriented industries. For more information, visit http://www.automationalley.com/.