Exhibit 99.1
WILLIAMS CONTROLS ANNOUNCES
LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH MOVING MAGNET TECHNOLOGY SA
FOR NON-CONTACTING SENSORS
PORTLAND, Ore., March
23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Williams Controls, Inc.
(OTC: WMCO) today announced that it has
signed an agreement with Moving Magnet
Technologies SA (MMT) to license their
non-contacting Hall effect sensor
technology. Williams intends to use this
technology to internally produce
non-contacting sensors for use in its
electronic throttle controls.
MMT based in Besancon,
France has been awarded a number of patents for
non-contacting Hall effect technology
sensors. These patents have been the basis
for many commercially successful
non-contacting sensors produced in very high
volumes for some of the most demanding
customers worldwide, primarily in
automotive applications.
The acquired MMT
technology will enable Williams to increase its vertical
integration of its Electronic Throttle
Control Systems product lines, broadening
the Company's ability to meet future
requirements for increased durability and
longevity demanded by Heavy Truck and Off
Road vehicle applications.
Patrick Cavanagh,
President and Chief Executive Officer, stated,
"Manufacturing sensors that will meet the
future requirements of our market for
performance and cost is a key strategic
initiative at Williams." He continued,
"We believe this license will provide us
with additional capability to meet our
customers' rigorous fut
