Haas Automation sees a promising future

Robert Murray, the general manager of Haas Automation Inc., says the legal problems that Gene Haas has had won’t affect the company he founded. Murray said uncertainties about Haas Automation (www.haascnc.com) that have arisen because of personal legal problems that Gene Haas has are unfounded. Gene Haas is facing a trial on charges of conspiracy, filing false tax returns and witness intimidation. “As difficult as these recent events may be for Gene, … they will have no effect on Haas Automation, or its related businesses,” Murray said. Murray noted that Gene Haas has had little day-to-day involvement in Haas Automation in recent years, and that the 13-member, senior-management team at the company has an average of more than 12 years of tenure at Haas Automation. “This shows that our managers are dedicated to Haas Automation, and to ensuring its continued success. With their tenure and well-rounded backgrounds (most managers have experience in several departments), they are well positioned to guide the company, and more than capable of doing so,” Murray said. “Another important point I want to make is in regard to the issue of any potential fiscal impact the current events may have on the company. “Gene has already personally paid the taxes that are the subject of the allegations, leaving Haas Automation free to conduct business as usual. And that really is the bottom line: business as usual,” Murray added. Murray said Haas Automation’s 1,100 employees are working to build 13,000 CNC machine tools this year, to surpass the 10,000 CNC machines they built last year, and that the company is on track to post sales of more than $700 million this year. “There is one final fact that should reassure you about our strength as a company: Haas Automation is entirely debt free,” Murray added. Besides noting that Gene Haas has paid the taxes that are the subject of the allegations, Murray noted that Gene Haas donated $22 million since 1999 to charitable organizations. “Let me say that those of us who know Gene, and know the kind of man he is, remain confident that his innocence will be proven when these matters are finally cleared up. We believe the case against him is based on speculation and conjecture, and is an instance of overreaching by the government, Murray said. Gene Haas was arrested by the FBI June 19, and was held for four days before a hearing was held in which a federal judge granted his release on bail. A trial date has not been set for the charges against him.