-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, UTsmFFLC7hGsDPxTQi8e8m/eui5ZrzznM5O8u9j2aYqbgKbkFlBCJT/4yznmdGvR u7zvPIHQ8YWUW/+JLwCYKQ== 0001206774-06-002597.txt : 20061214 0001206774-06-002597.hdr.sgml : 20061214 20061214172036 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001206774-06-002597 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20061214 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20061214 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WILLIAMS CONTROLS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000854860 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES [3714] IRS NUMBER: 841099587 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-33066 FILM NUMBER: 061278015 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 14100 SW 72ND AVENUE CITY: PORTLAND STATE: OR ZIP: 97224 BUSINESS PHONE: 5036848600 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 14100 SW 72ND AVENUE CITY: PORTLAND STATE: OR ZIP: 97224 10-K 1 williamscontrols_10k.htm ANNUAL REPORT

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

__________

FORM 10-K
__________

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended: September 30, 2006

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to ______

Commission file number 0-18083

________________

Williams Controls, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 84-1099587
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)  
   
14100 SW 72nd Avenue  
Portland, Oregon 97224
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip code)

________________

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(503) 684-8600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock ($.01 par value)

     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check One)

     Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer x

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes o No x

     The aggregate market value of voting common shares (based upon the closing price of the shares as reported on the over the counter bulletin board) of Williams Controls, Inc. held by non-affiliates was approximately $70,306,262 as of March 31, 2006.

     As of December 1, 2006, there were 7,442,510 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

The registrant has incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K portions of its
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held February 28, 2007.





Williams Controls, Inc.
 
Index to 2006 Form 10-K
 
    Page 
Part I   
       Item 1.  Business  3–8
       Item 1A.  Risk Factors  8–10
       Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments  11
       Item 2.  Properties  11
       Item 3.  Legal Proceedings  11
       Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  11
 
Part II   
       Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
         Purchases of Equity Securities  12
       Item 6.  Selected Financial Data  12–13
       Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
         Results of Operations  13–23
       Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  23
       Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  24
       Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and 
         Financial Disclosure  53
       Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures  53–54
       Item 9B.  Other Information  54
 
Part III   
       Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant  55
       Item 11.  Executive Compensation  55
       Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
         Stockholder Matters  55
       Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  55
       Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services  55
 
Part IV   
       Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  56
 
Signatures    57


WILLIAMS CONTROLS, INC.
FORM 10-K

PART I
(Dollar amounts in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

     We are a Delaware corporation formed in 1988. The following are our wholly-owned subsidiaries:

     Active Subsidiaries — Williams Controls Industries, Inc. (“Williams”); Williams (Suzhou) Controls Co. Ltd. (“Williams Controls Asia”); and Williams Controls Europe GmbH (“Williams Controls Europe”).

     Inactive Subsidiaries — Aptek Williams, Inc. (“Aptek”); Premier Plastic Technologies, Inc. (“PPT”); ProActive Acquisition Corporation (“ProActive”); WMCO-Geo, Inc. (“GeoFocus”); NESC Williams, Inc. (“NESC”); Williams Technologies, Inc. (“Technologies”); Williams World Trade, Inc. (“WWT”); Techwood Williams, Inc. (“TWI”); Agrotec Williams, Inc. (“Agrotec”) and our 80% owned subsidiaries Hardee Williams, Inc. (“Hardee”) and Waccamaw Wheel Williams, Inc. (“Waccamaw”).

General

     We design, manufacture and sell electronic throttle and pneumatic control systems for heavy trucks, transit busses and off-road equipment. Electronic throttle controls send a signal proportional to throttle position to adjust the speed of electronically controlled engines. The use of electronically controlled engines is influenced primarily by emissions regulations, because these engines generally produce lower emissions. The original applications of electronic engines and electronic throttle controls were in heavy trucks and transit busses in the United States and Europe in the late 1980’s. As a result of the continuing implementation of more stringent emissions standards worldwide, demand for electronically controlled engines and electronic throttle control systems is expanding. Both China and India have announced requirements for more stringent emissions standards for heavy trucks and transit busses. Additionally, worldwide emissions regulations have been enacted that increase the use of electronic throttle controls in off-road equipment. We also produce a line of pneumatic control products, which are sold to the same customer base as our electronic throttle controls. These pneumatic products are used for vehicle control system applications. We believe that the demand for our products will be driven by worldwide emissions legislation and the economic cycles for heavy trucks, transit busses and off-road equipment.

     During the year ended September 30, 2006, we sold approximately 64% of our products in the United States and approximately 36% internationally. We sell the majority of our products directly to large heavy truck, transit bus and off-road original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Our largest customers include Freightliner, LLC, The Volvo Group, Paccar, Inc., Navistar International Corporation, Caterpillar, Inc., and Hyundai Motor, Co. We also sell our products through a network of independent distributors and representatives, which sell to smaller original equipment manufacturers and to truck and bus owners as replacement parts.

     Prior to 2005, all of our products have been produced in, and sold from, our Portland, Oregon facility. To better address existing and developing international heavy truck, transit bus and off-road markets, we established during fiscal 2005 a manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China and opened sales offices in Shanghai, China and Ismaning (which is near Munich), Germany.

     While we believe we are the leader in the market for electronic throttle control systems for heavy trucks, transit busses and off-road equipment, the markets for our products are highly competitive worldwide. Certain of our competitors have substantial financial resources and significant technological capabilities. While our Suzhou, China manufacturing facility will enable us to serve developing international markets, we believe this facility will also enable us to compete more effectively in all of the markets, including domestic markets, we serve. We work closely with our existing and potential customers to design and develop new products and adapt existing products to new applications, and to improve the performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness of our products.

     Adjustable foot pedals are devices which move the throttle, brake and, if applicable, the clutch pedal, closer or further away from the vehicle driver to compensate for driver heights. We have a licensing agreement for an adjustable pedal technology, which allows us to sell adjustable pedals in the medium and heavy truck and transit

3


bus markets. We consider adjustable foot pedals to be a value added addition to our primary electronic throttle control product line. During the year ended September 30, 2006, we sold our first adjustable pedal units. We have focused additional resources in the adjustable pedal market and we expect sales of these products to continue to grow throughout fiscal 2007 and beyond.

     Electronic sensors are a significant component of our electronic throttle controls. We have historically purchased contacting sensors for use in our heavy truck, transit bus and off-road product lines from third parties. The two principal sensor technologies are contacting and non-contacting. In fiscal 2005 we began developing sensors for use in our products. To further develop our sensor technology, we obtained a license to use certain non-contacting sensor technology from Moving Magnet Technology S.A. and assembled a team of sensor engineers to develop both contacting and non-contacting sensors. In the second half of fiscal 2006 we began serial production of both contacting and non-contacting sensors. Although no assurances can be given, it is our intention to use internally produced sensors in a majority of our products.

Realignment of Operations

     During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company announced a plan for realignment of its Portland, Oregon manufacturing operations as part of ongoing efforts to focus on its core product competencies and improve its global competitiveness. The realignment plan consists of outsourcing all of the Company’s die casting and machining operations to high-quality suppliers, primarily in Asia, and relocating the Company’s assembly operations for the majority of its pneumatic products to its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. In conjunction with the realignment, the Company expects to eliminate approximately 47 hourly and 2 salaried positions from its Portland, Oregon headquarters over the next 12 months.

     As part of this realignment plan, the Company expects to incur a one-time termination benefit with those employees affected by the realignment. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” and related guidance, a one-time benefit arrangement must meet certain criteria in order for the Company to recognize a liability for such one-time benefits. The realignment plan must establish the terms of the benefit arrangement, including the benefits that employees will receive upon termination, in sufficient detail to enable employees to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if they are involuntarily terminated. The Company did not establish the terms of the benefits to employees in sufficient detail until after it began its negotiations with the United Automobile Workers of America union bargaining committee during the first week of April 2006. As such, the Company did not record any liability for expected termination benefits until the third quarter ended June 30, 2006. The Company’s preliminary estimates of the total costs of the realignment, including the one-time termination benefits to employees, are in the range of $1.5 million. The Company is not able at this time to provide estimates for each type of cost, or for the charge that will result in future cash expenditures, as the actual costs will be based on a variety of factors. The Company recorded realignment expenses of $502 for year ended September 30, 2006, which were recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Included in these amounts is a liability of $226 related to employee termination benefits. Employees to be terminated under the realignment plan are required to render service until they are terminated. Therefore, the liability is being recognized ratably over the future service period.

Dispositions

     During the 1990’s we invested in several businesses outside our core area of expertise. Generally, these investments were not successful and resulted in significant losses, stockholders’ deficit and severe liquidity constraints. By September 30, 2004, we had disposed of all such businesses.

     Natural Gas Conversion Our natural gas conversion business, NESC, was sold in fiscal 2004. The financial results of this business were not material to us as a whole.

     Passenger Car and Light Truck On September 30, 2003, we sold our passenger car and light truck electronic throttle control product lines to a competitor, Teleflex, Inc. This product line included the design and production of electronic throttle controls, primarily for certain Ford Motor Company and General Motors product lines.

4


     Electrical Components and Global Positioning System Prior to 2002 our electrical components product line included the design and production of microcircuits, cable assemblies, sensors and other electronic products used in the telecommunication, computer and transportation industries. We have phased out of all of our electrical component products.

Competition

     We believe we are the worldwide market leader for electronic throttle control systems for heavy trucks, transit busses and off-road vehicles. We believe we are the largest domestic producer in the market. We have a much smaller portion of the European and Asian markets. The markets for our products are highly competitive, with many of our competitors having substantial financial resources and significant technological capabilities. Our competitive position varies among our product lines.

     The major competitors for our electronic throttle controls include AB Eletronik GmbH, Teleflex, Inc., Siemens VDO Automotive AG, Felsted Products, LLC, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., Heinrich Kubler AG (KSR), and Comesys, Ltd. Other companies, including Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. and CTS Corporation compete in the passenger car and light truck market and may attempt to compete in the heavy truck and transit bus market in the future.

     We also manufacture pneumatic control systems for the diesel heavy truck, transit bus and off-road vehicles markets. The market for these pneumatic control systems is highly competitive and characterized by many competitors. Many of the customers for these products are the same customers as for our heavy truck and transit bus electronic throttle control systems.

     When choosing among competing electronic throttle control systems, we believe purchasers of these systems focus on price, quality, value added engineering and reputation. In addition, we believe attainment of the TS 16949 quality certification and the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification are critical to qualifying as a supplier. Our Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility has attained the following certifications: TS 16949 and ISO 14001.

Marketing and Distribution

     We sell our products to customers primarily in the heavy truck, transit bus and off-road equipment industries. For the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, Paccar, Inc. accounted for 17%, 17% and 16%, Freightliner, LLC accounted for 17%, 18% and 20%, The Volvo Group accounted for 16%, 18% and 16%, Navistar International Corporation accounted for 8%, 7% and 8% and Caterpillar, Inc. accounted for 5%, 5% and 5%, of net sales from continuing operations, respectively. Approximately 36%, 35% and 33% of net sales in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 respectively, were to customers outside of the United States, primarily in Canada, Belgium, Sweden, Mexico and Korea, and, to a lesser extent, in other European countries, South America, Pacific Rim nations and Australia. We market our products from our sales facilities in Portland, Oregon, Shanghai, China, Ismaning (Munich), Germany and through distributor networks.

     In fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, within the vehicle components segment, approximately 84%, 84% and 83% of our sales, respectively, were from sales of electronic throttle controls, with the remainder being sales of pneumatic control systems.

Environmental

     We produce small quantities of hazardous wastes in our operations and we are subject to federal and state air, water and land pollution control laws and regulations. Compliance with these laws generally requires operating costs and capital expenditures. Substantial liability may result from the failure to properly handle hazardous wastes. We use our best efforts to ensure that all hazardous wastes are handled in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

     The soil and groundwater at our Portland, Oregon facility contain certain contaminants, which were deposited from approximately 1968 through 1995. Some of this contamination has migrated offsite to neighboring properties. We have retained an environmental consulting firm to investigate the extent of the contamination and to determine what, if any, remediation will be required and the associated costs. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we entered into the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s voluntary clean-up program and during fiscal 2004

5


we established a liability of $950 for this matter. As of September 30, 2006, this liability has been reduced to $569 to reflect expenditures made to complete portions of the investigation. We have made contribution claims for investigation and remediation costs against both prior operators of the property and a former owner of the property under the Federal Superfund Act and the Oregon Cleanup Law. We believe we also have a contractual right to indemnification from one of the prior operators of the property for a portion of the investigation and remediation costs and have notified the prior operator of this indemnity claim. We are exploring the possibility of cooperative settlement with both prior operators and the prior owner of the property. We intend to pursue legal action against the prior owner and these prior operators if settlements cannot be reached in a reasonable time. During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, Dana Corporation (“Dana”), a prior owner and operator from whom we have a contractual right to indemnification, filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company has filed a proof of Claim against Dana with the Court for the entire cost of the investigation and clean-up. At this time it is uncertain how this bankruptcy petition will impact the ultimate recovery from Dana, however, we have not previously reflected any potential recovery in our consolidated financial statements. We believe that even with a resolution of the claims against the prior operators and owner of the property, we will be liable for some portion of the ultimate costs.

Government Regulation

     Our vehicle component products must comply with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, and regulations promulgated there under, which are administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”). If, after an investigation, NHTSA finds that we are not in compliance with any of its standards or regulations, among other things, it may require that we recall products found not to be in compliance, and repair or replace such products. During fiscal 2006, we had no product recalls. We are not aware of any instances of non-compliance with the statute and applicable regulations.

Product Research and Development

     We conduct engineering, research and development and quality control activities to maintain and improve the performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness of our products. Our engineering staff works closely with our customers to design and develop new products and to adapt existing products for new applications. During fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company spent $3,412, $3,233 and $3,042, respectively, on these activities for continuing operations. We anticipate that these expenses may increase in the future with development of sensor production capability, as existing customers require additional product designs and with expansion into markets and new products such as adjustable pedals and off-road applications.

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses

     We believe our products generally have strong name recognition in their respective markets. We own numerous patents, primarily under the “Williams” name, which expire at various times. We believe that, in the aggregate, the rights under our patents are generally important to our operations. We do not, however, consider any patent or group of patents to be of material importance to our total business.

     During fiscal 2003, we obtained a license agreement for use of an adjustable pedal design for our heavy truck and transit bus product lines. The agreement is for a period of three years and is renewed annually if certain sales thresholds are met. The Company is obligated to make royalty payments based on the number of units it sells. During the year ended September 30, 2006, we sold adjustable pedals and recorded an accrual for royalties related to these sales of $4. No adjustable pedals were sold prior to fiscal 2006. This agreement also required an initial license payment of $200 that was capitalized and will be amortized based on the projection of units sold over the next five years. Based on these projections, we anticipate amortizing four dollars for every adjustable pedal sold. As of September 30, 2006, we amortized approximately $3 related to the number of units sold. We have focused additional resources in the adjustable pedal market and we expect sales of these products to continue to grow throughout fiscal 2007 and beyond.

     Additionally, as part of the sale of the our passenger car and light truck product lines to Teleflex Incorporated on September 30, 2003, we obtained the right to use certain of Teleflex’s adjustable pedal patents in exchange for Teleflex receiving licenses for certain of our patents.

6


     In fiscal 2005, we entered into an agreement with Moving Magnet Technology SA (“MMT”) to license non-contacting Hall effect sensor technology. We intend to use this license to internally produce non-contacting sensors for use in our electronic throttle controls. The initial licensing fee of $140 was paid and capitalized during fiscal 2005. We will amortize this license fee over a five year period beginning once units are produced and sold, which occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2006. As of September 30, 2006 we amortized $23 of this initial licensing fee. In addition, we will make royalty payments based on the number of units sold, which includes minimum yearly royalties beginning in year three of this agreement. As of September 30, 2006, we recorded royalty payments of $9 related to units sold during fiscal 2006. We capitalized, as part of the license fee, $229 which is equal to the present value of the minimum royalty payment obligation. This agreement is for a period of ten years and is renewed annually based on written mutual agreement. This agreement may be terminated by the licensor after four years if certain sales thresholds are not met.

Raw Materials; Reliance on Single Source Suppliers

     We produce certain of our products from raw materials, including brass, aluminum, steel, plastic, rubber and zinc, which currently are widely available at reasonable terms. We manufacture certain foot pedals using a contact position sensor manufactured for Caterpillar, Inc., by a third party sensor manufacturer, which is used exclusively on Caterpillar engines. Caterpillar supplies this sensor and requires that its sensor be used on all Caterpillar engines; therefore, we do not consider the Caterpillar sensor supply to be at risk. We purchase other component parts from suppliers, none of which is considered a single source supplier. Although these suppliers have been able to meet our needs on a timely basis, and appear to be willing to continue being suppliers, there is no assurance that a disruption in a supplier’s business, such as a strike, would not disrupt the supply of a component.

     Zinc, aluminum and energy commodity demand has resulted in price increases causing higher costs for some of our components. Although component prices have increased, we have not been subject to supply constraints as a result of the increased demand.

Product Warranty

     We warrant our products to the first purchaser and subsequent owners against malfunctions occurring during the warranty period resulting from defects in material or workmanship, subject to specified limitations. The warranty on vehicle components is limited to a specified time period, mileage or hours of use, and varies by product, application and customer. We have established a warranty liability based upon our estimate of the future cost of warranty and related service costs. We regularly monitor our warranty liability for adequacy in response to historical experience and other factors.

Employees

     Our employees engaged in the manufacturing and vehicle components in the Portland, Oregon facility are represented by the International Union, United Automobile Workers of America and Amalgamated Local 492. The current five-year labor agreement expires on August 31, 2008. As of September 30, 2006, we employed a total of 95 people pursuant to this labor agreement. As of September 30, 2006, we employed approximately 86 non-union employees in our Portland, Oregon facility, of which approximately 16 were engaged in manufacturing and approximately 70 were engaged in administrative functions. As of September 30, 2006, we employed 53 non-union employees in China, of which approximately 34 were engaged in manufacturing and approximately 19 engaged in administrative functions. We also employed 2 employees in Europe as of September 30, 2006.

Forward-Looking Statements

     This report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those statements relating to development of new products, the financial condition of the Company and the ability to increase distribution of our products. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “continue”, “plans”, “intends”, or other similar terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from

7


those indicated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are beyond our control and, in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.

     The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and, except as otherwise required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why the actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

     Investors are cautioned to consider the risk factors identified below when considering forward-looking statements. If any of these items actually occur, our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Available Information

     The Company maintains a website on the Internet at www.wmco.com. The Company makes available free of charge through its website, by way of a hyperlink to a third-party SEC filing website, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act. Such information is available as soon as such reports are filed with the SEC. The information on our website is not part of this report.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

     An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks discussed below and the other information in this report on Form 10-K before deciding whether to invest in our common stock.

Risks related to our business:

A significant portion of our sales are derived from a limited number of customers, and results of operations could be adversely affected and stockholder value harmed if we lose any of these customers.

     A significant portion of our revenues historically have been derived from a limited number of customers. For the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, Paccar, Inc. accounted for 17%, 17% and 16%, Freightliner, LLC accounted for 17%, 18% and 20%, The Volvo Group accounted for 16%, 18% and 16%, Navistar International Corporation accounted for 8%, 7% and 8%, and Caterpillar, Inc. accounted for 5%, 5% and 5%, respectively, of net sales from continuing operations. The loss of any significant customer would adversely affect our revenues and stockholder value.

Demand for equipment on which our products are installed may decrease, which could adversely affect our revenues and stockholder value.

     We sell our products primarily to manufacturers of heavy trucks, transit busses and off-road equipment. If demand for our customers’ vehicles or equipment decreases, demand for our products would decrease as well. This decrease in demand would adversely impact our revenues and stockholder value.

Our products could be recalled, which could increase our costs and decrease our revenues.

     Our vehicle component products must comply with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder, which are administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”). If NHTSA finds that we are not in compliance with its standards or regulations, it may, among other things, require that we recall products found not to be in compliance, and repair or replace such products. Such a recall could increase our costs and adversely impact our reputation in our industry, both of which would adversely affect our revenues, profit margins, results of operations and stockholder value. We experienced such a recall with respect to certain of our products in fiscal 2001.

8


We purchase raw materials and component parts from suppliers and changes in the relationships with such suppliers, as well as increases in the costs of such raw materials and/or component parts, would adversely affect our ability to produce and market our products, which would adversely affect our profit margins, results from operations and stockholder value.

     We purchase raw materials and component parts from suppliers to be used in the manufacturing of our products. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to provide us with such raw materials and/or component parts, we may be unable to produce certain products, which could result in a decrease in revenue and adversely impact our reputation in our industry. Also, if prices of such raw materials and/or component parts increase and we are not able to pass on such increase to our customers, our profit margins would decrease. The occurrence of either of these would adversely affect our results from operations and stockholder value.

Our products could be subject to product liability claims by customers and/or consumers, which would adversely affect our profit margins, results from operations and stockholder value.

     A significant portion of our products are used on heavy trucks and transit busses. If our products are not properly designed or built and/or personal injuries are sustained as a result of our equipment, we could be subject to claims for damages based on theories of product liability and other legal theories. The costs and resources to defend such claims could be substantial, and if such claims are successful, we could be responsible for paying some or all of the damages. Also, our reputation could be adversely affected, regardless of whether such claims are successful. Any of these results would adversely affect our profit margins, results from operations and stockholder value. We are currently named as a co-defendant in a product liability case that seeks class action. Refer to ITEM 3 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Work stoppages or other changes in the relationships with our employees could make it difficult for us to produce and effectively market our products, which would adversely affect our profit margins, results from operations and stockholder value.

     If we experience significant work stoppages, as we did in fiscal 2003, we likely would have difficulty manufacturing our products. Also, our labor costs could increase and we may not be able to pass such increase on to our customers. The occurrence of either of the foregoing would adversely affect profit margins, results from operations and stockholder value.

Our defined benefit pension plans are under-funded and, therefore, we may be required to increase our contributions to the plans, which would adversely affect our cash flows.

     We maintain two defined benefit pension plans among the retirement plans we sponsor. No new employees are being admitted to participate in these two plans. Participants in these two plans are entitled to a fixed formula benefit upon retirement. Although we make regular contributions to these two plans in accordance with minimum ERISA funding requirements, investment earnings may be less than expected, and we may be required to increase contributions to the under-funded plan(s), which would adversely affect our cash flows.

Risks related to environmental laws:

The soil and groundwater at our Portland, Oregon facility contains certain contaminants that may require us to incur substantial expense to investigate and remediate, which would adversely affect our profit margins, results from operations and stockholder value.

     The soil and groundwater at our Portland, Oregon facility contain certain contaminants. Some of this contamination has migrated offsite to neighboring properties and potentially to other properties. We have retained an environmental consulting firm to investigate the extent of the contamination and to determine what, if any, remediation will be required and the associated costs. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we entered the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s voluntary clean-up program and during fiscal 2004 we established a liability of $950 for this matter. As of September 30, 2006, this liability was $569. Our overall costs could exceed this liability, which could adversely affect our profit margins, results from operations and stockholder value.

9


We are required to comply with federal and state environmental laws, which could become increasingly expensive and could result in substantial liability if we do not comply.

     We produce small quantities of hazardous waste in our operations and are subject to federal and state air, water and land pollution control laws and regulations. Compliance with such laws and regulations could become increasingly costly and the failure to comply could result in substantial liability. Either of these results could increase expenses, thereby adversely affecting our profit margins and stockholder value.

Risks related to foreign operations:

Fluctuations in the value of currencies could adversely affect our international sales, which would result in reduced revenues and stockholder value.

     We sell products in Canada, Belgium, Sweden, Mexico, South America, the Pacific Rim nations, Australia, China and certain European nations, purchase components from suppliers in China and Europe, have a manufacturing and sales operation in China, and a sales and technical center in Germany. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, foreign sales were approximately 36%, 35%, and 33% of net sales, respectively. Although currently virtually all of our sales and purchases are made in U.S. dollars, we anticipate that over time more of our purchases of component parts and sales of our products will be denominated in foreign currencies. We do not presently engage in any hedging of foreign currency risk. In the future, our operations in the foreign markets will likely become subject to fluctuations in currency values between the U.S. dollar and the currency of the foreign markets. Our results from operations and stockholder value could be adversely affected if currency of any of the foreign markets increases in value relative to the U.S. dollar.

Complying with the laws applicable to foreign markets may become more difficult and expensive in the future, which could adversely affect our results from operations and stockholder value.

     Our operations in foreign markets are subject to the laws of such markets. Compliance with these laws may become more difficult and costly in the future. In addition, these laws may change and such change may require us to change our operations. Any of these results could adversely affect our results from operations and stockholder value by increasing expenses and reducing revenues, thereby reducing profits.

Political and economic instability in the foreign markets may make doing business there more difficult and costly, which could adversely affect our results from operations and stockholder value.

     Economic and political instability may increase in the future in foreign markets. Such instability may make it more difficult to do business in those countries, may make it more expensive to do so and could disrupt supplies of components into our Portland, Oregon facility. If our operations were nationalized by the government of China, this could cause us to write off the value of our operations in such foreign markets and eliminate revenues generated by such operations. Any of these results could result in onetime charges or increased expenses as well as lower revenues, which would adversely affect our results of operations and harm stockholder value.

Risks Related to our Capital Structure:

The market price of our stock has been and may continue to be volatile, which could result in losses for stockholders.

     Our common stock is currently listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market and is thinly traded. Prior to October 9, 2006 our stock was traded on the OTC Bulletin Board. Volatility of thinly traded stocks is typically higher than the volatility of more liquid stocks with higher trading volumes. The market price of our common stock has been and, in the future, could be subject to significant fluctuations as a result of the foregoing, as well as variations in our operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors, announcements of new strategic relationships by us or our competitors, general conditions in our industries or market conditions unrelated to our business and operating results. Any of these results could adversely impact stockholder value.

10


ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

     None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     We own a 120,000 square feet manufacturing facility and office building in Portland, Oregon. We believe the Portland facility is adequate for our existing needs and the needs for the foreseeable future. This manufacturing facility is equipped with the machinery and equipment necessary to manufacture and assemble our products. We believe that this facility has been maintained adequately.

     We lease approximately 40,000 square feet in Suzhou, China for our Williams Controls Asia operation, approximately 500 square feet for our Shanghai, China sales office, and approximately 1,600 square feet for our Williams Controls Europe operation. We believe that these facilities will be adequate to meet our existing needs and our needs for the foreseeable future.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     We are a party to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Our management and legal counsel have reviewed the probable outcome of these proceedings, the costs and expenses reasonably expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of our insurance coverage, and our established liabilities. While the outcome of the pending proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, based on our review, we believe that any unrecorded liability that may result is not likely to have a material effect on our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

     On October 1, 2004, we were named as a co-defendant in a product liability case (Cuesta v. Ford, et al, District Court for Bryant, Oklahoma) that seeks class action status. The complaint seeks an unspecified amount of damages on behalf of the class. We believe the claims to be without merit and we are vigorously defending against this action. There can be no assurance, however, that the outcome of the lawsuit will be favorable to the Company or will not have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations. We cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss at this time. In addition, we have incurred and will continue to incur substantial litigation expenses in defending this litigation.

     On August 1, 2005, Mr. Thomas Ziegler, our former president and chief executive officer, filed a suit against the Company, American Industrial Partners, L.P.; American Industrial Partners Fund III, L.P., and American Industrial Partners Fund III Corporation in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida. This suit is similar to a suit filed by Mr. Ziegler on May 12, 2003 against the same defendants. The 2003 suit was dismissed without prejudice for failure to prosecute. In the suit, Mr. Ziegler alleges that we breached an “oral agreement” with Mr. Ziegler to pay him additional compensation, including a bonus of “at least” $500 for certain tasks performed by Mr. Ziegler while he was the Company’s president and chief executive officer and seeks additional compensation to which he claims he is entitled. We dispute the existence of any such agreement with Mr. Ziegler and are vigorously defending this action.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

11


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

     As of October 9, 2006, our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “WMCO.” Prior to this date, our common stock was quoted on the over the counter bulletin board (“OTC Bulletin Board”) under the symbol “WCON.”

     The range of high and low bid-closing quotations for our common stock for each fiscal quarter for the past two fiscal years is as follows. At the March 2, 2006 Annual Meeting of stockholders, the stockholders of the Company approved a one-for-six reverse stock split for each share of common stock outstanding on January 27, 2006. The reverse split was effective March 16, 2006 and for the applicable closing prices below, they have been restated to reflect the effect of the one-for-six reverse stock split.

   2006   2005 
          High          Low          High          Low 
First Quarter     $11.58   $  7.80  $7.80     $5.34 
Second Quarter   $14.10   $10.08   $8.22     $6.30 
Third Quarter   $13.24   $11.06     $8.82     $6.90 
Fourth Quarter   $12.67   $11.87     $7.68     $6.84 

     There were 346 record holders of our common stock as of December 1, 2006. We have never paid a dividend with respect to our common stock and have no plans to pay a dividend on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Dollars in thousands — except per share amounts)

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:    Year ended September 30    
        2006        2005        2004 (1)        2003 (2)        2002 (3) 
Net sales from continuing operations  $74,634  $67,416  $58,050   $51,302   $51,917  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations  9,549  7,495  (3,880 )  1,044   (2,198 ) 
Net income (loss)  9,549  7,495  (4,058 )  936     (961 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations — basic  1.29  0.96  (1.06 )  (0.30 )  (0.84 ) 
Income (loss) from continuing operations — diluted  1.25  0.94    (1.06 )  (0.30 )  (0.84 ) 
Net income (loss) per common share — basic  1.29  0.96  (1.11 )  (0.30 )  (0.48 ) 
Net income (loss) per common share — diluted  1.25  0.94  (1.11 )  (0.30 )  (0.48 ) 
Cash dividends per common share           
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:      September 30      
   2006   2005   2004 (1)   2003 (2)   2002 (3) 
Current Assets    $24,037    $20,138  $17,282   $18,684   $15,157  
Current Liabilities  17,697  17,616  13,747   17,481   16,266  
Working Capital (deficit)  6,340  2,522  3,535   1,203   (1,109 ) 
Total Assets  35,749  33,505  31,125   24,907   26,322  
Long-Term Liabilities  9,790  15,308  24,413   24,569   9,915  
Redeemable Preferred Stock          13,109  
Stockholders’ Equity (deficit)  8,262  581  (7,035 )  (17,143 )  (12,968 ) 
 
Note: The above amounts reflect NESC and the Automotive Accessories and Agricultural Equipment segments as discontinued operations.           

12



(1)       The 2004 data includes a loss on extinguishment of debt of $19,770, a loss of $178 from discontinued operations, a gain of $209 from the settlement of a sales tax obligation of Aptek and a $210 gain from the extinguishment of old outstanding accounts payable balances of various insolvent subsidiaries. See Notes 6, 13 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(2) The 2003 data includes a gain on a settlement with a customer of $951 and a net loss of $108 from discontinued operations. In 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity” (SFAS No. 150). In accordance with SFAS No. 150, the redeemable preferred stock of $16,072 at September 30, 2003 is included in long-term liabilities. In addition, dividends and accretion on redeemable preferred stock is classified as interest expense since July 1, 2003 in the consolidated statement of operations data.
 
(3) The 2002 data includes losses on impairment of investment in Ajay, Inc. of $3,565, a net gain of $1,237 from discontinued operations, and a reduction in interest expense of $720.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands — except share and per share amounts)

     This section summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and liquidity position for the three year period ended September 30, 2006. This section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this document. Statements in this report that relate to future results and events are based on our current expectations. Actual results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected or desired because of a number of risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of factors affecting our business, see “ITEM 1 — BUSINESS” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

     During fiscal 2006, we saw our net sales increase $7,218 or 10.7% to a full year record level of $74,634. The increase in sales was primarily due to increased sales volumes of electronic throttle control systems to our heavy truck, transit bus and off-road customers worldwide. For the year ended September 30, 2006, we sold approximately 64% of our products in the United States and approximately 36% to foreign customers. In fiscal 2005, approximately 35% of our products were sold to foreign customers. Net income in fiscal 2006 increased to $9,549, an improvement of 27.4% from net income in fiscal 2005 of $7,495. As a result of increases in cash flows from operations, we paid down our outstanding debt by $5,089 in fiscal 2006.

     Highlights for the year ended September 30, 2006 include the following:

  • We repurchased 416,666 shares of the Company’s common stock at $7.68 per share from American Industrial Partners Capital Fund III, L.P. (“AIP”). The remainder of AIP’s shares in the Company were purchased by Dolphin Offshore Partners L.P. and an investment group arranged by Taglich Brothers, Inc.
     
  • The buyback of AIP’s shares terminated the put/call option agreement and terminated the AIP portion of the Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement. In addition, Kirk R. Ferguson and William I. Morris, resigned from their positions on the Company’s Board of Directors and the number of positions on the Board was reduced to seven members.
     
  • During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we completed a one-for-six reverse stock split, which was approved by the stockholders during the March 2, 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The reverse split was effective March 16, 2006 and was intended to facilitate listing of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market. Effective with the reverse split the Company’s trading symbol was changed to “WCON” from “WMCO”.
     

13


The Company filed a listing application to list its common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market and on October 9, 2006 the Company’s common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “WMCO”. Prior to that time, the Company’s common stock was listed on the OTC Bulletin Board market under the trading symbol “WCON”.

  • We announced a realignment of our Portland, Oregon manufacturing operations as part of ongoing efforts to focus on our core product lines and improve our global competitiveness. As part of this process, we plan to outsource all of our die casting and machining operations to high-quality suppliers, primarily in Asia, and to relocate the assembly of pneumatic products to our manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China.

     As we move forward into fiscal 2007 and beyond, we will continue to work closely with our existing and potential customers to design and develop new products and adapt existing products to new applications, and to improve the performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness of our products.

Results of Operations

 Financial Summary 
 (Dollars in Thousands) 
        2005 to    2004 to   
   2006     2005     2004   

 2006 

   

 2005 

 
Net sales      $ 74,634        $ 67,416        $ 58,050        10.7 %       16.1 % 
Cost of sales     48,188     44,403     39,234   8.5 %  13.2 % 
Gross profit 26,446     23,013     18,816   14.9 %  22.3 % 
Research and development 3,412   3,233   3,042   5.5 %  6.3 % 
Selling 2,065   1,342   1,192   53.9 %  12.6 % 
Administration 5,640     5,696   4,864   (1.0 )%  17.1 % 
Realignment of operations   502       NM   NM  
Operating income from continuing operations $ 14,827   $ 12,742   $ 9,718      
 
As a percentage of net sales:           
       Cost of sales 64.6 %  65.9 %  67.6 %     
       Gross margin 35.4 %  34.1 %  32.4 %     
       Research and development 4.6 %  4.8 %  5.2 %     
       Selling 2.8 %  2.0 %  2.1 %     
       Administration 7.6 %  8.4 %  8.4 %     
       Realignment of operations 0.7 %         
       Operating income from continuing operations 19.9 %  18.9 %  16.7 %     
 
NM — not meaningful           
 
Comparative Years Ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004          
 
        Percent Change  
        2005 to    2004 to   
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005     2004   

 2006 

 

 2005 

 
Net sales  $ 74,634   $ 67,416   $ 58,050   10.7 %  16.1 % 

     Net sales increased $7,218 for the year ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the year ended September 30, 2005, primarily due to increased sales volumes of electronic throttle control systems, specifically in the North American, Asian and European markets, and to a lesser extent increases in sales of our pneumatic control systems. Net sales to our customers in Asia increased approximately 78% over the prior year, whereas net sales in North America and Europe increased 9% and 8%, respectively. We expect that electronic throttle control sales will increase or decrease in the future in line with changes in heavy truck and transit bus production volumes in the various geographic markets in which we serve and when new product lines are established, however, competitive pricing may continue to reduce per unit pricing. A change in emissions regulations in the United States effective January 1, 2007 will most likely have a negative impact on truck sales in North America, and therefore the sales of our products

14


to heavy truck manufacturers in the United States. The published estimates of the anticipated decline vary widely, and range from a decline of 25% to 50% of the total calendar 2007 production volumes. It is further anticipated that the decline will most likely begin in the second calendar quarter of 2007 as truck engines produced prior to January 1, 2007 will be able to be put into trucks produced after January 1, 2007. The Company’s net sales to North American truck manufacturers in fiscal 2006 were approximately $29,800.

     Net sales to our heavy truck, transit bus and off-road customers increased $9,366 for the year ended September 30, 2005 as compared to the year ended September 30, 2004 and is primarily due to increased sales volumes of electronic throttle control systems resulting from a general increase in truck production throughout the industry, primarily in North America and, to a lesser extent, in the European and Asian markets, offset by slightly lower per unit pricing.

         Percent Change   
                            2005 to         2004 to   
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 

 2005 

 
Gross profit  $ 26,446  $ 23,013  $ 18,816  14.9 %  22.3 % 

     Gross profit was $26,446, or 35.4%, of net sales for the year ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $3,433 from the gross profit of $23,013, or 34.1%, of net sales in the comparable fiscal 2005 period.

     The increase in gross profit in fiscal 2006 is primarily driven by a 10.7% increase in sales of electronic throttle and pneumatic control systems to heavy truck, transit bus and off-road customers. Gross profits also improved through lower component sourcing costs for some of our components as we shift suppliers to lower cost, high quality suppliers primarily in China, a reduction in our warranty liability of $184 as discussed in Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and reductions in pension and post-retirement benefit costs of approximately $252. During the year gross profit was negatively impacted by significantly higher purchase prices for zinc and aluminum, higher overhead expenses due to costs associated with our manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, which opened during the second quarter of fiscal 2005, and increased labor costs to support our higher sales volumes.

     Gross profit was $23,013, or 34.1%, of net sales for the year ended September 30, 2005, an increase of $4,197 as compared to gross profit of $18,816, or 32.4%, of net sales in the comparable fiscal 2004 period.

     The increase in gross profit in fiscal 2005 is primarily driven by a 16.1% increase in sales of electronic throttle and pneumatic control systems to heavy truck, transit bus and off-road customers and small reductions in manufacturing overhead expenses. Manufacturing overhead expenses decreased from the prior year even with the higher unit sales levels, and this is primarily due to fiscal 2004 including $312 of depreciation expense related to certain property, plant and equipment retained from our passenger car and light truck product lines, which were sold on September 30, 2003 and $322 related to product warranty issues with one customer as discussed in Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In fiscal 2005, the Company had increases in personnel costs, which were offset by reductions in group health costs and pension expenses.

         Percent Change   
                            2005 to         2004 to   
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 

 2005 

 
Research and development $ 3,412  $ 3,233  $ 3,042  5.5 %  6.3 % 

     Research and development expenses increased $179 for the year ended September 30, 2006 compared to the same period in fiscal 2005. This increase in research and development expense is primarily attributable to an increase in development efforts for new products, markets and sensors, resulting in slightly higher staffing levels and an overall increase in project expenses over the prior year. The Company’s research and development expenditures will fluctuate based on the programs and products under development at any given point in time. Overall, we expect research and development expenses to increase over fiscal 2006 levels due to additional pedal design projects and sensor development efforts.

15


     Research and development expenses increased $191 for the year ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in fiscal 2004 and is largely attributable to sensor development efforts, which has resulted in higher staffing levels.

         Percent Change   
                            2005 to         2004 to   
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 

 2005 

 
Selling   $ 2,065   $ 1,342   $ 1,192  53.9 %  12.6 % 

     Selling expenses increased $723 for the year ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2005. Beginning in the second half of fiscal 2005 and throughout all of fiscal 2006, we took several steps to expand our sales efforts, including the addition of sales personnel in the United States, China and Europe and increased promotional materials. Additionally, we opened our Europe and China sales offices in mid-fiscal 2005, and accordingly we did not incur significant costs associated with these offices in fiscal 2005 as compared to fiscal 2006. We expect to continue to incur increased expenses associated with our current foreign customers and expanded selling and marketing efforts worldwide.

     Selling expenses increased $150 for the year ended September 30, 2005 compared to the year ended September 30, 2004. The increase in selling expenses is mainly due to the expansion of selling and marketing efforts in the European and Asian markets. During fiscal 2005, we opened sales offices in Shanghai, China and Ismaning (which is near Munich), Germany to better address existing and developing international markets.

         Percent Change   
                            2005 to         2004 to   
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 

 2005 

 
Administration $ 5,640  $ 5,696  $ 4,864   (1.0 )%  17.1 % 

     Administration expenses for the year ended September 30, 2006 decreased $56 as compared to the same period in fiscal. Included in administration expenses in the year ended September 30, 2005 were one-time compensation and relocation costs incurred in fiscal 2005 with the commencement of employment of our President and Chief Executive Officer and management fees, which were reduced as discussed in Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, legal costs decreased 22% from the prior year. Offsetting these reductions was an increase in information technology expenses to support our international operations and stock option compensation expense of $305 as a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R in the current fiscal year as discussed in Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

     Administration expenses for the year ended September 30, 2005 increased $832 over the same period in fiscal 2004. The increase in administration expenses is primarily the result of increased legal and professional expenses, mainly in defense of the class action lawsuit discussed in Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and an increase in personnel expenses related to the addition of our new President and Chief Executive Officer. His employment commenced on October 2004, and fiscal 2005 administration expenses include additional compensation costs and relocation assistance expenses. Administration expenses also increased during fiscal 2005 related to opening our manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. Offsetting these increases in administration expenses were reductions in management fees and expenses related to our former passenger car and light truck product lines. In addition, the year ended September 30, 2004 included $950 of costs related to our environmental liability as discussed in Note 12.

         Percent Change 
                            2005 to       2004 to 
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 2005 

Realignment of operations  $ 502  $— $— NM NM

16


     The Company recorded expenses of $502 for the year ended September 30, 2006 related to its realignment of operations as discussed in Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

         Percent Change   
                            2005 to         2004 to   
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 

 2005 

 
Interest income $  (70 )  $  (59 )  $  (3 ) 
Interest income — Debt 1,414 1,459 72
Interest income — Series B preferred stock
     dividends and accretion 3,245
$ 1,344 $ 1,400 $ 3,314  (15.1 )%   (57.8%  

     Interest expense on debt decreased $45 for the year ended September 30, 2006 compared to the same period in fiscal 2005 due to reductions in debt levels, partially offset by higher overall interest rates. We expect interest expense on debt to continue to decrease in the future as we continue to pay down debt and decrease our overall outstanding debt balance.

     Interest expense on debt increased $1,387 for the year ended September 30, 2005 compared to the year ended September 30, 2004. This increase is specifically due to the fiscal 2004 recapitalization transaction discussed in Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As part of this transaction, which was completed on September 30, 2004, the Company increased its debt levels to complete the recapitalization transaction, thus resulting in increased interest expense on debt in fiscal 2005 as compared to the prior year when debt levels were much lower.

     Interest expense on Series B Preferred Stock for the year ended September 30, 2004 relates to dividends accrued on the Series B Preferred Stock and the related accretion. Based on the guidelines of SFAS No. 150, beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 the Company recorded all accrued dividends associated with the Series B Preferred Stock as a component of interest expense. Due to the fiscal 2004 recapitalization transaction discussed in Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company no longer recorded interest expense on Series B Preferred Stock after fiscal 2004.

         Percent Change 
                            2005 to       2004 to 
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 2005 

Other (income) expense, net   $(765)   $(109)   $(221)  NM NM

     Other income was $765 in fiscal 2006 and consisted primarily of a $712 gain from the extinguishment of old outstanding accounts payable balances of various insolvent subsidiaries as discussed in Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and a $32 gain from the extinguishment of old and disputed outstanding accounts payable balances related to an active subsidiary. Other income of $109 in fiscal 2005 consisted primarily of a $60 gain from the extinguishment of old outstanding accounts payable balances of various insolvent subsidiaries as discussed in Note 6, a $93 gain from the extinguishment of old and disputed outstanding accounts payable balances related to an active subsidiary, and a $50 loss associated with the disposal of certain property, plant and equipment. Other income in fiscal 2004 primarily consisted of a $210 gain from the extinguishment of old outstanding accounts payable balances of various insolvent subsidiaries also discussed in Note 6.

         Percent Change 
                            2005 to       2004 to 
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 2005 

Gain on put/call option agreement   $(10)   $(323)   $— NM NM

17


     As discussed in Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Put/Call option agreement was terminated during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 and as a result of this termination a gain of $10 was recognized. The $323 gain for the year ended September 30, 2005 relates to the change in the net value of the Put/Call option agreement from September 30, 2005 to September 30, 2006.

         Percent Change 
                            2005 to       2004 to 
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 2005 

Loss on extinguishment of debt  $—   $—   $19,770  NM NM

     During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 upon redemption of the 98,114 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and conversion of the remaining Series B Preferred Stock into common stock, the Company recorded a $19,770 loss on extinguishment of debt. The loss on extinguishment of Series B Preferred Stock consists of the write-off of the remaining un-amortized capitalized Series B fees incurred in the fiscal 2002 recapitalization, the accrual of up to three years of dividends for Series B Preferred Stock stockholders as required under the original agreement with the Series B Preferred Stock stockholders, a conversion premium, the write-off of the remaining un-amortized capitalized loan fees with Wells, the net value of the of the put/call option agreement described in Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and fees and expenses associated with the fiscal 2004 recapitalization transaction. The loss on extinguishment of debt has been recorded in other (income) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended September 30, 2004.

         Percent Change 
                            2005 to         2004 to 
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 

 2005 

Income tax expense (benefit) $ 4,709 $ 4,279 $ (9,265 ) 10.0 %  NM

     In fiscal 2006, the Company recorded income tax expense of $4,709 compared to $4,279 in fiscal 2005 and an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $9,265 in fiscal 2004. The fiscal 2004 income tax benefit primarily consisted of the reversal of the valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets as discussed in Note 11 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The overall tax rate was 33.0% in fiscal 2006 compared to 36.3% in fiscal 2005. The fiscal 2005 tax rate included a reduction in deferred tax assets due to a change in state tax law, resulting in an overall increase in our tax rate in fiscal 2005.

     The Company was in a net operating loss carry-forward position during fiscal 2005, and by the first quarter of fiscal 2006 the Company had utilized all of its available federal net operating loss carry-forwards. Federal net operating losses are subject to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which potentially restrict the utilization of this type of tax attribute in the event of an “ownership change” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 382). Changes in ownership could significantly defer the utilization of the net operating loss carry forwards. The Company does not believe that the recapitalization transactions discussed in Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, coupled with other changes in ownership, created a change in ownership as defined by the Internal Revenue Code Section 382.

         Percent Change 
                            2005 to       2004 to 
For the Year Ended September 30:     2006     2005   2004 

 2006 

 

 2005 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax  $—   $—   $178  NM NM

     During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company sold the assets of its NESC operations. The Company recorded a total loss of $113 from the sale of discontinued operations based on the difference between the proceeds received and the recorded book value of assets sold at the date of the sale. In addition, a loss of $65 from the operations of NESC was recorded in discontinued operations for the year ended September 30, 2004.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Cash generated from operations was $7,832 for the year ended September 30, 2006, a decrease of $4,166 from the cash generated from operations of $11,998 for the year ended September 30, 2005. Cash flows from operations included net income of $9,549 and a non-cash deferred tax provision of $2,157 related to utilization of our remaining

18


net operating loss as well as certain credits. Cash flows from operations for the year ended September 30, 2005 included net income of $7,495 and a non-cash deferred tax provision of $3,984 related to utilization of a portion of the net operating loss.

     Cash flows from operations primarily decreased for the year ended September 30, 2006 compared to the corresponding prior year period due to an increase in accounts receivable, inventories, and an increase in tax payments as we utilized our remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. Higher sales levels in fiscal 2006 compared to fiscal 2005 accounted for the increase in accounts receivable. The higher inventory levels are associated primarily with additional safety stock to facilitate changing suppliers, the transfer of some manufacturing from our Portland, Oregon to Suzhou, China facility, increased lead times associated with sourcing of components from overseas suppliers and additional inventory levels to support our China operations. Cash flows from continuing operations in fiscal 2006 also included required payments to fund our pension plans of $1,404 compared to $1,194 in fiscal 2005. We believe we will continue to generate positive cash flow from continuing operations.

     Cash used in investing activities was $2,281 for the year ended September 30, 2006 and $2,980 for the year ended September 30, 2005 and in both years was comprised solely of purchases of property, plant and equipment. We expect our cash use for investing activities to at least remain constant and potentially increase in the future as we continue to purchase capital equipment to expand and support our operations worldwide. We currently anticipate spending approximately $3,000 in capital expenditures for the year ended September 30, 2007.

     Cash used in financing activities was $8,073 for the year ended September 30, 2006, compared to cash used in financing activities of $6,448 for the year ended September 30, 2005. The use of cash for financing activities for fiscal 2006 primarily relates to the repurchase of common stock from AIP of $3,200, scheduled debt payments on our Merrill Lynch term loan and payment of $2,074 related to the 2005 excess cash flow requirement of our loan agreement with Merrill Lynch. Additionally, we received cash proceeds of $216 from the exercise of stock options. The cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2005 primarily relates to scheduled debt payments on our Merrill Lynch term loan of $3,400 and the payment of the outstanding balance of our revolving credit facility with Merrill Lynch. In addition, we received cash proceeds of $17 from the exercise of stock options.

Contractual Obligations as of September 30, 2006

     At September 30, 2006, our contractual obligations consisted of bank debt, operating lease obligations, a services agreement and a license agreement. We do not have any material letters of credit, purchase commitments, or debt guarantees outstanding at September 30, 2006. Maturities of these contractual obligations consist of the following:

    Payments due by period    
     Less than   1 – 3  3 – 5   More than 
        Total        1 year        years       years       5 years 
Term loan  $  8,540 $3,996   $4,544 $   —   $  
Revolver     
Operating leases  1,355   356 871 128  
MMT license — minimum royalties  365   13 127 150   75
Management Services Agreement  120  60 60  
  $10,380 $4,425 $5,602 $ 278 $ 75

     Certain liabilities, including those related to our pension and post-retirement benefit plans, are reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets but are not reflected in the table above due to the absence of stated maturities. The Company has net obligations at September 30, 2006 related to its pension plans and post-retirement medical plan of $3,445 and $3,215, respectively. The Company funded $1,404 to its pension plans in fiscal 2006. We expect to make payments of $1,669 in fiscal 2007.

     At September 30, 2006, we had $8,000 available under our revolving credit facility plus cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2006 of $2,530. We believe these resources, when combined with cash provided by operations, will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs on a short-term and long-term basis.

19


     Included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is approximately $910 of old accounts payable related to closed insolvent subsidiaries of the Company and $134 of old and disputed accounts payable related to an active subsidiary. In accordance with SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, a debtor can only relieve itself of a liability if it has been extinguished. Accordingly, a liability is considered extinguished if (a) the debtor pays the creditor and is relieved of its obligation for the liability or (b) the debtor is legally released from being the primary obligor under the liability, either judicially or by the creditor. During the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company was judicially released from and reversed $744, $153 and $210, respectively, of old accounts payable resulting in a gain, which has been recorded in other (income) expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company expects to reverse amounts in future periods based on the recognition of the liabilities being judicially released in accordance with SFAS No. 140 of $889 in fiscal 2007; $90 in fiscal 2010; and $65 in fiscal 2011 - 2016.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, cost of sales and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies and the related judgments and estimates affect the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

     Revenue is recognized at the time of product shipment, which is when title and risk of loss transfers to customers, and when all of the following have occurred: a firm sales agreement is in place, pricing is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Revenues are reported net of estimated returns, rebates and customer discounts. Discounts and rebates are recorded during the period they are earned by the customer.

Warranty

     We provide a warranty covering defects arising from products sold. The product warranty liability is based on historical return rates of products and amounts for significant and specific warranty issues. The warranty is limited to a specified time period, mileage or hours of use, and varies by product, application and customer. The Company has recorded a warranty liability, which in the opinion of management is adequate to cover such costs. While we believe our estimates are reasonable, they are subject to change and such change could be material.

Legal

     We are involved in various claims, lawsuits and other proceedings from time to time. Such litigation involves uncertainty as to possible losses we may ultimately realize when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. In connection with such claims and lawsuits, we estimate the probability of losses based on advice of legal counsel, the outcomes of similar litigation, legislative development and other factors. Due to the numerous variables associated with these judgments and assumptions, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates of the related loss contingencies are subject to substantial uncertainties. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to these contingencies and, as additional information becomes known, may change our estimates significantly. A significant change in our estimates, or a result that materially differs from our estimates, could have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

20


Environmental

     We estimate the costs of investigation and remediation for certain soil and groundwater contaminants at our Portland, Oregon facility. The ultimate costs to the Company for the investigation, remediation and monitoring of this site cannot be predicted with certainty due to the often unknown magnitude of the pollution or the necessary cleanup, the varying costs of alternative cleanup methods, the amount of time necessary to accomplish such cleanups and the evolving nature of cleanup technologies and governmental regulations. The Company has recognized a liability for environmental remediation costs for this site in an amount that management believes is probable and reasonably estimable. When the estimate of a probable loss is within a range, the minimum amount in the range is accrued when no estimate within the range is better than another. In making these judgments and assumptions, the Company considers, among other things, the activity to-date at the site and information obtained through consultation with applicable regulatory authorities and third party consultants and contractors. The Company regularly monitors its exposure to environmental loss contingencies. As additional information becomes known, it is at least reasonably possible that a change in the estimated liability accrual will occur in the near future.

Pensions and Post-Retirement Benefit Obligations

     Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations and net period benefit cost are calculated using actuarial models. The most important assumptions that affect these computations are the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, and healthcare cost trend rates. We evaluate these assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement, mortality and turnover. These assumptions are evaluated at least annually and are updated to reflect our experience. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.

     Our discount rate assumption is intended to reflect the rate at which retirement benefits could be effectively settled based upon the assumed timing of the benefit payments. To determine our discount rate, we discounted the expected benefit payments using the Citigroup Pension Discount Liability Index yield curve. The equivalent level interest rate that produces the same present value of benefits was then determined. Our assumed rate does not differ significantly from this benchmark rate. We assumed a discount rate of 5.85% to determine our pension benefit obligations at September 30, 2006 and a rate of 5.25% to determine our net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2006. A 1.0% decrease in these discount rates would have increased our pension benefit obligations at the end of fiscal 2006 by $1,607 and increased our net periodic benefit cost in 2006 by $156. A 1.0% increase in discount rates would have decreased our pension obligations at September 30, 2006 and decreased our net periodic benefit cost in 2006 at levels commensurate with those noted above. To determine the discount rate for our post-retirement benefit plan, we also discounted the expected benefit payments using the Citigroup Pension Discount Liability Index yield curve. A 1.0% decrease in discount rate for our post-retirement benefit plan would have increased our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2006 by $436 and increased our post-retirement benefit expense in 2006 by $9. A 1.0% increase in discount rate would have decreased our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2006 by $365 and decreased our post-retirement benefit expense in 2006 by $8.

     To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider the current asset allocations and the historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets obtained from our investment portfolio manager. Information regarding our asset allocations is included in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. A 1.0% increase or decrease in the assumed rate of return on plan assets would have impacted net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2006 by $86. Our post-retirement plan does not contain any plan assets.

     We assumed healthcare cost trend rates for our post-retirement plan of 5.0% - 9.0% in 2006, decreasing gradually to 5.0% in 2014 and remaining at 5.0% thereafter. A 1.0% increase in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have increased our post-retirement benefit obligation at September 30, 2006 by $367 and increased post-retirement benefit expense in 2006 by $20. A 1.0% decrease in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have decreased the post-retirement benefit obligation by $313 at the end of fiscal 2006 and decreased post-retirement benefit expense in 2006 by $17.

21


Stock-Based Compensation Expense

     As of October 1, 2005, we adopted SFAS No. 123R, which requires us to measure compensation cost for all outstanding unvested share-based awards, and awards we grant, modify, repurchase or cancel in the future, at fair value and recognize compensation over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results differ from our estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. We consider many factors when calculating fair value including estimated stock price volatility, expected term and expected forfeitures. Factors considered in estimating forfeitures include the types of awards, employee class, and historical experience. Actual results may differ substantially from these estimates. We recorded $431 of stock-based compensation expense for the year ended September 30, 2006. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during the year ended September 30, 2006 in our consolidated statement of operations included $50 in cost of sales, $27 in research and development, $49 in selling and the remaining $305 in administration expense.

Income Taxes

     For each jurisdiction that we operate in, we are required to estimate our annual effective tax rate together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. We must also assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and unless we believe that recovery is more likely than not, a valuation allowance is established. Our income tax provision on the consolidated statement of operations is impacted by changes in the valuation allowance. This process is complex and involves significant management judgment in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances recorded against our net deferred tax assets.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132R”. This statement requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. This statement also requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions. This statement also modifies the definition of current and non-current liabilities for purposes of presentation in the statement of financial position. An employer is required to initially recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and to provide the required disclosures as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006 whereas the requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently in the process of determining the effects of adopting this statement in its consolidated financial statements.

     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in the process of determining the effects of adopting this statement in its consolidated financial statements.

     In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108, “Quantifying Financial Misstatements”, which expresses the Staff’s views regarding the process of quantifying financial statement misstatements. Registrants are required to quantify the impact of correcting all misstatements, including both the carryover and reversing effects of prior year misstatements, on the current year financial statements. The financial statements would require adjustment when either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that is material, after considering all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. SAB No. 108 is effective for financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of determining the effects, if any, SAB No. 108 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

22


     In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, which clarifies the accounting uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not and a measurement attribute on all tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, the Company will adopt FIN 48 on October 1, 2007 and the Company is currently assessing the impact FIN 48 will have on its financial statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the market value of investments. The Company’s primary market risk results from fluctuations in interest rates.

Interest Rate Risk

     The Company has a five-year revolving and term loan agreement with its primary lender Merrill Lynch. Interest rates under the agreement are variable and are based on the election of the Company of either a LIBOR rate or Prime rate.

     As of September 30, 2006, the outstanding balance on the term loan was $8,540 and there was no balance outstanding on the revolving loan. The average effective annual interest rate on the term loan was 9.9% as of September 30, 2006. The Company does not believe that a hypothetical 10% change in end of the period interest rates or changes in future interest rates on these variable rate obligations would have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company has not hedged its exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

Foreign Currency Risk

     We sell our products to customers in the heavy truck, transit bus and off-road equipment industries. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company had foreign sales of approximately 36% and 35% of net sales, respectively. All of the worldwide sales in fiscal 2005 and all but $255 of sales in fiscal 2006 were denominated in U.S. dollars. During fiscal 2005, we established a manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China and we opened sales offices in Shanghai, China and Ismaning (Munich), Germany. The Company does not believe that changes in future exchange rates would have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows as the majority of its foreign sales transactions are currently denominated in US dollars and the investments in China and Germany are relatively small at this time in relation to our United States operations. As a result, the Company has not entered into forward exchange or option contracts for transactions to hedge against foreign currency risk. The Company will continue to assess its foreign currency risk as its international operations and sales increase.

Investment Risk

     The Company does not use derivative financial or commodity instruments. The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term obligations. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable balances are short-term in nature, and, thus, the Company believes they are not exposed to material investment risk.

23


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Williams Controls, Inc.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

  Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  25
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2006 and 2005  26
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended September 30, 2006, 
       2005 and 2004  27
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004  28
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 30, 2006, 
       2005 and 2004  29
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004  30–31
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  32
 
See pages 58-59 for Index to Exhibits

24


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
Williams Controls, Inc.:

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Williams Controls, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Williams Controls, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2006 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Portland, Oregon
December 12, 2006

25


Williams Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except per share information)

  September 30, September 30,
ASSETS   2006 2005
Current Assets:         
       Cash and cash equivalents  $ 2,530   $ 5,052  
       Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $35 and $40 in         
               2006 and 2005, respectively    9,368     8,896  
       Other accounts receivable    1,231     579  
       Inventories    9,918     4,433  
       Deferred income taxes    657     870  
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets    333     308  
               Total current assets    24,037     20,138  
Property, plant and equipment, net    8,457     7,455  
Deferred income taxes    2,228     4,518  
Other assets, net    1,027     1,394  
               Total assets  $ 35,749   $ 33,505  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Current Liabilities:         
       Accounts payable  $ 6,504   $ 5,449  
       Accrued expenses    5,528     5,225  
       Current portion of employee benefit obligations    1,669     1,439  
       Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations    3,996     5,503  
               Total current liabilities    17,697     17,616  
Long-term Liabilities:         
       Long-term debt and capital lease obligations    4,544     8,126  
       Employee benefit obligations    4,991     6,934  
       Other long-term liabilities    255     248  
Commitments and contingencies         
Stockholders’ Equity:         
       Preferred stock ($.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized)         
               Series C (0 issued and outstanding at September 30,         
               2006 and 2005, respectively)         
       Common stock ($.01 par value, 12,500,000 authorized;         
               7,432,844 and 7,790,262 issued and outstanding at         
               September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively)    74     78  
       Additional paid-in capital    34,014       36,482  
       Accumulated deficit    (20,414 )    (29,963 ) 
       Treasury stock (21,700 shares at September 30, 2006 and 2005)    (377 )    (377 ) 
       Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (5,035 )    (5,639 ) 
               Total stockholders’ equity    8,262     581  
               Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $ 35,749   $ 33,505  

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

26


Williams Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(Dollars
in thousands)

  Issued Series A-1 Issued Series A Issued       Other  
  Preferred Stock    Preferred Stock Common Stock Additional     Comprehensive   Stockholders’
              Paid-in Accumulated   Treasury Income Equity
  Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount    Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Stock   (Loss)   (Deficit)
Balance, September 30, 2003  77,550        $ 1     150         3,354,250      $ 34    $ 22,391        $ (33,400 )       $ (377 )       $ (5,792 )      $ (17,143 ) 
Net loss              (4,058 )      (4,058 )
Exercise of common stock warrants        446,169   4   2,088         2,092  
Common stock issuance        36,111     162         162  
Conversion of Series B preferred stock                       
       to common stock        1,960,249   20   11,742         11,762  
Conversion of Series A-1 preferred stock                       
       to common stock  (77,550 )  (1 )    1,974,790   20   (20 )        (1 )
Redemption of Series A preferred stock      (150 )     (15 )        (15 )
Change in pension liability adjustment                              166     166  
Balance, September 30, 2004        7,771,569   78   36,348   (37,458 )  (377 )  (5,626 ) (7,035 )
Net income              7,495       7,495  
Exercise of stock options        3,833     17         17  
Common stock issuance        14,860     117         117  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                  2   2  
Change in pension liability adjustment                              (15 )   (15 )
Balance, September 30, 2005        7,790,262   78   36,482   (29,963 )  (377 )  (5,639 ) 581  
Net income              9,549       9,549  
Exercise of stock options        51,331     216         216  
Common stock issuance        7,917     81         81  
Repurchase of common stock        (416,666 )  (4 )  (3,196 )        (3,200 )
Stock-based compensation            431         431  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                  13   13  
Change in pension liability adjustment                              591     591  
Balance, September 30, 2006       $       $— 7,432,844      $ 74      $ 34,014    $ (20,414 )     $ (377 )   $ (5,035 )  $ 8,262  

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

27


Williams Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share information)

  For the year ended September 30,
  2006      2005      2004
Net sales  $  74,634     $  67,416     $  58,050  
Cost of sales    48,188     44,403     39,234  
Gross profit    26,446     23,013     18,816  
Operating expenses             
       Research and development    3,412     3,233     3,042  
       Selling    2,065     1,342     1,192  
       Administration    5,640     5,696     4,864  
       Realignment of operations    502          
               Total operating expenses    11,619     10,271     9,098  
Operating income from continuing operations    14,827     12,742     9,718  
Other (income) expenses:             
       Interest income    (70 )    (59 )    (3 ) 
       Interest expense — Debt    1,414     1,459     72  
       Interest expense — Series B Preferred Stock dividends             
               and accretion            3,245  
       Loss on extinguishment of debt            19,770  
       Gain on put/call option agreement    (10 )    (323 )     
       Other income, net    (765 )    (109 )    (221 ) 
               Total other expenses    569     968     22,863  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes    14,258     11,774     (13,145 ) 
Income tax expense (benefit)    4,709     4,279     (9,265 ) 
       Net income (loss) from continuing operations    9,549     7,495     (3,880 ) 
Discontinued operations:             
       Loss from operations of discontinued operations (net of tax             
               benefit of $41 in 2004)            (65 ) 
       Loss from sale of discontinued operations (net of tax benefit             
               of $70 in 2004)            (113 ) 
               Total loss from discontinued operations            (178 ) 
       Net income (loss) $  9,549   $  7,495   $  (4,058 ) 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations — basic  $  1.29   $  0.96   $  (1.06 ) 
Loss from discontinued operations — basic            (0.05 ) 
Net income (loss) — basic  $  1.29   $  0.96   $  (1.11 ) 
Weighted average shares used in per share             
       calculation — basic    7,427,141     7,776,583     3,644,522  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations — diluted  $  1.25   $  0.94   $  (1.06 ) 
Loss from discontinued operations — diluted            (0.05 ) 
Net income (loss) — diluted  $  1.25   $  0.94   $  (1.11 ) 
Weighted average shares used in per share             
       calculation — diluted    7,628,105     7,960,190     3,644,522  

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

28


Williams Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Dollars in thousands)

  For the year ended September 30,
  2006      2005      2004
Net income (loss)   $ 9,549    $ 7,495      $ (4,058 ) 
Change in pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $346 and           
       ($9) in 2006 and 2005, respectively  591   (15 )  166  
Foreign currency translation adjustments    13   2      
Comprehensive income (loss)   $ 10,153  $ 7,482    $ (3,892 ) 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

29


Williams Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)

  For the year ended September 30, 
  2006       2005       2004 
Cash flows from operating activities:             
       Net income (loss)  $  9,549     $  7,495     $  (4,058 ) 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided             
       by operating activities:             
       Depreciation and amortization    1,579     1,013     1,313  
       Deferred income taxes    2,157     3,984     (9,467 ) 
       Loss from sale and disposal of fixed assets    5     50     5  
       Gain on put/call option agreement    (10 )    (323 )     
       Stock based compensation    452     117      
       Loss on extinguishment of debt            19,770  
       Loss from discontinued operations            178  
       Interest expense — Series B Preferred Stock dividends and accretion            250  
       Gain on settlement of liabilities    (744 )    (153 )    (419 ) 
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities of continuing operations:             
               Receivables    (1,124 )    (858 )    (1,382 ) 
               Inventories    (5,485 )    (656 )    66  
               Accounts payable and accrued expenses    2,162     1,774     572  
               Other    (709 )    (445 )    (1,268 ) 
Net cash provided by operating activities    7,832     11,998     5,560  
Cash flows from investing activities:             
       Payments for property, plant and equipment    (2,281 )    (2,980 )    (1,046 ) 
       Proceeds from sale of assets            6,010  
       Proceeds from collection of notes receivable            13  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities    (2,281 )    (2,980 )    4,977  
Cash flows from financing activities:             
       Net repayments of debt and capital lease obligations    (5,089 )    (6,465 )    (4,977 ) 
       Repurchase of common stock    (3,200 )         
       Net proceeds from exercise of stock options    216     17      
       Redemption of Series B Preferred Stock            (23,441 ) 
       Proceeds from issuance of debt            20,011  
       Net proceeds from exercise of warrants            2,092  
       Net proceeds from issuance of common stock            162  
       Payment of Series A-1 dividends            (1,413 ) 
       Financing costs related to recapitalizations            (568 ) 
       Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock and payment of dividends            (22 ) 
Net cash used in financing activities    (8,073 )    (6,448 )    (8,156 ) 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    (2,522 )    2,570     2,381  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year    5,052     2,482     101  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $  2,530   $  5,052   $  2,482  

See attached Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities.

30


Williams Controls, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

  For the year ended September 30,
  2006      2005      2004
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:           
       Interest paid  $ 1,086   $ 1,310   $ 3,059
       Income taxes paid, net  $ 3,105 $ 350   $ 189
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:           
       Pension liability adjustment  $ 539 $ (72 )  $ 154
       License acquired through royalty payment obligation    229    
       Conversion of Series B preferred stock to common stock        11,762
       Conversion of Series A-1 preferred stock to common stock        118

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

31


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization:

     Williams Controls, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries as follows and hereinafter referred to as the “Company,” “Registrant,” “we,” “our,” or “us”:

Active Subsidiaries — Williams Controls Industries, Inc. (“Williams”); Williams (Suzhou) Controls Co. Ltd. (“Williams Controls Asia”); and Williams Controls Europe GmbH (“Williams Controls Europe”).

Inactive subsidiaries — Aptek Williams, Inc. (“Aptek”); Premier Plastic Technologies, Inc. (“PPT”); ProActive Acquisition Corporation (“ProActive”); WMCO-Geo (“GeoFocus”); NESC Williams, Inc. (“NESC”); Williams Technologies, Inc. (“Technologies”); Williams World Trade, Inc. (“WWT”); Techwood Williams, Inc. (“TWI”); Agrotec Williams, Inc. (“Agrotec”) and our 80% owned subsidiaries Hardee Williams, Inc. (“Hardee”) and Waccamaw Wheel Williams, Inc. (“Waccamaw”).

Basis of Presentation:

     The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Williams Controls, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions, based upon all known facts and circumstances, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management makes these estimates using the best information available at the time the estimates are made; however, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, pension and post-retirement benefits, product warranty, excess and obsolete inventory, allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, future cash flows associated with impairment testing for long-lived assets, deferred tax assets and contingencies.

     Certain reclassifications of amounts reported in the prior period financial statements have been made to conform to classifications used in the current period financial statements.

     At the March 2, 2006 Annual Meeting of stockholders, the stockholders of the Company approved a one-for-six reverse stock split for each share of common stock outstanding on January 27, 2006. The Company’s share and per share amounts of common stock have been restated to reflect the effect of the one-for-six reverse stock split for all periods presented. The reverse split was effective March 16, 2006.

Concentration of Risk and Sales by Customer:

     For the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, Paccar accounted for 17%, 17% and 16%, Freightliner accounted for 17%, 18% and 20%, Volvo accounted for 16%, 18% and 16%, and Navistar accounted for 8%, 7% and 8%, of net sales from continuing operations, respectively. Approximately 36%, 35% and 33% of net sales in fiscal  2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were to customers outside of the United States, primarily in Canada, Belgium, Sweden, Mexico and Korea, and, to a lesser extent, in other European countries, South America, Pacific Rim nations and Australia. At September 30, 2006 and 2005, Volvo represented 16% and 15%, Freightliner represented 13% and 17%, and Navistar represented 11% and 11%, of trade accounts receivable, respectively.

Realignment of operations:

     During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company announced a plan for realignment of its Portland, Oregon manufacturing operations as part of ongoing efforts to focus on its core product competencies and improve its global competitiveness. The realignment plan consists of outsourcing all of the Company’s die casting and

32


machining operations to high-quality suppliers, primarily in Asia, and relocating of the Company’s assembly operations for the majority of its pneumatic products to its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. In conjunction with the realignment, the Company expects to eliminate approximately 47 hourly and 2 salaried positions from its Portland, Oregon headquarters over the next 12 months. As part of this realignment plan, the Company expects to incur a one-time termination benefit with those employees affected by the realignment. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” and related guidance, a one-time benefit arrangement must meet certain criteria in order for a Company to recognize a liability for such one-time benefits. The realignment plan must establish the terms of the benefit arrangement, including the benefits that employees will receive upon termination, in sufficient detail to enable employees to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if they are involuntarily terminated. The Company did not establish the terms of the benefits to employees in sufficient detail until after it began its negotiations with the United Automobile Workers of America union bargaining committee during the first week of April 2006. As such, the Company did not record any liability for expected termination benefits until the third quarter ended June 30, 2006. The Company’s preliminary estimates of the total costs of the realignment, including the one-time termination benefits to employees, are in the range of $1.5 million. The Company is not able at this time to provide estimates for each type of cost, or for the charge that will result in future cash expenditures, as the actual costs will be based on a variety of factors. The Company recorded realignment expenses of $502 for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2006, which are recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Included in these amounts is a liability of $226 related to employee termination benefits. Employees to be terminated under the realignment plan are required to render service until they are terminated. Therefore, the liability is being recognized ratably over the future service period.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

     Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

Trade Accounts Receivable:

     The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company’s estimate is based on historical collection experience and a review of the current status of trade accounts receivable. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts will change. Trade accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $35 and $40 at September 30, 2006, and September 30, 2005, respectively.

Inventories:

     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using standard costs, which approximate the first in, first out, or FIFO method. Cost includes the acquisition of purchased components, parts and subassemblies, labor and overhead. Market with respect to raw materials is replacement cost and, with respect to work-in-process and finished goods, is net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment:

     Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated lives are: 31.5 years for buildings, 5 to 12 years for machinery and equipment, and 3 to 5 years for office furniture and equipment. Capitalized leases are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the estimated remaining terms of the leases. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

33


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

     In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, management reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the operation to which the assets relate, to the carrying value of such assets. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.

Debt Issuance Costs:

     Costs incurred in the issuance of debt financing are amortized over the term of the debt agreement, approximating the effective interest method, and are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred Income Taxes:

     Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established as necessary to reduce deferred tax assets unless realization of the assets is considered more likely than not.

Product Warranty:

     The Company establishes a product warranty liability based on a percentage of product sales. The liability is based on historical return rates of products and amounts for significant and specific warranty issues, and is included in accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Warranty is limited to a specified time period, mileage or hours of use, and varies by product, application and customer. The Company has recorded a liability, which in the opinion of management, is adequate to cover such warranty costs. Following is a reconciliation of the changes in the Company’s warranty liability for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

Balance at September 30, 2003  $  2,432  
       Payments    (2,726 ) 
       Warranty claims accrued    1,758  
       Adjustments and changes in estimates    (71 ) 
Balance at September 30, 2004  $  1,393  
       Payments    (1,070 ) 
       Warranty claims accrued    1,333  
Balance at September 30, 2005  $  1,656  
       Payments    (864 ) 
       Warranty claims accrued    1,112  
       Adjustments and changes in estimates    (184 ) 
Balance at September 30, 2006  $  1,720  

     Included in the warranty liability at September 30, 2006 are warranty liabilities associated with our former passenger car and light truck product lines, which were sold on September 30, 2003. The Company recorded a $400 warranty liability during 2003 related to products sold from our passenger car and light truck product lines in fiscal 2003. The Company’s obligation for products sold by these product lines relates only to products sold prior to September 30, 2003.

34


     During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company settled certain warranty claims covering a period in excess of one year for less than was anticipated in the Company’s liability assumptions, which were based on historical return rates and prior settlements. Based on this, the Company reduced its warranty liability during the second quarter of fiscal 2006 by $184, which has been reflected in cost of sales in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations.

     In January 2003, the Company was notified by one customer of higher than normal warranty claims on one of the Company’s electronic throttle control systems. This customer entered into a campaign to address this specific warranty issue and in fiscal 2003 the Company recorded an accrual of $1,321 for the estimated cost of the repairs and an additional $322 during fiscal 2004. The Company subsequently made modifications to the product and all units that were in the customer’s inventory have been returned or replaced. For the years ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company made payments of $55 and $1,390, respectively, related to this specific warranty claim. No payments were made during the year ended September 30, 2006, as this campaign ended on December 31, 2004.

Environmental Costs:

     Liabilities for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, or if an amount is likely to fall within a range and no amount within that range can be determined to be the better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded. Liabilities for environmental matters exclude claims for recoveries from prior owners or operators until it is probable that such recoveries will be realized.

Revenue Recognition:

     Revenue is recognized at the time of product shipment, which is when title and risk of loss transfers to customers, and when all of the following have occurred: a firm sales agreement is in place, pricing is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Revenues are reported net of estimated returns, rebates and customer discounts.

Research and Development Costs:

     Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of employee costs, cost of consumed materials, depreciation and engineering related costs.

Pensions and Post-retirement Benefit Obligations:

     The Company accounts for pensions and post-retirement benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Post Retirement Benefits Other than Pensions”, and SFAS No. 132R, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits – An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, and 106”. SFAS No. 87 requires the Company to calculate its pension expense and liabilities using actuarial assumptions, including a discount rate assumption and a long-term rate of return on assets assumption. Changes in interest rates and market performance can have a significant impact on the Company’s pension expense and future payments. SFAS No. 106 requires the Company to accrue the cost of post-retirement benefit obligations. The accruals are based on interest rates and the costs of health care. Changes in interest rates and health care costs could impact post-retirement expenses and future payments.

     The Company provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain of its retired employees, which includes prescription drug benefits. In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 was passed, whereby a prescription drug benefit under Medicare was enacted as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care plans. In January and May 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-1 and 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (“FSP 106-1” and “FSP 106-2”). Measures of the APBO or net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the consolidated financial statements or accompanying notes reflect the effects of the Act on the Post Retirement Plan.

35


Earnings (loss) Per Share:

     Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS are computed using the methods prescribed by SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the dilutive impact of common equivalent shares outstanding.

     Following is a reconciliation of basic EPS and diluted EPS from continuing operations:

  Year Ended Year Ended
  September 30,  2006 September 30, 2005
      Per Share     Per Share
  Income      Shares      Amount      Income      Shares      Amount
Basic EPS —             
       Net income from continuing             
               operations  $ 9,549   7,427,141 $ 1.29   $ 7,495   7,776,583   $ 0.96  
Effect of dilutive securities —               
       Stock options    200,964     183,607  
Diluted EPS —             
       Net income from continuing             
               operations  $ 9,549 7,628,105   $ 1.25 $ 7,495 7,960,190 $ 0.94

  Year Ended
  September 30, 2004
      Per Share
  Loss      Shares      Amount
Basic EPS —       
Net income (loss) from continuing       
       operations  $ (3,880 )  3,644,522 $ (1.06 ) 
Effect of dilutive securities —       
       Stock options       
Diluted EPS —         
       Net income (loss) from continuing       
               operations  $ (3,880 )  3,644,522     $ (1.06 ) 

     At September 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company had options covering 52,589 and 62,875 shares, respectively, and at September 30, 2004 the Company had options and warrants covering 490,052 shares, of the Company’s common stock outstanding that were not considered in the respective diluted EPS calculations since they would have been anti-dilutive. In 2004, conversion of the preferred shares would have been anti-dilutive and, therefore, was not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share.

Stock-Based Compensation:

     In the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, “Share Based Payment”, which revises SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Prior to fiscal year 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value-based method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”). Prior to October 1, 2005 no compensation expense was recorded for stock options granted to employees under the intrinsic value method.

     SFAS No. 123R applies to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the required effective date, as well as to the unvested portion of awards outstanding as of the required effective date. The effective date for the Company was October 1, 2005. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its stock option grants under SFAS No. 123R, applying the “modified prospective method” for existing grants which requires the Company to value stock options prior to its adoption of SFAS No. 123R under the fair value method and expense the unvested portion over the remaining vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which equals the vesting period. Under SFAS No. 123R,

36


the Company is also required to estimate forfeitures in calculating the expense related to stock-based compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 123R requires the Company to reflect the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash inflow beginning upon adoption.

     The Company currently has two qualified stock option plans. The Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan (the “1993 Plan”) reserves an aggregate of 750,000 shares of the Company’s authorized common stock for the issuance of stock options, which may be granted to employees, officers and directors of and consultants to the Company. Under the terms of the 1993 Plan, the Company may grant “incentive stock options” or “non-qualified options” with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value on the date of grant. Options granted under the 1993 Plan have a vesting schedule, which is typically five years, determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and expire ten years after the date of grant. At September 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company had 138,449 and 142,097 shares, respectively, available for future grants under the 1993 Plan. The non-employee Director Plan (the “1995 Plan”) reserves an aggregate of 66,666 shares of the Company’s authorized common stock for the issuance of stock options, which may be granted to non-employee directors of the Company. Under this plan the non-employee directors are each automatically granted 1,666 options at a price equal to the market value on the date of grant which is the date of the annual stockholders’ meeting each year, exercisable for 10 years after the date of the grant. These options are exercisable as to 25% of the shares thereby on the date of grant and as to an additional 25%, cumulatively on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. At September 30, 2006 and 2005 there were 25,014 and 36,676 shares, respectively, available for grant under the 1995 Plan.

     As of September 30, 2006, there was $1,103 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years. For the year ended September 30, 2006, the Company’s total stock-based compensation expense was $431 ($381 net of tax). For the year ended September 30, 2006, stock-based compensation expense was recorded in cost of sales and operating expenses in the amounts of $50 and $381, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

     The following table presents the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on selected line items from the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2006:

  Year Ended 2006
  As reported If reported
  under under APB
  SFAS No. 123R       No. 25
Operating income  $ 14,827       $ 15,258  
Income before income taxes    14,258     14,689  
Net income    9,549     9,930  
Earnings per share — basic     $ 1.29    $ 1.34  
Earnings per share — diluted     $ 1.25    $ 1.29  
Net cash provided by operating activities     $ 7,832    $ 7,832  
Net cash used in financing activities  $ (8,073 )   $ (8,073 ) 

     The Company has evaluated assumptions it has historically used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for determining the fair value of options granted in light of guidance provided in SFAS No. 123R and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”), and has determined that following that guidance would result in refinement of assumptions it has historically used for determining the SFAS No. 123 pro-forma net income disclosures. Under that guidance, during fiscal 2006 the Company refined its estimates of the expected volatility of its share price to 87% for both the years ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, as compared to the 65% used in the Black-Scholes model previously. The Company has calculated the effect of using these refined assumptions and has included these refined assumptions in the computations below. As a result of these refined assumptions, total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method, net of tax, changed from $347 to $405 for the year ended September 30, 2005 and from $129 to $159 for the year ended September 30, 2004.

     The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 as if the Company’s stock-based compensation had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards made prior to fiscal 2006.

37



  Year Ended Year Ended
  September 30, 2005       September 30, 2004
Net income, as reported  $ 7,495       $ (4,058 ) 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense         
       included in reported net income, net of tax    74      
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation         
       expense determined under fair value based method,         
       net of tax    (405 )    (159 ) 
Pro forma net income    $ 7,164   $ (4,217 ) 
Earnings per share:         
       Basic — as reported  $ 0.96   $ (1.11 ) 
       Basic — pro forma    $ 0.92   $ (1.16 ) 
       Diluted — as reported    $ 0.94   $ (1.11 ) 
       Diluted — pro forma  $ 0.90   $ (1.16 ) 

     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants issued during the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

  2006         2005         2004
Risk-free interest rate  4.57 %  3.86 %    3.43 % 
Expected dividend yield  0 %  0 %  0 % 
Expected term   6.3  years     6.5  years   6.5  years
Expected volatility  88 %  87 %  87 % 

     Using the Black-Scholes methodology, the total value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, was $488, $748 and $581, respectively, which would be amortized over the vesting period of the options. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $8.22, $4.38 and $3.54 per share, respectively.

     The Company uses the US Treasury (constant maturity) interest rate on the date of grant as the risk-free interest rate. The expected term of options granted represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is calculated using the simplified method under SAB 107, which expresses the view of the SEC Staff regarding interaction between SFAS No. 123R and certain SEC rules and regulations and provides the Staff’s views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.

     The following table summarizes stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2006.

    Weighted Average
  Shares         Exercise Price
Outstanding at September 30, 2005  622,276     $ 5.64
Granted  59,320   9.49
Exercised  (51,331 )    4.21  
Forfeited  (44,010 )    9.95
Outstanding at September 30, 2006  586,255   $ 5.85
Exercisable at September 30, 2006  271,503     $ 5.76

     At September 30, 2006, the weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding and options exercisable was 7.1 years and 6.2 years, respectively.

     The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at September 30, 2006 was $4,053 and $1,923, respectively (the intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option). The intrinsic value of all stock options exercised during

38


the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $423 and $10, respectively. No options were exercised during the year ended September 30, 2004. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 was $216 and $17, respectively.

     Stock option activity during the periods indicated under the 1993 Plan is as follows:

  Shares Available Shares Subject  
  For Grant       To Options       Option Prices
Outstanding at September 30, 2003  345,301   392,914   $ 3.96–21.78
Granted    (159,017 )  159,017   4.62–4.68
Forfeited  101,063   (101,063 )    3.96–17.64
Outstanding at September 30, 2004  287,347   450,868   3.96–21.78
Granted  (166,666 )  166,666   6.00
Exercised    (3,832 )  3.96–4.62
Forfeited  21,416   (21,416 )    3.96–21.78
Outstanding at September 30, 2005  142,097   592,286   3.96–17.25
Granted  (45,992 )  45,992   8.22–14.04
Exercised    (50,498 )  3.96–4.68
Forfeited  42,344   (42,344 )    3.96–16.01
Outstanding at September 30, 2006  138,449   545,436   $ 3.96–17.25

     Stock option activity during the periods indicated under the 1995 Plan is as follows:

  Shares Available Shares Subject  
  For Grant       To Options       Option Prices
Outstanding at September 30, 2003    45,006   21,660     $ 3.96–18.00
Granted  (4,998 )  4,998     4.50
Outstanding at September 30, 2004  40,008     26,658   3.96–18.00
Granted  (4,998 )  4,998   7.20
Forfeited  1,666   (1,666 )    18.00
Outstanding at September 30, 2005  36,676   29,990   3.96–16.13
Granted  (13,328 )  13,328   7.20–12.24
Exercised    (833 )  7.20
Forfeited  1,666   (1,666 )    15.94
Outstanding at September 30, 2006  25,014   40,819   $ 3.96–16.13

     The following table summarizes information about stock options under both plans outstanding at September 30, 2006:

  Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable
  Number Weighted Average Weighted Number Exercisable Weighted
Range of Exercise Outstanding at Remaining Contractual Average at September 30, Average
Prices              September 30, 2006              Life  Years              Exercise Price              2006              Exercise Price
  $   3.96– 4.68       324,260       6.9     $ 4.24       195,503     $ 4.12  
6.00–11.63   217,118 7.9 6.61   45,289   7.12
12.24–17.25 44,877 4.7   13.82 30,711   14.15
$   3.96–17.25 586,255 7.1 $ 5.85 271,503   $ 5.76  

     At September 30, 2005 and 2004, 235,930 and 168,291 options, respectively, were exercisable at weighted average exercise prices of $5.64 and $5.76 per share, respectively.

39


Contingencies:

     Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s management and legal counsel evaluate the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be recorded in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

     The carrying amounts reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable (excluding accounts payable related to certain insolvent subsidiaries as discussed in Note 6), accrued expenses, and short-term borrowings approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. Refer to Note 7 regarding the terms and conditions of the Company’s long-term debt.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132R”. This statement requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. This statement also requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions. This statement also modifies the definition of current and non-current liabilities for purposes of presentation in the statement of financial position. An employer is required to initially recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and to provide the required disclosures as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006 whereas the requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently in the process of determining the effects of adopting this statement in its consolidated financial statements.

     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently in the process of determining the effects of adopting this statement in its consolidated financial statements.

     In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 108, “Quantifying Financial Misstatements”, which expresses the Staff’s views regarding the process of quantifying financial statement misstatements. Registrants are required to quantify the impact of correcting all misstatements, including both the carryover and reversing effects of prior year misstatements, on the current year financial statements. The financial statements would require adjustment when either approach results in quantifying a misstatement that is material, after considering all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. SAB No. 108 is effective for financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The Company is currently in the process of determining the effects, if any, SAB No. 108 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

     In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, which clarifies the accounting uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. The interpretation prescribes

40


a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not and a measurement attribute on all tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, the Company will adopt FIN 48 on October 1, 2007 and the Company is currently assessing the impact FIN 48 will have on its financial statements.

Note 3. Inventories

     Inventories consist of the following at September 30:

  2006       2005
Raw material  $ 7,589   $ 3,487
Work in process  227 237
Finished goods    2,102   709
  $ 9,918 $ 4,433

Note 4. Property, Plant and Equipment

     Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at September 30:

  2006 2005
Land and land improvements  $ 828         $ 828  
Buildings    3,725     3,510  
Machinery and equipment    11,190     9,037  
Office furniture and equipment    3,974     4,728  
Construction in progress    566     930  
    20,283     19,033  
Less accumulated depreciation    (11,826 )    (11,578 ) 
  $ 8,457   $ 7,455  

     Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $1,288, $877 and $1,279, respectively. Capital leases for machinery and equipment included above were $305 at September 30, 2006 and 2005. Accumulated depreciation of assets held under capital leases was $305 and $272 at September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Note 5. Patent License Agreements

     During fiscal 2003 the Company obtained a license agreement for use of an adjustable pedal design for its heavy truck and transit bus product lines. The agreement is for a period of three years and is renewed annually if certain sales thresholds are met. The Company is obligated to make royalty payments based on the number of units it sells. For the year ended September 30, 2006, the Company sold adjustable pedals and recorded an accrual for royalties related to these sales of $4. The Company had not sold any adjustable pedal units prior to fiscal 2006. Additionally, the initial license payments of $200 that were capitalized will be amortized based on the projection of units sold over the next five years. Based on these projections, the Company anticipates amortizing four dollars for every adjustable pedal sold. As of September 30, 2006, the Company has amortized approximately $3 related to the number of units sold. The Company has focused additional resources in the adjustable pedal market and expects sales of these products to continue to grow throughout fiscal 2007 and beyond.

     Additionally, as part of the sale of the Company’s passenger car and light truck product lines to Teleflex Incorporated on September 30, 2003, the Company obtained the right to use certain of Teleflex’s adjustable pedal patents in exchange for Teleflex receiving licenses for certain of the Company’s patents.

     In fiscal 2005, the Company entered into an agreement to license non-contacting Hall effect sensor technology. The Company intends to use this license to internally produce non-contacting sensors for use in its electronic throttle controls. The initial licensing fee of $140 was paid and capitalized during the fiscal 2005. The Company amortizes this license fee over a five year period beginning once units are produced and sold, which occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2006. As of September 30, 2006, the Company amortized $23 of this initial licensing fee. In

41


addition, the Company will make royalty payments based on the number of units sold, which includes minimum yearly royalties beginning in year three of this agreement. As of September 30, 2006, the Company recorded royalty payments of $9 related to units sold during fiscal 2006. The Company capitalized, as part of the license fee, $229 which is equal to the present value of the minimum royalty payment obligation. This agreement is for a period of ten years and is renewed annually based on written mutual agreement. This agreement may be terminated by the licensor after four years if certain sales thresholds are not met.

Note 6. Settlement of Accounts Payable

     Included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is approximately $910 of old accounts payable related to closed insolvent subsidiaries of the Company and $134 related to old and disputed accounts payable related to an active subsidiary. In accordance with SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, a debtor can only relieve itself of a liability if it has been extinguished. Accordingly, a liability is considered extinguished if (a) the debtor pays the creditor and is relieved of its obligation for the liability or (b) the debtor is legally released from being the primary obligor under the liability, either judicially or by the creditor. During the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company was judicially released from and reversed $744, $153 and $210, respectively, of old accounts payable resulting in a gain, which has been recorded in other (income) expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company expects to reverse amounts in future periods based on the recognition of the liabilities being judicially released in accordance with SFAS No. 140 of $889 in fiscal 2007; $90 in fiscal 2010; and $65 in fiscal 2011 – 2016.

     During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company settled and received a final release relating to an outstanding sales tax obligation of Aptek resulting in a gain of $209, which has been included in administration expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company paid $48 in principal and interest in fiscal 2004 to settle the obligation.

Note 7. Debt

     As part of the recapitalization transaction completed on September 30, 2004, the Company entered into a new five-year senior secured loan and revolving credit facility with Merrill Lynch, which replaced the Company’s prior loan facility. The Merrill Lynch facility initially provided $25,000, consisting of an $8,000 revolving loan facility and a $17,000 term loan. The loans are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. Borrowings under the revolving loan facility are subject to a borrowing base equal to 85% of eligible accounts receivables and 60% of eligible inventories. Interest rates under the agreement are based on the election of the Company of either a LIBOR rate or Prime rate. Under the LIBOR rate option, the revolving loan facility will bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.75% per annum and borrowings under the term loan facility will bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus 4.25%. Under the Prime rate option, the revolving loan facility will bear interest at the Prime rate plus 2.75% per annum and the term loan facility will bear interest at the Prime rate plus 3.25%. Fees under the loan agreement include an unused line fee of .50% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.

     The Company is required to repay the term loan in equal quarterly scheduled payments which are computed to repay the loan by the end of the term. The Company is entitled to prepay the term loan, in whole or in part, in minimum amounts without penalty. Mandatory prepayments of the loans under the term loan are required in amounts equal to 75% of the Company’s excess cash flow, as defined in the agreement, for each fiscal year and 100% of (i) the insurance or condemnation proceeds received in connection with a casualty event, condemnation or other loss, less any proceeds reinvested by the Company up to $500 per fiscal year; (ii) the net proceeds from issuance of equity or debt securities and (iii) the net cash proceeds of asset sales or other dispositions subject to customary exceptions. The revolving loan facility expires on September 29, 2009, at which time all outstanding amounts under the revolving loan facility are due and payable. The Company is subject to certain quarterly and annual financial covenants. At September 30, 2006, the Company was in compliance with all but two of its financial covenants. The Company has obtained a waiver from Merrill Lynch for fiscal 2006 for the two financial covenants it did not meet. During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company repurchased $3,200 of its common stock from one investor as discussed in Note 13. The Company obtained a required consent from Merrill Lynch to purchase the common stock and to include the repurchase payment in the calculation of excess cash flow for the year ended September 30, 2005. During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company paid $2,074 related to the excess cash flow requirement. Following payment of the excess cash flow requirement in the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company’s required quarterly scheduled

42


principal payments were reduced from $850 to $712. The Company anticipates paying approximately $1,149 during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 related to the excess cash flow requirement of fiscal 2006 and anticipates making this payment from a combination of existing cash on hand and borrowing on the revolving loan facility. This amount is included in the current portion of long-term debt.

     In connection with the new senior secured loan facility, the Company paid Merrill Lynch a commitment fee of $500. In addition, the Company must pay Merrill Lynch an annual agency fee of $25 and reimburse Merrill Lynch for any costs and expenses incurred in connection with the credit agreement. The commitment fee and initial expenses incurred by Merrill Lynch and paid for by the Company have been capitalized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized over the five-year life of the loan facility utilizing the effective interest method.

     The Company had $8,000 available under its revolving credit facilities at both September 30, 2006 and 2005.

The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following at September 30,    2006         2005  
Revolving credit facility due September 29, 2009, bearing interest at a       
       variable rate.  $   $  
 
Term loan due September 29, 2009, balance bearing interest at a       
       variable rate, (9.9% at September 30, 2006) payable in quarterly       
       installments of $712.    8,540     13,600  
  8,540     13,600  
Less current portion    (3,996 )    (5,474 ) 
  $ 4,544   $ 8,126  

Maturities of long-term debt for the years ending September 30   
       are as follows:   
       2007  $ 3,996
       2008  2,847
       2009    1,697
  $ 8,540

Note 8. Pension Plans

     The Company maintains two pension plans, an hourly employee plan and a salaried employee plan. The hourly plan covers certain of the Company’s union employees. The salaried plan covers certain salaried employees. Annual net periodic pension costs under the pension plans are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company’s policy is to fund these costs accrued over 15 years and obligations arising due to plan amendments over the period benefited. The assets and liabilities are adjusted annually based on actuarial results.

     In fiscal 2004, the Company accelerated the date for actuarial measurement of the Company’s obligation for both the hourly plan and the salaried plan from September 30 to August 31. The Company believes the one-month acceleration of the measurement date is a preferred change as it allows for improved control procedures in regard to reviewing the completeness and accuracy of reporting of the actuarial pension measurements, as well as allowing more time to evaluate those results in making funding decisions. The effect of the change on the obligation and assets of the hourly plan and salaried plan did not have a material effect on pension expense or accrued benefit cost.

     In 2003, the Company modified the provisions of the salaried plan to limit the number of eligible employees to those currently in the plan at the time of the modification and to limit benefits under the plan to those earned to that date. As part of the 2003 contract and strike settlement agreement with the union hourly workers, the hourly plan was also modified in 2003 to limit participation in the plan to those employees in the plan at August 31, 2002.

     Summarized information on the Company’s pension plans is presented below:

43


Obligations and Funded Status:

   Salaried Plan         Hourly Plan
September 30,    2006        2005  2006         2005
Change in benefit obligation:                   
Benefit obligation at beginning of year  $ 5,401   $ 4,934   $ 8,048     $ 7,782  
Service cost              144     149  
Interest cost    275     275     412     435  
Actuarial (gain) loss    (199 )    455     (286 )    123  
Benefits paid    (293 )    (263 )     (435 )     (441 ) 
Benefit obligation at end of year  $ 5,184   $ 5,401   $ 7,883   $ 8,048  
 
Change in plan assets:                 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  $ 3,387   $ 3,106   $ 5,007   $ 4,250  
Actual return on plan assets    224     251     328     297  
Employer contributions    575     293     829     901  
Benefits paid     (293 )    (263 )    (435 )    (441 ) 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  $ 3,893   $ 3,387   $ 5,729   $ 5,007  
Obligation in excess of plan assets  $ (1,291 )    $ (2,014 )  $ (2,154 )  $  (3,041 ) 
Unrecognized actuarial loss    1,855     2,168     2,753     3,378  
Unrecognized prior service cost            186     238  
Net amount recognized  $ 564   $ 154   $ 785   $ 575  
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated                 
       balance sheet consist of:                 
       Accrued benefit liability  $ (1,291 )  $ (2,014 )  $ (2,154 )  $ (3,041 ) 
       Intangible asset            186     238  
       Accumulated other comprehensive loss    1,855     2,168     2,753     3,378  
Net amount recognized  $ 564   $ 154   $ 785   $ 575  

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

   Salaried Plan       Hourly Plan
Components of net periodic benefit cost for                                               
the years ended September 30:    2006       2005        2004         2006       2005       2004
Service cost  $   $   $ 106     $ 144     $ 149     $ 255  
Interest cost    275       275     280     412     435     422  
Expected return on plan assets    (228 )    (202 )    (135 )    (333 )    (259 )    (202 ) 
Amortization of prior service cost                52     57     59  
Recognized net actuarial loss    117     99     133     344     367     368  
Net periodic benefit cost  $ 164   $ 172   $ 384   $ 619   $ 749   $ 902  

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at September 30:

   Salaried Plan  Hourly Plan
   2006         2005         2006         2005  
Discount rate  5.85 %    5.25 %  5.85 %    5.25 % 
Rate of compensation increase         

44


Weighted-average assumptions used to determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the years ended September 30:

   Salaried Plan    Hourly Plan
   2006         2005          2004         2006         2005         2004  
Discount rate  5.25 %   5.75 % 6.00 % 5.25 % 5.75 %   6.00 %
Expected return on plan assets  6.50 % 6.50 % 6.00 % 6.50 % 5.75 % 6.00 %
Rate of compensation increase               

     The overall expected long-term rate of return assumptions for fiscal 2006 were developed using return expectations. Historical and future expected returns of multiple asset classes were analyzed to develop a risk-free real rate of return and risk premiums for each asset class. The overall rate for each asset class was developed by combining a long-term inflation component, the risk-free real rate of return, and the associated risk premium. A weighted average rate was developed based on those overall rates and the target asset allocation of the plan.

Other Information:

     The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets as of September 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

  Salaried Plan    Hourly Plan 
  2006       2005       2006        2005 
Projected benefit obligation  $5,184   $5,401 $7,883   $8,048
Accumulated benefit obligation   5,184  5,401  7,883  8,048
Fair value of plan assets   3,893  3,387  5,729  5,007

     At September 30, 2006 and 2005 the accumulated benefit obligation was in excess of the plan assets for both the salaried plan and the hourly plan.

Plan Assets:

     The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at September 30, 2006 and 2005, by asset category are as follows:

   Salaried Plan  Hourly Plan
       Target      Target
   2006       2005       Allocation       2006       2005       Allocation
Asset Category:                     
       Equity securities  27 %    25 %  48 %  27 %  25 %    48 % 
       Debt securities  69 %  72 %  45 %  70 %  72 %  45 % 
       Real estate  4 %  3 %     7 %  3 %  3 %      7 % 
       Total  100 %  100 %  100 %  100 %  100 %  100 % 

     The Company’s investment strategy is to build an efficient, well-diversified portfolio based on a long-term, strategic outlook of the investment markets. The investment markets outlook utilizes both historical-based and forward-looking return forecasts to establish future return expectations for various asset classes. These return expectations are used to develop a core asset allocation based on the specific needs of the plan. The core asset allocation utilizes multiple investment managers in order to maximize the plan’s return while minimizing risk.

     The overall funding status of the Company’s pension plans has improved in recent years, and the Company’s current investment strategy for fiscal 2007 is to reallocate a portion of the plan assets from debt securities to equity securities and real estate.

Cash Flows:

     The Company expects to recognize $573 in expense in fiscal 2007 related to these plans and make payments of $1,669 in fiscal 2007.

     Based on current data and assumptions, the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next 10 fiscal years:

45


 Benefits Paid 
Year ending:    Salaried Plan        Hourly Plan 
       2007     $ 320   $ 470  
       2008 330 490
       2009 350 520
       2010 400 520
       2011 410 550
       Years 2012–2016 2,240 3,270

Note 9. Other Benefit Plans

     The Company had an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for non-union employees, which was terminated on December 31, 2005. All shares have been distributed from the Plan and there was no gain or loss from the termination of the ESOP.

     The Company sponsors a matching 401(k) plan for salaried employees and certain union employees, in which eligible employees may elect to contribute a portion of their compensation. Employer matching contributions in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $213, $203 and $160, respectively.

Note 10. Post Retirement Benefits other than Pensions

     The Company provides health care and life insurance benefits for certain of its retired employees (“Post Retirement Plan”). These benefits are subject to deductibles, co-payment provisions and other limitations. The Company may amend or change the Post Retirement Plan periodically.

     In accordance with SFAS No. 106 “Employers Accounting for Post Retirement Benefits other than Pensions,” the Company elected to amortize the accumulated post retirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) at October 1, 1993 over twenty years as a component of post retirement benefits expense.

     The following table provides information on the post retirement plan status at September 30:

Accumulated Post Retirement Benefit Obligation:    2006       2005 
Retirees $ (3,768 )   $ (3,697 )
Fully eligible active participants (31 ) (62 )
Other active Plan participants   (143 )   (164 )
  (3,942 ) (3,923 )
Plan assets     
 
Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation in
       excess of plan assets (3,942 ) (3,923 )
Unrecognized loss 1,509 1,484
Unrecognized prior service cost (923 ) (1,040 )
Unrecognized transition obligation   141   161
 
Accrued post retirement benefit cost included in
       other long-term liabilities in the consolidated 
       balance sheet $ (3,215 ) $ (3,318 )

Change in Benefit Obligation:    2006         2005 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 3,923   $ 4,703  
Service cost  7 7
Interest cost  199 261
Actuarial (gain) loss 93 (755 )
Benefit payments   (280 )   (293 )
Benefit obligation at end of year $ 3,942 $ 3,923  

46



Post retirement benefits expense included the following           
components for the years ended September 30: 2006 2005   2004
Service cost $ 7   $ 7 $ 7
Interest cost 199   261 216
Amortization   (29 )   23   (28 )
Post retirement benefits expense $ 177   $ 291 $ 195

     Based on current data and assumptions, the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next 10 fiscal years:

Year ending:    Benefits Paid
       2007     $ 273  
       2008 283
       2009 296
       2010 305
       2011 308
       Years 2012–2016 1,456

     The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the APBO ranged between 5.0%-9.0% in the first year, declining to 5.0% after 7 years. The discount rate used in determining the APBO was 5.80%, 5.25% and 5.75% for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company made contributions of $280 and $293, respectively, for benefit payments to this plan during the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.

     If the assumed medical costs trends were increased by 1%, the APBO as of September 30, 2006 would increase by $367, and the aggregate of the services and interest cost components of the net annual post retirement benefit cost would be increased by $20. If the assumed medical costs trends were decreased by 1%, the APBO as of September 30, 2006 would decrease by $313, and the aggregate of the services and interest cost components of the net annual post retirement benefit cost would be decreased by $17.

     As part of the strike settlement agreement entered into in August 2003, the Company modified the provisions of the Post Retirement Plan to limit the number of eligible employees to those currently in the plan at August 31, 2002. The plan was further modified so that the benefits for any plan participant who had not retired under the union pension plan as of September 17, 2003 would be limited to a one-time lump sum payment under the plan of $6 at the time of a qualified retirement under the union pension plan.

     In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (“Act”) was passed whereby a prescription drug benefit under Medicare was enacted as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care plans. In January and May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-1 and 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (“FSP 106-1” and “FSP 106-2”). Measures of the APBO or net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the financial statements or accompanying notes reflect the effects of the Act on the Post Retirement Plan. At September 30, 2005, the impact of valuing the federal subsidy resulted in an overall decrease to the APBO of approximately $635.

Note 11. Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     The provision for income tax expense (benefit) is as follows for the years ended September 30:

2006     2005     2004
Current $ 2,552 $ 295 $ 91
Deferred   2,157   3,984   (9,356 )
$ 4,709 $ 4,279 $ (9,265 )

47


     The reconciliation between the effective tax rate and the statutory federal tax rate on income (loss) from continuing operations as a percent is as follows:

Provision (Benefit)  2006        2005        2004
Statutory federal income tax rate 34.0 % 34.0 % (34.0 )%
State taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2.1 1.9 0.2
Reduction in deferred tax assets due to change in state tax law 6.7
Impact of foreign operations 0.3 1.0
Effect of change in valuation allowance (0.4 ) (4.6 ) (86.5 )
Stock-based compensation 0.7
Section 199 deduction (0.8 )
Extraterritorial income exclusion (1.3 ) (1.5 ) (2.0 )
Preferred stock dividends 8.4
Extinguishment of debt 49.2
Other (1.6 ) (1.2 ) (5.8 )
33.0 % 36.3 % (70.5 )%

     At September 30, 2006, the Company had recorded an income tax receivable of $635, which is included in other accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

     Prior to fiscal 2004, the Company had recorded a full valuation allowance on all of its net deferred tax assets as it was considered more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized. At September 30, 2004, the Company reversed $11,374 of the valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance was reversed based upon current and anticipated future taxable income generated by the Company and the conclusion that it was more likely than not that these deferred tax assets would be realized in the future. Realization of the deferred tax assets recorded at September 30, 2006 is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that forecasted taxable income will be sufficient to allow for these deferred tax assets to be realized. The net change in total valuation allowance for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004 was a decrease of $51, $536 and $11,374 in fiscal 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 2006           2005  
Deferred tax assets:
Inventories $ 211 $ 199
Warranty liability 635 611
Accrual for compensated absences 131 120
Accrual for retiree medical benefits 1,124 1,162
Accounts receivable allowance 365 367
Loss from investment in affiliate (Ajay Sports, Inc.) 3,857 3,857
Tax gain on sale/leaseback 642 642
Accrued environmental obligations 210 247
Accrued other liabilities 350 186
Pension plan comprehensive loss adjustment 804 1,385
Federal net operating loss carryforwards 760
State net operating loss carryforwards 1,304 1,322
AMT credit 356
Research and experimentation credit     961
Total deferred tax assets 9,633 12,175
Less valuation allowance   (6,455 )   (6,506 )
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance   3,178   5,669

48


 2006         2005  
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment   293     281
Net deferred income tax assets $ 2,885 $ 5,388
Current deferred income tax assets $ 1,992 $ 1,868
Long-term deferred income tax assets 7,641 10,307
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities (293 )   (281 )
Valuation allowance   (6,455 )   (6,506 )
$ 2,885 $ 5,388  

     As of September 30, 2006, the Company had fully utilized any remaining federal net operating loss carry-forwards from prior periods and credit carry-forwards. At September 30, 2006, the Company has approximately $30,051 of state net operating loss carry-forwards, which are available to the Company in certain state tax jurisdictions and expire in 2007 through 2015. These state net operating loss carry-forwards have a full valuation allowance against them at September 30, 2006.

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

     The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s management and legal counsel have reviewed the probable outcome of these proceedings, the costs and expenses reasonably expected to be incurred, the availability and limits of the Company’s insurance coverage, and the Company’s established liabilities. While the outcome of the pending proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, based on its review, the Company believes that any unrecorded liability that may result is not more than likely to have a material effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

     The soil and groundwater at our Portland, Oregon facility contain certain contaminants, which were deposited from approximately 1968 through 1995. Some of this contamination has migrated offsite to neighboring properties. The Company has retained an environmental consulting firm to investigate the extent of the contamination and to determine what, if any, remediation will be required and the associated costs. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we entered into the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s voluntary clean-up program and during fiscal 2004 we established a liability of $950 for this matter. As of September 30, 2006, this liability has been reduced to $569 to reflect expenditures made to complete portions of the investigation and is recorded in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company has made contribution claims for investigation and remediation costs against both prior operators of the property and a former owner of the property under the Federal Superfund Act and the Oregon Cleanup Law. The Company believes it also has a contractual right to indemnification from one of the prior operators of the property for a portion of the investigation and remediation costs and has notified the prior operator of this indemnity claim. The Company is exploring the possibility of cooperative settlement with both prior operators and the prior owner of the property. The Company intends to pursue legal action against the prior owner and these prior operators if settlements cannot be reached in a reasonable time. During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, Dana Corporation (“Dana”), a prior owner and operator from whom the Company has a contractural right to indemnification, filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company has filed a proof of Claim against Dana with the Court for the entire cost of the investigation and clean-up. At this time it is uncertain how this bankruptcy petition will impact the ultimate recovery from Dana, however, the Company has not previously reflected any potential recovery in its consolidated financial statements. The Company believes that even with a resolution of the claims against the prior operators and owner of the property, the Company will be liable for some portion of the ultimate costs.

     On October 1, 2004, the Company was named as a co-defendant in a product liability case (Cuesta v. Ford, et al, District Court for Bryant, Oklahoma) that seeks class action status. The complaint seeks an unspecified amount of damages on behalf of the class. The Company believes the claims to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend against this action. There can be no assurance, however, that the outcome of the lawsuit will be favorable to the Company or will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, consolidated financial condition

49


and results of operations. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss at this time. In addition, the Company has incurred and will continue to incur substantial litigation expenses in defending this litigation.

     On August 1, 2005, Mr. Thomas Ziegler, the Company’s former president and chief executive officer, filed a suit against the Company, American Industrial Partners, L.P.; American Industrial Partners Fund III, L.P., and American Industrial Partners Fund III Corporation in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida. This suit is similar to a suit filed by Mr. Ziegler on May 12, 2003 against the same defendants. The 2003 suit was dismissed without prejudice for failure to prosecute. In the suit, Mr. Ziegler alleges that the Company breached an “oral agreement” with Mr. Ziegler to pay him additional compensation, including a bonus of “at least” $500 for certain tasks performed by Mr. Ziegler while he was the Company’s president and chief executive officer and seeks additional compensation to which he claims he is entitled. We dispute the existence of any such agreement with Mr. Ziegler and are vigorously defending this action.

     The Company leases certain facilities under non-cancelable operating leases. In addition, the Company leases certain equipment used in their operations. Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable operating leases are approximately as follows for annual periods ending September 30,

2007 $ 356
2008 327
2009 286
2010 258
2011   128
       Total $ 1,355

     Rent expense under operating leases was $312, $138 and $50 for the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Note 13. Preferred Stock

     On September 30, 2004, the stockholders approved and the Company completed a recapitalization transaction with its prior Series B and Series A-1 Preferred stock stockholders where the Company redeemed 98,114 shares of Series B Preferred stock for $26,436; converted the outstanding shares of Series A-1 Preferred stock into 1,974,790 shares of common stock; and converted the remaining 55,436 shares of Series B Preferred stock not redeemed into 1,960,249 shares of common stock. Upon completion of this transaction, all outstanding Series B and Series A-1 Preferred stock was either redeemed or converted into common stock. Additionally, this transaction eliminated all Series A-1 Preferred stock, Series B Preferred stock and the related preferential dividends, including the elimination of all accrued and unpaid Series B dividends as of September 30, 2004. The liquidation preference rights held by all Series B Preferred stock stockholders were also eliminated. Prior to this transaction, the Series B Preferred stock stockholders, voting as a separate class, were entitled to elect a majority of the members of the Company’s board of directors. As part of the recapitalization, this voting provision was eliminated and the holders of the Series B Preferred stock were no longer contractually entitled to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors.

     On September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a $19,770 loss on extinguishment of debt related to the elimination of all outstanding Series B Preferred stock and accrued dividends. The loss on extinguishment of debt consisted of the write-off of the remaining un-amortized capitalized Series B fees incurred in the fiscal 2002 recapitalization, which is described above, the accrual of the remaining portion of the contractually obligated three years of dividends for Series B Preferred stock, a conversion premium, the write-off of the remaining unamortized capitalized loan fees with Wells, the net value of the of the put/call option agreement described below, and fees and expenses associated with the fiscal 2004 recapitalization transaction. The loss on extinguishment of debt has been recorded in other (income) expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended September 30, 2004.

     Also on September 30, 2004, the Company entered into a put/call option agreement with American Industrial Partners Capital Fund III, L.P. (“AIP”). This option agreement gave AIP the right to require the Company to repurchase, in whole or in part, up to a maximum of 1,166,666 shares of the Company’s common stock held by AIP (the “Put”) during the period commencing on September 30, 2006 and ending on September 30, 2007. During the

50


first quarter of fiscal 2006, AIP sold all of its shares of stock in the Company to three purchasers: (i) the Company; (ii) Dolphin Offshore Partners L.P.(“Dolphin”), an affiliate of Dolphin Advisors, LLC (“Dolphin Advisors”); and (iii) an investment group arranged by Taglich Brothers, Inc. The Company repurchased 416,666 shares at $7.68 per share. Dolphin purchased 355,420 shares at $7.68 per share. The investment group arranged by Taglich Brothers, Inc. purchased 355,420 shares also at $7.68 per share. Peter E. Salas, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, is a member of Dolphin Advisors. Douglas E. Hailey, also a member of the Board of Directors of the Company, is the Vice President of the Investment Banking Division of Taglich Brothers, Inc. In conjunction with these sales by AIP, the put/call option agreement was terminated resulting in an increase in other income of $10 and the parties were released from their obligations under this agreement.

     As part of the put/call option agreement, if the Company failed to pay the price of the Put for the shares required to be repurchased within 30 days after exercise of the Put by AIP, the Company would have been required to issue to AIP shares of the Company’s newly designated Series C Preferred stock. The Series C Preferred stock expired with the termination of the put/call option agreement.

Note 14. Discontinued Operations

     On February 13, 2004, the Company sold assets associated with its NESC operations for $74. The assets sold included inventories, property, plant and equipment and the right to a product patent. The Company retained the accounts receivables. In accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets”, the Company recognized a loss from sale and loss from operations in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations related to the sale of its NESC assets. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company met the requirements of SFAS No. 144 to classify the assets to be sold as “Net Assets Held for Sale” and accordingly the assets were written down to their fair market value resulting in a $151 loss before income taxes. The total loss before income taxes of $183 from the sale of discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 was calculated based on the net proceeds of the assets sold less the current book value at the date of the sale.

     Net sales for NESC for the year ended September 30, 2004 were $181, and are not included in total net sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended September 30, 2004, NESC incurred negative gross margin of $16 and total operating expenses of $90, resulting in a net loss before income taxes of discontinued operations of $106.

Note 15. Related Parties

     Effective with the 2004 recapitalization transaction, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) with American Industrial Partners (“AIP Advisor”) and Dolphin Advisors. AIP Advisor is an affiliate of AIP, and Dolphin Advisors is an affiliate of Dolphin Offshore Partners, L.P. and Dolphin Direct Equity Partners, L.P. In conjunction with AIP’s sale of stock, as noted in Note 13, the Agreement related to AIP Advisor terminated as of October 1, 2005, however the Agreement with regards to Dolphin Advisors is still in effect. Under the Agreement, each of AIP Advisor and Dolphin Advisors provides advisory and management services to the Company and its subsidiaries. In consideration of the services, the Agreement states that the Company is required to pay $120 to Dolphin Advisors and was, until October 1, 2005, required to pay $80 to AIP annually through August 1, 2007. On October 1, 2005, the agreement with respect to Dolphin Advisors was amended to reduce the annual management fee to $60 and to extend the agreement one year to August 1, 2008. Under a previously existing Management Services Agreement with AIP Advisors, the Company paid an annual management fee of $400 in fiscal 2004, which was recorded in administration expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements of operations.

     During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company paid bonuses related to fiscal 2005. As part of the employment agreement with Patrick W. Cavanagh, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Company has the option to pay Mr. Cavanagh a portion of his bonus in shares of common stock of the Company as approved by the Board of Directors. The Company paid $60 of Mr. Cavanagh’s bonus in shares of common stock equal to 6,223 shares at a price of $9.66 per share. Additionally, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company elected to pay 7% of Mr. Cavanagh’s fiscal 2006 salary in common stock of the Company and issued 1,306 shares of restricted common stock at $12.86 per share. Also during the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company paid approximately $5 of Dennis

51


E. Bunday’s, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, salary in common stock of the Company and issued 388 shares of restricted common stock at $12.86 per share. All of the above shares were valued at the average trading price of the Company’s common stock for the 30 days preceding the issuance of the stock.

     In June 2005, the Company issued 12,722 shares of restricted common stock to Mr. Cavanagh, at $7.86 per share. As part of his employment agreement, he was entitled to a one-time signing bonus payable in May 2005, of which $100 was payable in shares of common stock of the Company, valued at the average trading price for the preceding 30 days and $100 would be payable in cash. Additionally, this agreement grants the Company the option to pay up to 7% of his annual base salary in shares of common stock of the Company. In June 2005, the Company elected to pay 7% of Mr. Cavanagh’s fiscal 2005 salary in common stock of the Company and issued 2,137 shares of restricted common stock at $7.86 per share.

     In March 2004, the Company issued 36,111 shares of restricted common stock to certain employees at $4.50 per share, which approximated the market value price at the date of the transaction. In addition, the Company issued stock options to each employee that purchased common stock. The total options granted were 144,444, which vest equally over a five year period from the date of grant.

Note 16. Business Segment Information

     The Company accounts for its segments in accordance with SFAS No.131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” During the years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company operated in one segment: vehicle components and for the years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company operated in various geographic locations within the vehicle components operating segment, however these locations do not qualify as reportable segments.

     For geographic information, revenues are allocated between the United States and International countries, depending on whether the shipments are to customers within the United States or located outside the United States. Long-lived assets are also allocated by geographic location. Revenues for each geographic location are as follows:

Year ended September 30,   2006        2005        2004 
Canada $ 7,101 $ 6,335 $ 5,998
Sweden/Belgium 9,027   9,019 7,007
Mexico 3,018 2,710 1,761
Korea 2,797 1,714 1,585
Other   5,245   3,991   2,714
 
Net sales — export 27,188 23,769 19,065
United States   47,446   43,647     38,985
$ 74,634 $ 67,416 $ 58,050

     Long-lived assets for each geographic location are as follows:

Year ended September 30,    2006        2005 
United States $ 8,494   $ 8,632
China 979 212
Other   11   5
$ 9,484 $ 8,849

     There were no long-lived assets outside the United States for the year ended September 30, 2004.

Note 17. Employment Agreements

     In January 2003, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dennis E. Bunday, its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The contract is for a term of four years beginning October 1, 2002 and specifies an initial base salary per year, plus bonus based on parameters established by the board of directors and is

52


automatically extended in one-year increments unless either the Company or Mr. Bunday provides written notice that the agreement will not be extended. The agreement also provides for a one-year severance payment under certain circumstances in the event the Company terminates the agreement prior to the end of the contract period.

     On October 1, 2004, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Patrick W. Cavanagh for the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. The contract specifies an initial base salary per year, bonus parameters established by the board of directors, relocation assistance and stock options grants to be made in fiscal 2005. The agreement also provides for severance payments under certain circumstances in the event the Company terminates the agreement prior to the end of the contract period.

Note 18. Quarterly Data (unaudited)

     The following table summarizes the Company’s quarterly financial data for the past two fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.

 First        Second        Third        Fourth      
2006  Quarter   Quarter     Quarter   Quarter   Annual 
Continuing operations:  
       Net sales $ 16,132 $ 18,796 $ 19,898 $ 19,808 $ 74,634
       Cost of sales   10,788   11,994   12,801   12,605   48,188
       Gross profit $ 5,344 $ 6,802 $ 7,097 $ 7,203 $ 26,446
       Operating expenses $ 2,657 $ 2,897 $ 2,884 $ 3,181 $ 11,619
Net income $ 1,527 $ 2,438 $ 2,769 $ 2,815 $ 9,549
Earnings per common share
       Basic $ 0.20 $ 0.33 $ 0.37 $ 0.38 $ 1.29
       Diluted $ 0.20 $ 0.32 $ 0.36 $ 0.37 $ 1.25
 First  Second  Third  Fourth
2005  Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Annual 
Continuing operations:
       Net sales $ 15,169 $ 17,567 $ 17,192 $ 17,488 $ 67,416
       Cost of sales   10,048   11,505   11,348   11,502   44,403
       Gross profit $ 5,121 $ 6,062 $ 5,844 $ 5,986 $ 23,013
       Operating expenses $ 2,329 $ 2,691 $ 2,796 $ 2,455 $ 10,271
Net income $ 1,714 $ 1,775 $ 1,610 $ 2,396 $ 7,495
Earnings per common share
       Basic $ 0.22 $ 0.23 $ 0.21 $ 0.31 $ 0.96
       Diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.22 $ 0.20 $ 0.30 $ 0.94

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     Not applicable.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our

53


Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls

     There has been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

     Not applicable.

54


PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     Information with respect to our directors and executive officers is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled “Election of Directors” and “Management” in our proxy statement for our 2007 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2006 Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2006.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The section of our 2006 Proxy Statement entitled “Executive Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     The section of our 2006 Proxy Statement entitled “Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

     The section of our 2006 Proxy Statement entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     The section of our 2006 Proxy Statement entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” is incorporated herein by reference.

55


PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

      (a)       The following documents are filed as part of this report:
 
  (1)       Financial Statements See “Index to Financial Statements” at Item 8 on page 24 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
  (2) Financial Statement Schedules All financial statement schedules are omitted either because they are not required, not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
  (3) Exhibits See “Exhibit Index” beginning on page 58.

56


SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

WILLIAMS CONTROLS, INC.

   Date: December 14, 2006  By    / s / PATRICK W. CAVANAGH 
    Patrick W. Cavanagh, Director, President and 
    Chief Executive Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

   Date: December 14, 2006  By    / s / R. EUGENE GOODSON 
      R. Eugene Goodson, Chairman of the Board 
 
   Date: December 14, 2006  By  / s / PATRICK W. CAVANAGH 
      Patrick W. Cavanagh, Director, President and 
      Chief Executive Officer 
 
   Date:  December 14, 2006  By  / s / DENNIS E. BUNDAY 
      Dennis E. Bunday, Executive Vice President, 
      Chief Financial Officer and 
      Principal Accounting Officer 
 
   Date:  December 14, 2006  By  / s / H. SAMUEL GREENAWALT 
      H. Samuel Greenawalt, Director 
 
   Date:  December 14, 2006  By  / s / DOUGLAS E. HAILEY 
      Douglas E. Hailey, Director 
 
   Date:  December 14, 2006  By  / s / CARLOS P. SALAS 
      Carlos P. Salas, Director 
 
   Date:  December 14, 2006  By  / s / PETER E. SALAS 
      Peter E. Salas, Director 
 
   Date:  December 14, 2006  By  / s / DONN J. VIOLA 
      Donn J. Viola, Director 

57


Williams Controls, Inc.
Exhibit Index

 Exhibit           
 Number     Description 
2.01     Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, by and among the Company, Teleflex Incorporated and Teleflex Automotive Incorporated (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2003).
   
3.01   Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s annual report on form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, Commission File No. 0-18083, filed with the Commission on November 1, 1989)
 
3.02   Restated By-Laws of the Registrant as amended July 1, 2002. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002)
   
4.01   Specimen Unit Certificate (including Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock and Specimen Certificate for the Warrants). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 1.1 and 1.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, Commission File No. 0-18083, filed with the Commission on November 1, 1989)
     
4.02   Certificate to Provide for the Designation, Preferences, Rights, Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof, of the Series A Preferred Stock, 71/2% Redeemable Convertible Series (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s quarterly report on form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, Commission File No. 0-18083, filed with the Commission on November 1, 1989)
   
4.03   Certificate to Provide for the Designation, Preferences, Rights, Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof, of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Non-Redeemable Convertible Series. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002)
   
4.04   Certificate to Provide for the Designation, Preferences, Rights, Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof, of the Series B Preferred Stock, 15% Redeemable Convertible Series (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(v) to the Schedule TO-I/A filed on July 5, 2002).
     
4.05   Certificate of Elimination for Mandatory Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(vi) to the Schedule TO-I/A filed on July 5, 2002) 
     
4.06   Certificate of Amendment to the Designation, Preferences, Rights, Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof, of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Non-Redeemable Convertible Series (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2004)
   
4.07   Certificate to Provide for the Designation, Preferences, Rights, Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof, of the Series C Preferred Stock, 15% Redeemable Non-Convertible Series (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2004)
   
4.08   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate to Provide for the Designation, Preferences, Rights, Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof, of the Series B Preferred Stock, 15% Redeemable Convertible Series (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2004)
   
10.01 (a) Form of Indemnification Agreement for H. Samuel Greenawalt. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(c) to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993, Commission File No. 0-18083, filed with the Commission on November 1, 1989)
     
10.01 (b) Form of Indemnification Agreement for Douglas E. Hailey (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2001)
   
10.02   The Company’s 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995, Commission File No. 0-18083, filed with the Commission on November 1, 1989)

58



Exhibit           
Number  Description 
 10.03  The Registrant’s 1993 Stock Option Plan as amended to date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(b) to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-k for the fiscal year ended September 30,1998, Commission File No. 0-18083, filed with the Commission on November 1, 1989)
 
 10.05  Management Services Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2002, by and among American Industrial Partners, a Delaware general partnership, and the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(ix) to the Schedule TO-I/A filed on July 5, 2002).
 
 10.06  Dolphin Side Letter, dated as of July 1, 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(xi) to the Schedule TO-I/A filed on July 5, 2002).
 
 10.07  Form of Amended and Restated Subordinated Debenture Due July 1, 2004 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(xii) to the Schedule TO-I/A filed on July 5, 2002).
 
 10.08  Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, including Promissory Notes for the Revolving Credit Loan and Terms Loans A and B, dated July 1, 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(xiii) to the Schedule TO-I/A filed on July 5, 2002).
 
 10.09  Put/Call Option Agreement, dated September 30, 2004, between Williams and American Industrial Partners Capital Fund III, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2004)
 
 10.10  Credit Agreement, dated September 27, 2004, among Williams, Williams Controls Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Williams, and Merrill Lynch Capital, a division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2004)
 
 10.11  Amended and Restated Management Services Agreement, dated September 30, 2004, among Williams, American Industrial Partners and Dolphin Advisors, LLC (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2004)
 
 10.12  Employment Agreement with Dennis E. Bunday, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Filed herewith)  
 
 10.13  Employment Agreement with Patrick W. Cavanagh, President and Chief Executive Officer (Filed herewith) 
 
 10.14  Revised Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K, filed on October 3, 2006)
 
 18  Preferability Letter of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm related to the change in the measurement date for Williams pension plans from September 30 to August 31 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004)
 
 21.01  Schedule of Subsidiaries (Filed Herewith)
 
 23.01  Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Filed herewith)
 
 31.01  Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) (Filed herewith)
 
 31.02  Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) (Filed herewith)
 
 32.01  Certification of Patrick W. Cavanagh Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 32.02  Certification of Dennis E. Bunday Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

59


EX-10.12 2 exhibit10-12.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH DENNIS E. BUNDAY

WILLIAMS CONTROLS, INC.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is made as of January 10, 2003, between Williams Controls, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Dennis Bunday (“Executive”).

     In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1. Employment. The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the date hereof and ending as provided in paragraph 4 hereof (the “Employment Period”).

     2. Position and Duties.

          (a) During the Employment Period, Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and shall have the normal duties, responsibilities, functions and authority of such positions, subject to the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

          (b) During the Employment Period, Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”) and shall devote his best efforts and his full business time and attention (except for permitted vacation periods, reasonable periods of illness or other incapacity and reasonable time and attention devoted to civic and charitable activities) to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Executive shall perform his duties, responsibilities and functions to the Company and its Subsidiaries hereunder to the best of his abilities in a diligent, trustworthy, businesslike and efficient manner.

          (c) For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiaries” shall mean any corporation or other entity of which the securities or other ownership interests having the voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other governing body are, at the time of determination, owned by the Company, directly or through one or more Subsidiaries.

     3. Compensation and Benefits.

          (a) Executive shall be paid an annual salary of $150,000, payable by the Company in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices, but not less often than monthly (such salary is herein referred to as the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be reviewed annually by the Board following the end of each fiscal year during the Employment Period, beginning on September 30, 2003, and may be adjusted upward by such amount as the Board may determine as appropriate in light of Executive’s and the Company’s performance and other relevant market conditions.

1


          (b) During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit programs for which senior executive employees of the Company are generally eligible.

          (c) In addition to the Base Salary, the Board shall award a bonus to Executive following the end of each fiscal year during the Employment Period. The target bonus shall be equal to 33% of Base Salary based on target parameters to be set annually by the Board in its sole discretion, for such fiscal year; provided that the bonus may be adjusted upward to 50% of Base Salary if the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that extraordinary performance has been achieved for such fiscal year.

          (d) All amounts payable to Executive as compensation hereunder shall be subject to all required withholding by the Company.

     4. Term.

          (a) The Employment Period shall be for a term of four years commencing on October 1, 2002 (the “lnitial Term”) and shall automatically be renewed on the same terms and conditions set forth herein as modified from time to time by the parties hereto for additional one-year periods beginning immediately after the initial three-year term (each, an “Extended Term”), unless the Company or Executive gives the other party written notice of the election not to renew the Employment Period at least 90 days prior to the end of such Initial Term (or Extended Term, as appropriate); provided that (i) the Employment Period shall terminate prior to the end of such Initial Term (or Extended Term, as appropriate) immediately upon Executive’s resignation, death or mental or physical disability or incapacity, (ii) the Employment Period may be terminated by the Company at any time prior to the end of such Initial Term (or Extended Term, as appropriate) for Cause (as defined below) or without Cause and (iii) the Employment Period may be terminated by the Executive at any time for Just Reason (as defined below). Except as otherwise provided herein, any termination of the Employment Period by the Company shall be effective as specified in a written notice from the Company to Executive. Executive shall be deemed to have resigned for “Just Reason” if he resigned in order to provide almost full-time care or companionship for an expected period of more than six months to a seriously or terminally ill immediate family member, as reasonably and in good faith determined by the Board. Notwithstanding that the Initial Term commenced on October 1, 2002, the parties hereto acknowledge that Executive has been receiving an annual salary of $150,000 per annum since June 1, 2002.

          (b) In the event of death of Executive, this Agreement shall terminate on the date of death and the estate of Executive shall be entitled to receive benefits and expenses to which he is entitled under paragraph 3 here such termination.

          (c) In the event that Executive becomes disabled and unable to perform the essential functions of his job for a period of 90 days within a twelve-month period as provided in this paragraph (a “Disability”), the Company will make efforts to reasonably accommodate Executive as required by applicable state or federal disability laws. However, the parties agree that, given Executive’s position, it would be an undue hardship to the Company if Executive is absent for more than 90 days within any twelve-month period.  

2


Therefore, if as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury, Executive shall have been absent from his full-time duties hereunder for 90 days within any twelve-month period, then 30 days after receiving written notice of such Disability, the Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder. Executive shall be deemed to have a Disability within the meaning of this paragraph only upon such reasonable, good faith determination by the Board regarding Executive’s Disability, after it has appointed a physician reasonably acceptable to Executive who has provided the Board with his opinion regarding Executive’s Disability. In the event this Agreement is terminated as a result of Executive’s Disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive any unpaid compensation, benefits and expenses to which he is entitled under paragraph 3 hereof for employment prior to such termination.

          (d) If the Company declines to extend the first, second, third, fourth or fifth one-year Extended Term of this Agreement for one year (i.e., the five one-year terms during the period commencing on October 1, 2006 and ending on September 30, 2011) pursuant to the same terms, Executive shall be entitled to continue to (i) receive his Base Salary, and (ii) participate in employee benefit programs for senior executive employees (other than bonus and incentive compensation plans), as special severance payments and benefits from the date of termination until the first-year anniversary of the effective date of such termination, if and only if Executive has executed and delivered to the Company the General Release substantially in form and substance as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and only so long as Executive has not breached the provisions of paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof, and Executive shall not be entitled to any other salary, compensation or benefits from the Company after termination of the Employment Period (other than any other unpaid compensation, benefits and expenses to which he is entitled under paragraph 3 hereof for employment prior to such termination). The Base Salary payable pursuant to this paragraph 4(d) shall be paid in accordance with the then current payroll policies of the Company, but not less frequently than monthly. The amounts payable pursuant to this paragraph 4(d) shall be reduced by 50% of the amount of any compensation (including consulting fees) Executive receives, whether through self-employment, re-employment with another employer, or consulting arrangements, during the Severance Period (as defined below); provided, however that Executive shall have no duty or obligation to seek employment or consulting arrangements during the Severance Period. Upon request from time to time, Executive shall furnish the Company with a true and complete certificate specifying any such compensation earned or received by him during the Severance Period. For clarification purposes only, nothing in this paragraph 4(d) shall be deemed to be affect the terms of paragraph 7 hereof.

          (e) If the Company declines to extend the Initial Term of this Agreement for one year (i.e., the Company declines to extend beyond September 30, 2006) pursuant to the same terms or if the Employment Period is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to the end of the Initial Term or any Extended Term, Executive shall be entitled to continue to (i) receive his Base Salary, and (ii) participate in employee benefit programs for senior executive employees (other than bonus and incentive compensation plans), as special severance payments and benefits from the date of termination until the first-year anniversary of the effective date of such termination, if and only if Executive has executed and delivered to the Company the General Release substantially in form and substance as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and only so long as Executive has not breached the provisions of paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 hereof, and Executive shall not be entitled to any other salary, compensation or benefits from the Company after termination of the Employment Period (other than any other unpaid compensation, benefits and expenses to which he is entitled under paragraph 3 hereof for employment prior to such termination). The Base Salary payable pursuant to this paragraph 4(e) shall be paid in accordance with the then current payroll policies of the Company, but not less frequently than monthly. For clarification purposes only, nothing in this paragraph 4(e) shall be deemed to affect the terms of paragraph 7 hereof. 

3


          (f) If the Employment Period is terminated by the Company for Cause, by Executive voluntarily, Executive declines to extend the term of this Agreement pursuant to the same terms or the Company declines to extend the term of this Agreement beyond September 30, 2011 pursuant to the same terms, Executive shall only be entitled to receive his Base Salary prorated through the date of termination (together with any other unpaid compensation, benefits and expenses to which he is entitled under paragraph 3 hereof for employment prior to such termination), and shall not be entitled to any other salary, compensation or benefits from the Company or its Subsidiaries thereafter (except as provided in paragraph 7). For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive’s resignation from his employment with Company shall be deemed not to constitute his resignation, and instead to be treated as a termination without Cause of his employment by the Company (a “Good Reason”), if such resignation occurs no more than 90 days after any of:

                 (i)      the Company reduces Executive’s duties not consistent with the status of an executive;
 
(ii)      the Company requires Executive to relocate his office more than 50 miles from its location at the inception of the Employment Period; and
 
(iii)      the Company breaches any material provision of this Agreement, and such breach is not remedied within days after the receipt of notice from Executive.

For clarification purposes only, Executive’s resignation from his employment with the Company during the period in which the division or plant for or in which he primarily works is in the process of being shut down shall not be a termination for Good Reason. During such circumstances, a termination for Good Reason can only occur if (x) Executive resigns after such division or plant is shut down, and (y) the Executive has completed all activities which are requested of him and which are appropriate for an executive in connection with the wind-up and subsequent start-up, if applicable, of a North American successor operation. In the event the Employment Period terminates by reason of a Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the payments and benefits provided in paragraph 4(d) hereof; provided, however, that if such Good Reason is pursuant to clause (iii) above, Executive shall be entitled to the payments and benefits provided in paragraph 4(e) hereof (and not paragraph 4(d)).

4


          (g) In the event Executive resigns for Just Reason, this Agreement shall terminate upon the effective date of such resignation and Executive shall be entitled to receive any unpaid compensation, benefits and expenses to which he is entitled under paragraph 3 hereof for employment prior to such termination.

          (h) In the event of termination of the Employment Period, all other rights and benefits Executive (or Executive’s estate) may have under the Executive Stock Agreement (as defined below) shall be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of such agreements. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all of Executive’s rights to salary, bonuses, fringe benefits and other compensation hereunder which accrue or become payable after the termination or expiration of the Employment Period shall cease upon such termination or expiration, other than those expressly required under applicable law (such as the federal law known as COBRA) or as provided in paragraph 7. The Company may offset any amounts Executive owes it or its Subsidiaries against any amounts it or its Subsidiaries owe Executive hereunder; provided, however, that the Company may not offset any claims for damages that it alleges against Executive.

          (i) For the purposes of this Agreement, “Severance Period” means any period in which Executive is receiving payments pursuant to paragraph 4(d) or 4(e) hereof.

          (j) For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means (i) the failure to comply in all material respects with the terms of this Agreement, the Executive Stock Agreement by and between the Company and Executive in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Executive Stock Agreement”), or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which failure is not remedied within 30 days after the receipt of notice from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any intentional act of dishonesty or disloyalty by Executive that is materially injurious to the property, operations, business or reputation of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (iii) any indictment or conviction for a felony or conviction of a misdemeanor either involving theft or resulting in incarceration for more than one week, (iv) any material act or omission by Executive during his employment with the Company or any Subsidiary thereof involving willful malfeasance or gross negligence in the performance of his duties to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or (v) Executive’s habitual neglect or willful and repeated failure to comply with the lawful directives of the Board (as set at a meeting of the Board in accordance with the Company’s bylaws) or the CEO, which lawful directives in each case are appropriate for an executive, and which neglect or failure is not remedied within 30 days after the receipt of notice from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

     5. Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges that the information, observations and data (including trade secrets) obtained by him while employed by the Company concerning the business or affairs of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (“Confidential Information”) are the property of the Company or such Subsidiary and are subject to substantial efforts by the Company or such Subsidiary, as appropriate, to maintain and protect the confidential nature thereof. Therefore, Executive agrees that he shall not disclose to any person except to the extent required in the course of Executive’s service to the Company or use for his own purposes any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Board, unless and to the extent that the Confidential Information becomes generally known to and available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions. 

5


Executive shall deliver to the Company at the termination or expiration of the Employment Period, or at any other time the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, computer tapes, printouts and software and other documents and data (and copies thereof) embodying or relating to the Confidential Information, Work Product (as defined below) or the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which he may then possess or have under his control.

     6. Inventions and Patents. Executive acknowledges that all inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) which relate to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ actual or anticipated business, research and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed or made by Executive while employed by the Company (“Work Product”) belong to the Company or such Subsidiary. Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Board and, at the Company’s expense, perform all actions reasonably requested by the Board (whether during or after the Employment Period) to establish and confirm such ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney and other instruments).

     7. Noncompete, Non-Solicitation.

          (a) In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that in the course of his employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries he shall become familiar with the Company’s trade secrets and with other Confidential Information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries and that his services shall be of special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries. Therefore, Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period, during the Severance Period, and for a period of twelve months after the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason (the “Noncompete Period”), he shall not directly or indirectly own any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, render services for, or in any manner engage in any business related to the manufacture or sale of (i) throttle controls (electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic), Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic Sensors or Sensors used in electronic throttle controls and related systems or (ii) other business competing with the businesses of the Company or its Subsidiaries with which Executive had direct contact or over which Executive had supervisory responsibilities during the Employment Period. Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from being a passive owner of not more than 2% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.

          (b) During the Noncompete Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly through another person or entity (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary to leave the employ of the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and any employee thereof, (ii) hire (or permit any entity in which he has hiring authority to hire) any person who either (A) is an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or (B) was an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof on the date Executive’s Employment Period terminated, or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, franchisee or other business relation of the Company or any Subsidiary to cease doing business with the Company or such Subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Company or any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, making any negative or disparaging statements or communications regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries).

6


          (c) If, at the time of enforcement of this paragraph 7, a court shall hold that the duration, scope or area restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the parties agree that the maximum duration, scope or area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope or area and that the court shall be allowed to revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum period, scope and area permitted by law. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this paragraph 7 are reasonable and that he has reviewed the provisions of this Agreement with his legal counsel.

          (d) In the event of the breach or a threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this paragraph 7, the Company, in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in its favor, shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). In addition, in the event of an alleged breach or violation by Executive of this paragraph 7, the Noncompete Period shall be tolled until such breach or violation has been duly cured.

     8. Executive’s Representations. Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which Executive is a party or by which he is bound, (ii) Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other person or entity, and (iii) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms. Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that he has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding his rights and obligations under this Agreement and that he fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.

     9. Survival. Paragraphs 5 through 7 and 9 through 17 hereof shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding the expiration or termination of the Employment Period.

     10. Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein, any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder by any party to the other shall be in writing and delivered in person, by courier, by facsimile transmission, by nationally recognized overnight delivery service or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, as follows:

7


            Notices to Executive:

  Dennis Bunday 
  4245 S.W. Comus 
Portland Oregon 97219 
Facsimile No.: 503-892-9549 
 
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: 
 
Tonkon Torp LLP 
1600 Pioneer Tower 
888 S.W. Fifth Avenue 
Portland, OR 97204 
Attn: Jon W. Nickel 
Facsimile No.: (503) 274-8779 
 
Notices to the Company: 
 
Williams Controls, Inc. 
14100 SW 72nd Avenue 
Portland, OR 97224 
Attn: Dennis Bunday 
Facsimile No.: (503) 624-3812 
 
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: 
 
American Industrial Partners 
551 Fifth Avenue, #3800 
New York, NY 10176 
Attn: Kirk R. Ferguson 
Facsimile No.: (212) 986-5099 
 
   and 
 
American Industrial Partners 
One Maritime Plaza, Suite 2525 
San Francisco, CA 94111 
Attn: Nathan L. Belden 
Facsimile No.: (415) 788-5302 
 
 and 
 
Kirkland & Ellis 
655 Fifteenth Street, Suite 1200 
Washington, D.C. 20005 
Attn: Robert G. Marks 
Facsimile No.: (202) 879-5200 

8


Any party may, from time to time, designate any other address to which any such notice to it or him shall be sent. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been delivered upon receipt.

     11. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any action in any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

     12. Complete Agreement. This Agreement, those documents expressly referred to herein and other documents of even date herewith embody the complete agreement and understanding among the parties and supersede and preempt any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

     13. No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

     14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

     15. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by and against Executive, the Company and their respective heirs, successors and assigns, except that Executive may not assign his rights or delegate his duties or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company.

     16. Choice of Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Oregon, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Oregon or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Oregon. In furtherance of the foregoing, the internal law of the State of Oregon shall control the interpretation and construction of this Agreement (and all schedules and exhibits hereto), even though under that jurisdiction’s choice of law or conflict of law analysis, the substantive law of some other jurisdiction would ordinarily apply.

     17. Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company (as approved by the Board) and Executive, and no course of conduct or course of dealing or failure or delay by any party hereto in enforcing or exercising any of the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Company’s right to terminate the Employment Period for Cause) shall affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or be deemed to be an implied waiver of any provision of this Agreement. 

9


     18. Executive Stock Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Executive Stock Agreement to the contrary, unless and until the Executive Stock Agreement is executed by the parties thereto, the Company is under no obligation to sell, and Executive is under no obligation to purchase, shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock, 15% Redeemable Convertible Series. Notwithstanding anything herein or in any stock option agreement to the contrary, unless and until the Company grants Executive stock options pursuant to the Company’s 2002 Stock Option Plan, the Company is under no obligation to grant Executive options to purchase the Company’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

[END OF PAGE]
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

 

10


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above.

WILLIAMS CONTROLS, INC. 
  
  
By:   
        Name:   
        Title:   
  
  
  
DENNIS BUNDAY 

 

 

11


EXHIBIT A
TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

GENERAL RELEASE

     I, Dennis Bunday, in consideration of and subject to the performance by Williams Controls, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), of its material obligations under the Employment Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2003 (the “Agreement”), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company and all present and former directors, officers, agents, representatives, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and its direct or indirect owners (collectively, the “Released Parties”) to the extent provided below.

1.      

I understand that certain of the payments or benefits paid or granted to me under paragraph 4(d) or 4(e) of the Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive the payments and benefits specified in paragraph 4(d) or 4(e) of the Agreement (other than for any other unpaid compensation, benefits and expenses to which I am entitled under paragraph 3 of the Agreement for employment prior to termination) unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter or breach this General Release.

 
2.

Except as provided in paragraph 4 below, and except for compensation and benefits I am entitled to under the terms of the Agreement, I knowingly and voluntarily release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date of this General Release) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with, or my separation from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “Claims”).

 

12



3.      

I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by paragraph 2 above.

 
4.

I agree that this General Release does not waive or re1ease any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967).

 
5.

In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and everyone of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in paragraph 2 as of the execution of this General Release.

 
6.

I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct.

 
7.

I agree that I will forfeit all cash amounts payable by the Company pursuant to the Agreement that would not have otherwise been paid but for my signing this General Release if I challenge the validity of this General Release. I also agree that if I violate this General Release by suing the Company or the other Released Parties, I will pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, and return an payments received by me pursuant to the Agreement.

 
8.

I agree that this General Release is confidential and agree not to disclose any information regarding the terms of this General Release, except to my immediate family and any tax, legal or other counsel I have consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or as required by law, and I will instruct each of the foregoing not to disclose the same to anyone.

 

13



9.      

Any non-disclosure provision in this General Release does not prohibit or restrict me (or my attorney) from responding to any inquiry about this General Release or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD), any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity.

 
10.

I agree to reasonably cooperate with the Company in any internal investigation or administrative, regulatory, or judicial proceeding. I understand and agree that my cooperation may include, but not be limited to, making myself available to the Company upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations; appearing at the Company’s request to give testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process; volunteering to the Company pertinent information; and turning over to the Company all relevant documents which are or may come into my possession all at times and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with my other permitted activities and commitments. I understand that in the event the Company asks for my cooperation in accordance with this provision, the Company will reimburse me solely for reasonable travel expenses, including lodging and meals, upon my submission of receipts.

 
11.

Notwithstanding anything in this General Release to the contrary, this General Release shall not relinquish, diminish, or in any way affect any rights or claims arising out of any breach by the Company or by any Released Party of the Agreement.

 
12.

Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in, such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

 

14


BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT:

                                     (iv)      

I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY;

 
(v)

I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED;

 
(vi)

I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT;

 
(vii)

I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION;

  
(viii)

I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN ITS FINAL FORM ON JANUARY 10, 2003 TO CONSIDER IT AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE THE NOVEMBER 1, 2002 VERSION OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED 21-DAY PERIOD;

   
(ix)

THE CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT SINCE NOVEMBER 1, 2002 EITHER ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST.

   
(x)

I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED;

   
(xi)

I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND

   
(xii)

I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME.

 
DATE:  _______________ ___,200__   
    DENNIS BUNDAY 

15


EX-10.13 3 exhibit10-13.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH PATRICK W. CAVANAGH

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into, effective as of the date signed by both parties, by and between Williams Controls, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Patrick W. Cavanagh (“Executive”).

BACKGROUND

     A. Executive has many years of experience in the truck parts industry, and the Company desires to retain Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer on the terms described in this Agreement.

     B. Executive desires to accept employment with the Company on the terms described in this Agreement.

     C. The Company and Executive anticipate that Executive’s hire date will be October 4, 2004, or such sooner date as agreed upon by Executive and the Company’s Chairman of the Board.

AGREEMENT

     In consideration of the provisions of this Agreement, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

I. DUTIES

     1.1 Title and Responsibilities. Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, with the responsibilities and duties typical of that position, as well as such other responsibilities and duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Executive shall devote his best efforts and full business time to the business and interests of the Company.

     1.2 Company Policies. Executive agrees to perform his job consistent with all Company policies and ethical business practices.

II. COMPENSATION

     2.1 Base Salary. The Company shall pay Executive a base salary (“Base Salary”) of $240,000 per year, payable in installments according to the Company’s usual payroll practices. Up to 7% of Executive’s Base Salary may be paid, in the Company’s complete discretion, in the form of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”), which payment will occur in a single transfer of stock near the end of the second quarter of the Company’s fiscal year, with the shares of Common Stock valued based on the average trading price for the 30 days immediately preceding payment. In addition, commencing September 30, 2005, the Board will annually review Executive’s Base Salary.


     2.2 Annual Bonus. At the end of each full fiscal year of the Company, Executive will be eligible for bonus compensation, which will be calculated in three stages and in the aggregate referred to as the “Annual Bonus.” The bonus potential described below starts October 1, 2004, applicable for the 2005 fiscal year of the Company.

          (i) First Stage. As soon as practicable following the commencement of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive and members of the Board will agree on objective performance targets, the accomplishment of which will entitle Executive to a bonus payment of 60% of his Base Salary. This is the first stage of the Annual Bonus. The parties intend that similar objective targets will be agreed to around the start of each fiscal year of the Company, which goals will apply toward calculating the first stage of the Annual Bonus for that fiscal year.

          (ii) Second Stage. Executive and members of the Board will also agree on factors indicative of an extraordinary performance, the accomplishment of which will make Executive eligible for an increase in his annual bonus up to an amount of 40% of his Base Salary. The parties acknowledge that while the first stage of the Annual Bonus (up to 60% of Base Salary) will be based on yearly Company performance, the second stage of the Annual Bonus (up to an additional 40% of Base Salary) will include other measures that the Board and Executive deem important for the Company’s success.

          (iii) Third Stage. Executive’s Annual Bonus may be increased by a third stage, equal to an additional 50% of his Base Salary, based on the Board’s assessment of the achievement of growth and improvement objectives established by the Board at the start of the Company’s fiscal year. Based on all three stages, the Annual Bonus may reach, in the aggregate, a total Annual Bonus package of 150% of Executive’s Base Salary.

          (iv) Company Stock Component. To the extent the Annual Bonus exceeds, 100% of Executive’s Base Salary for any fiscal year, the Board may, in its sole discretion, satisfy its payment obligations for any amounts over 100% of Base Salary by paying in the form of cash or in shares of Common Stock, with the shares of Common Stock valued based on the average trading price for the 30 days immediately preceding payment of the Annual Bonus. Payment of the Annual Bonus, if any, shall be paid within 90 days following the close of the Company’s fiscal year.

     2.3 Stock Options. In partial consideration of Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive shall receive options for 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock under any stock option plan adopted by the Company from time to time. The exercise price associated with each option granted to Executive shall be the greater of $1.00 per share or the average price of the Common Stock based on the average trading price of the Common Stock for the 30 days immediately preceding Executive’s hire date. The options shall be nonqualified stock options with a term of 10 years. The options will vest and become exercisable based on a gradual vesting schedule, with 20% of the options becoming vested for each 12 months of employment that Executive completes with the Company, with the options becoming fully vested upon a “Sales Event,” as defined below, or in the event that there is a triggering of any “drag-along” or “tag-along” rights associated with shares of Common Stock owned by Executive.


The option agreement issued to Executive will also include any accelerated vesting rights held by other executives of the Company. The parties acknowledge that the Company is engaged in a recapitalization transaction, prior to which, and for a short time afterward, the Company will be unable to issue stock options to Executive. Once options are issued, the options shall reflect in the corresponding vesting schedule that vesting starts on Executive’s hire date, and not with the date on which the options are ultimately granted. In addition, the parties acknowledge that if the fair market value of the stock increases, the exercise price associated with Executive’s stock options shall nevertheless be the greater of $1.00 per share or the average sale price for a share of Common Stock on the Executive’s hire date, even if that price is less than the value of Common Stock on the date the options are granted.

     For purposes of this Agreement, a “Sales Event” shall mean (i) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, (ii) a sale (or series of related sales) of the Company’s stock after which voting control of the Company is held by persons who were not shareholders of the Company prior to the sale, if in connection with the sale, or thereafter, Executive is terminated for reasons other than Cause or leaves the Company for Good Reason (as such terms are defined below), or (iii) a tender offer, merger, consolidation, reorganization or other similar event that shifts voting control of the Company (or any successor entity) to persons who were not shareholders of the Company prior to the transaction.

     2.4 Other Benefits.

          (i) The Company shall provide Executive with any additional employee benefits generally extended to other full-time salaried employees of the Company, on the same terms generally available to the Company’s full-time salaried employees. In addition, in conjunction with Executive’s potentially variable start date, as expressed in Section C. of the Background section of this Agreement, if Executive is required to elect COBRA coverage under his current employer’s group health plan before becoming eligible for coverage under the Company’s group health plan, the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premium amount or pay the amount for him.

          (ii) The Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Executive in connection with his duties on behalf of the Company, subject to proper documentation and the reasonable approval of the Company.

          (iii) Executive will be eligible for enhanced physicals at the Mayo Clinic (or another comparable facility of his choosing), at the expense of the Company, similar to the program offered by Executive’s former employer.

          (iv) Executive will receive “Personal Time Off” (or “PTO”) of six weeks upon commencement of employment, and will subsequently accrue additional PTO at a monthly rate equivalent to six weeks per year. The parties agree that to the extent possible, Executive will be reasonably available during vacation times to receive calls, emails, etc., and to conduct business as may reasonably be required.

          (v) As a signing bonus, and to compensate Executive for possibly missing a retention incentive and fiscal 2004 bonus with his current employer, the Company shall pay Executive a one-time bonus in late November 2004 of $60,000, paid in an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock (based on the average trading price for the 30 days immediately preceding payment).  


If his current employer pays this 2004 bonus, then the Company shall not be obligated to pay the $60,000. As a further one-time bonus in lieu of Executive receiving a retention bonus from his current employer, the Company will pay Executive $200,000 as follows: $100,000 in Common Stock (with the value measured as described above) and $100,000 in cash if Executive’s current employer pays him his 2004 bonus; or $50,000 in Common Stock and $150,000 in cash if his current employer does not pay his 2004 bonus. The Company will pay these amounts at approximately the time that Executive would have received his retention bonus award from his current employer had he remained employed, provided that none of these bonuses will be paid if, prior to the time of payment by the Company, (a) Executive has been terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined below), or (b) Executive has terminated his employment for reasons other than death, disability or grounds that constitute Good Reason (as such terms are defined below).

          (vi) In addition, and in connection with the bonus payments described above, Executive has agreed to purchase $25,000 worth of Common Stock on the open market, during both the first and second year of his employment with the Company.

          (vii) The Company will assist Executive in relocating to the Portland, Oregon area, with the specific terms of the reimbursement to match as closely as feasible the policies of Executive’s present employer. The Company will not necessarily use a third party in this assistance as is the policy of Executive’s current employer. The details will be worked out between Executive, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and the Company’s CFO.

III. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

     3.1 By Executive.

          (i) Executive may resign his employment with the Company upon no less than 30 days’ written notice to the Company. The Company may elect to terminate Executive’s employment immediately upon receiving notice of his resignation and, in such case, shall pay Executive his Base Salary for the 30 day notice period in addition to any Base Salary earned by Executive prior to his termination. Other than remaining amounts of Base Salary, the Company shall not owe Executive any additional compensation following his resignation, except as provided in Section 2.4(v), and provided further that if Executive is employed on the last day of a fiscal year of the Company, and would otherwise be due an Annual Bonus, as described in Section 2.2, he shall be paid the Annual Bonus, even if he terminates employment prior to the actual payment of the bonus, in which case the Company will pay him his Annual Bonus at the time it would have normally paid.

          (ii) Executive’s resignation shall be deemed to be for “Good Reason” if the resignation is in connection with (a) an assignment of duties inconsistent with respect to his position as President and Chief Executive Officer or any other action by the Board that results in a decrease of his position, authority, duties or responsibilities, excluding an isolated and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Board within 20 days of Executive’s written notice of the problem; (b) any decrease in Executive’s Base Salary or other benefits, other than an isolated and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith, which the Company remedies within 20 days of Executive’s written notice of the decrease, or any material decrease in qualified retirement plan or health insurance benefits in conjunction with a plan change needed to enable the plans to satisfy IRS requirements or bring the benefits in line with benefits available to executives of an acquiring entity, or any general reduction in retirement or health plan benefits applicable to the workforce as a whole;  


(c) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company, which breach is not cured within 20 days of Executive’s written notice of the breach; or (d) any requirement by the Company that Executive relocate more than 50 miles away from the Company’s offices in Portland, Oregon, excluding reasonable travel required by the Company for business purposes.

     3.2 By the Company. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment immediately and without advance notice for Cause. As used herein, “Cause” means: (a) a material breach of the provisions of this Agreement by the Executive; (b) personal or professional conduct of Executive, which, in the reasonable and good faith judgment of the Board, materially injures or tends to materially injure the reputation of the Company or otherwise materially adversely affects the business interests of the Company, with such conduct including, but is not limited to, dishonesty, substance abuse, or arrest or indictment for or conviction of a felony; (c) material breach by Executive of any statutory, common law or other duty or obligation to the Company, including Executive’s duty of loyalty or confidentiality to the Company, which breach is not remedied within 20 days of the Company’s written notice to Executive; or (d) conduct that constitutes willful, wanton or grossly negligent malperformance of Executive’s duties, which conduct, in the reasonable and good faith judgment of the Board, materially adversely affects the business interests of the Company, which conduct is not remedied within 20 days of the Company’s written notice to Executive. If Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, the Company shall have no obligation to pay Executive any further compensation, including unpaid bonuses or benefits of any kind, except Base Salary earned by Executive prior to his termination; provided, however, if Executive is employed on the last day of a fiscal year of the Company, and would otherwise be due an Annual Bonus, as described in Section 2.2, he shall be paid the Annual Bonus, even if he is terminated prior to the actual payment of the bonus, including a termination for Cause, unless the Board reasonably determines in good faith that elements giving rise to a termination for Cause occurred during the fiscal year on which the Annual Bonus is based, in which case the Annual Bonus shall not be paid.

     3.3 Disability of Executive. If Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of his position with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of 180 consecutive days, the Company may elect to terminate Executive’s employment, which termination shall be treated as a termination not for Cause.

     3.4 Death of Executive. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death, which termination shall be considered without Cause.

     3.5 Effect of Termination. After termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, the Restrictive Covenants contained in Article IV of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, together with the Company’s right to enforce such Restrictive Covenants and receive damages in the event of a breach of any such Restrictive Covenants. 


     3.6 Severance Pay. If within one year of Executive’s date of hire his employment is terminated by the Company for reasons other than Cause, or Executive terminates for Good Reason, the Company shall pay Executive a severance payment equal to two times his Base Salary. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment for reasons other than Cause, or Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, after the first anniversary of his hire date, the Company shall pay Executive a severance payment equal to one and one half times his Base Salary. If payment is triggered under this Section 3.6, the Company will also pay the COBRA premium associated with continued health insurance for Executive during the applicable COBRA continuation period. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.6, in the event of a Sales Event in which Executive obtains an offer for reasonably equivalent base pay, standard fringe benefits and a reasonable bonus potential for a minimum 18-month period for the position offered from the purchaser of the Company, the Company will not pay any severance; provided, however, that if Executive decides not to accept the offer after it is presented to him in writing, and after having at least 30 days to consider the offer, the Company will pay severance to Executive of one-year’s Base Salary plus an amount equal to his COBRA premium for 18 months.

     3.7 Suit by Current Employer. The parties acknowledge that Executive has a non-competition agreement with his current employer. The Company agrees that if Executive’s current employer successfully obtains a restraining order or an injunction that prohibits Executive from working for the Company for the period described in the agreement with his current employer (or a shorter period), the Company will continue Executive’s Base Salary and medical benefits during the period of the restraining order or injunction, as well as the bonus amounts described in Section 2.4(v), and the court-required cessation of employment shall not be viewed as a termination for purposes of assessing Cause or Good Reason, and similarly shall not entitle Executive to severance benefits under Section 3.6. The Company also agrees that if Executive’s current employer initiates a suit to enforce the non-compete agreement, the Company will pay Executive’s legal costs to defend the action. The Company will also hold the President and Chief Executive Officer position open for Executive during any time he is prohibited, by virtue of an injunction, from working for the Company.

IV. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

     4.1 Executive’s Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that: (a) he is accepting this continued employment with the understanding and agreement that he will be bound by this covenant not to compete; (b) he will continue to occupy a position of trust and confidence with the Company through which he will become even more intimately familiar with the Company’s business and marketing plans, strategy, financial information, trade secrets and other confidential information that is of great potential value to the Company’s competitors; (c) the Company solicits, generates and/or conducts business on a national level; and (d) Executive’s agreement to the restrictive covenants contained in this Article IV is a condition of his employment with the Company.


     4.2 Covenant Not to Compete. Executive hereby agrees that so long as he is employed by the Company in any capacity and for one year following the termination of his employment with the Company (the “Restricted Period”), he will not, directly or indirectly, as employee, agent, consultant, member, stockholder, director, co-partner or in any other individual or representative capacity, own, operate, manage, control, engage in, invest in or participate in any manner in, act as a consultant or advisor to, render services for (alone or in association with any person, firm, corporation or entity), or otherwise assist any person or entity (other than the Company) that engages in or owns, invests in, operates, manages or controls any venture or enterprise that directly or indirectly competes with or operates in the same line of business as the Company anywhere in the United States. Executive is permitted, however, to own up to 5% of the stock of a competing business for purely investment purposes, so long as the business is a company whose stock is publicly traded and he does not participate in the competing business in any other manner whatsoever.

     4.3 Interference with Relationships. During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not for himself or for any other person or entity (i) employ in any capacity, recruit or solicit for employment any of the Company’s employees, or otherwise seek to influence any of the Company employee’s to leave the Company’s employ; or (ii) solicit or encourage any client of the Company (i.e., any person or entity that was a client at any time during Executive’s employment with the Company or during the Restricted Period) to terminate or otherwise alter his, her or its relationship with the Company.

     4.4 Confidential Information. During the Restricted Period and thereafter, Executive will not use or disclose any Confidential Information of the Company, except to the extent use or disclosure of the Confidential Information is necessary to the performance of his duties for the Company. As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean any information relating to the business or affairs of the Company, including but not limited to information relating to the Company’s marketing and business plans, strategy, finances, customer identities, potential customers, employees, research, programs, trade secrets, proprietary information or other information that the Company makes reasonable efforts to maintain as confidential.

     4.5 Effect of Termination. If the Company or Executive should terminate this Agreement for any reason, the provisions contained in this Article IV will remain in full force and effect for the duration of the Restricted Period.

     4.6 Remedies. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants set forth in this Article IV (collectively, the “Restrictive Covenants”) are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the Company’s business interests, that irreparable injury will result to the Company if Executive breaches any of the terms of the Restrictive Covenants, and that in the event of Executive’s actual or threatened breach of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company will have no adequate remedy at law. Executive accordingly agrees that in the event of any actual or threatened breach by him of any of the Restrictive Covenants, the Company shall be entitled to immediate temporary injunctive and other equitable relief, without bond and without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages, subject to hearing as soon thereafter as possible. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of any damages that it is able to prove. 


     4.7 Blue-Pencil. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall at any time deem any of the terms of the Restrictive Covenants unenforceable as written, the parties agree that the court should enforce the terms to the maximum extent permissible as determined by such court, rather than refuse to enforce the Restrictive Covenants at all.

V. GENERAL PROVISIONS

     5.1 Dispute Resolution. Any dispute arising among the parties to this Agreement will be resolved by single arbitrator arbitration conducted pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute Section 35.00, et seq., modified as described hereafter. Demand for arbitration shall be in writing, delivered to the other party. If the parties cannot agree to an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the initial demand for arbitration, either party may petition the Multnomah County Circuit Court for the appointment of an arbitrator by the Court. Once appointed, the arbitrator shall allow discovery as described in the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure. The hearing shall be conducted within one hundred twenty (120) days after the arbitrator’s appointment, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties. The arbitrator shall render a written decision within thirty (30) days after completion of the hearing. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, the Company may seek and obtain appropriate restraining orders and temporary or permanent injunctions in a court proceeding without engaging in arbitration with respect to any alleged violation of the covenants contained in Article V. The prevailing party in any arbitration or other legal proceeding to enforce these Restrictive Covenants, or any appeal therefrom, shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, including all costs associated with depositions and expert witnesses, from the nonprevailing party.

     5.2 Entire Agreement. Except where this Agreement specifically references and incorporates other agreements documents or policies, this Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to Executive’s employment by the Company and the compensation payable to Executive by the Company and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements and discussions. This Agreement may only be amended or modified by a written instrument executed by Executive and the Company pursuant to authorization by the Board.

     5.3 Notices. Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. Any such notice shall be considered given when delivered personally, or if mailed, three (3) days after the date of deposit in the United States mail addressed to the party at the last known address of the party. Any party may, by notice given to the other according to the provisions of this Section 6.3, designate an address or person for the receipt of notices.

     5.4 Non-Waiver. Failure to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be interpreted to be a waiver of such provisions or to affect either the validity of this Agreement or the right of either party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement.


     5.5 Separability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement is finally determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision will not affect or impair the other provisions of this Agreement, all of which will continue to be in effect and will be enforceable, provided, however, that any such invalid provisions shall, to the extent possible, be reformed so as to implement insofar as practicable the intentions of the parties.

     5.6 Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION WHICH MAY BE ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.

 

 WILLIAMS CONTROLS, INC. 

                   
By:                       Dated:     
Title:  
 
 
  
 
EXECUTIVE     
 
 
    Dated:    
Patrick W. Cavanagh 



EX-21.01 4 exhibit21-01.htm SCHEDULE OF SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit 21.01

Subsidiaries

Williams Controls Industries, Inc.
Aptek Williams, Inc.
Premier Plastic Technologies, Inc.
ProActive Acquisition Corporation
WMCO-Geo, Inc.
NESC Williams, Inc.
Williams Technologies, Inc.
Williams World Trade, Inc.
Techwood Williams, Inc.
Agrotec Williams, Inc. (“Agrotec”)
Williams (Suzhou) Controls Co. Ltd.
Williams Controls Europe GmbH
Hardee Williams, Inc. (80% Owned)
Waccamaw Wheel Williams, Inc. (80% Owned)


EX-23.01 5 exhibit23-01.htm CONSENT OF KPMG LLP

Exhibit 23.01

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors
Williams Controls, Inc.:

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-42232, 333-43006, 333-59397, and 333-90565, on Form S-3 and No. 333-56591 on Form S-8) of Williams Controls, Inc. of our report dated December 12, 2006, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Williams Controls, Inc. as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), cash flows, and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2006, which report appears in the September 30, 2006 annual report on Form 10-K of Williams Controls, Inc.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Portland, Oregon
December 12, 2006


EX-31.01 6 exhibit31-01.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Exhibit 31.01

CERTIFICATION

I, Patrick W. Cavanagh, certify that:

     1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Williams Controls Inc.;

     2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure control and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

     a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

     a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 14, 2006  /s/ PATRICK W. CAVANAGH  
  Patrick W. Cavanagh 
  Chief Executive Officer 


EX-31.02 7 exhibit31-02.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Exhibit 31.02

CERTIFICATION

I, Dennis E. Bunday, certify that:

     1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Williams Controls Inc.;

     2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure control and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

     a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

     b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

     c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

     a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

     b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 14, 2006  /s/ DENNIS E. BUNDAY  
  Dennis E. Bunday 
  Chief Financial Officer 


EX-32.01 8 exhibit32-01.htm CERTIFICATION OF PATRICK W. CAVANAGH

Exhibit 32.01

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE 15D-14(b)
AND SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
OF 2002, 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Annual Report of Williams Controls, Inc (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Patrick W. Cavanagh, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

      (1)       The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/ PATRICK W. CAVANAGH
Patrick W. Cavanagh
Chief Executive Officer
Williams Controls, Inc
December 14, 2006


EX-32.02 9 exhibit32-02.htm CERTIFICATION OF DENNIS E. BUNDAY

Exhibit 32.02

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE 15D-14(b)
AND SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
OF 2002, 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Annual Report of Williams Controls, Inc (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Dennis E. Bunday, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to ss. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

      (1)       The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/ DENNIS E. BUNDAY
Dennis E. Bunday
Chief Financial Officer
Williams Controls, Inc
December 14, 2006


-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----