PETFC Launches

For Immediate Release, September 15th, 2005

Today, PIA Group announced that it would be spinning off the alternative energy section of PIA Group. Thomas Willis will become President of the new venture, Precision Energy and Technology LLC. Mr. Willis has lead the fuel cell group since coming to PIA Group in 2003, and is credited with continuing the success of the program started by Robert Burroughs, a principal of PIA Group, Inc.

“Precision Energy and Technology gives me an opportunity to focus on the fuel cell business, instead of the overall business. As the previous VP and General Manager of Precision Industrial Automation, my time was split and the fuel cell business was not getting my full attention. Although Precision Energy and Technology has ties to PIA Group, it will be independent business entity. We have retained our manufacturing oriented foundation. It is this recognition, as a leader in manufacturing technology, which has allowed us to collaborate with so many talented fuel cell groups,” said Mr. Willis.

Known for his innovative and creative skills and strong marketing and technical background, Mr. Willis is a dynamic leader having experience in R&D, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, and Finance with over 15 years in executive management. Previous to PIA Group, he was with Leybold Semiconductor Vacuum Systems and Invensys Appliance Controls (previously Robertshaw & Eaton Controls) where he served as Vice President of Marketing and Engineering. Mr. Willis’ experience also includes tenure at Welbilt Corporation where he served as Vice President of Engineering in a successful LBO/IPO driven by Kolhberg & Associates (KKR). Mr. Willis also has experience in the Food (Pillsbury) and Aerospace (Rockwell International) industries.

Mr. Willis is an alumnus of The Ohio State University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Masters of Science Degree in Engineering Management from Robert Morris University.

We look forward to Thomas’ continued success in the fuel cell industry and expect that Precision Energy and Technology will be at the forefront of Ohio’s drive to lead the country in Fuel Cell commercialization, said Robert Burroughs. Mr. Burroughs will continue to serve as the technology liaison between Precision Energy and Technology and PIA Group, Inc.