Haas Automation, the parent company of the Haas Formula 1 team, has responded to a report that claims it broke sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
The parent company, founded by Gene Haas, is one of the largest machine tool-building parties in the world.
Earlier this week, PBS ran a story that Haas Automation had provided machines and parts to Russia, which violates US sanction regulations.
Haas says that the story is “simply false”, offering a series of points to counter the report.
They are;
- Haas Automation is and has always been in full compliance with U.S. Government export control.
- No machines have shipped from the Haas Automation factory to Russia since March 3, 2022.
- The 18 machines referenced in the story left the Haas Automation factory prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Haas Automation voluntarily chose to terminate its relationship with the Russian distributor, which has never been required by any U.S. sanctions.
- Haas Automation completely supports Ukraine and its people in their defense against Russia.
It also added that shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, it terminated its relationship with its sole existing independent distributor for Russia and Belarus, Abate Management.
Since then, it has not shipped any machinery or parts to Russia, and says that this fact was made clear to PBS before the report aired.
Haas F1 also took action after Russia’s invasion, severing ties with title sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin.
