Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

NOTE H – Contingencies

Certain processes in the manufacture of CTS’ current and past products create hazardous waste by-products as currently defined by federal and state laws and regulations. CTS has been notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state environmental agencies and, in some cases, generator groups, that it is or may be a potentially responsible party regarding hazardous waste remediation at several non-CTS sites. In addition to these non-CTS sites, CTS has an ongoing practice of providing reserves for probable remediation activities at certain of its manufacturing locations and for claims and proceedings against CTS with respect to other environmental matters. In the opinion of management, based upon presently available information relating to all such matters, either adequate provision for probable costs has been made, or the ultimate costs resulting will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of CTS.

CTS manufactures accelerator pedals for a number of automobile manufacturers, including subsidiaries of Toyota Motor Corporation (“Toyota”). In January 2010, Toyota initiated a recall of a substantial number of vehicles in North America containing pedals manufactured by CTS. The pedal recall and associated events have led to the Company being named as a co-defendant with Toyota in certain litigation. In February 2010, CTS entered into an agreement with Toyota whereby Toyota agreed that it will indemnify, defend, and hold the Company harmless from, and the parties will cooperate in the defense of, third-party civil claims and actions that are filed or asserted in the United States or Canada and that arise from or relate to alleged incidents of unintended acceleration of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The limited exceptions to indemnification restrict CTS’ share of any liability to amounts collectable from its insurers.

Certain other claims are pending against CTS with respect to matters arising out of the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business. These claims, in the opinion of management, based upon past experience and presently available information, either adequate provision for anticipated costs has been reserved or the ultimate anticipated costs will not materially affect CTS’ consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Scotland EMS Manufacturing Facility Fire

During the second quarter of 2011, a fire occurred at the Company’s Scotland EMS manufacturing facility. The fire damaged approximately $1.6 million of inventory and $0.2 million of machinery and equipment at net book value. Property insurance coverage with a $0.1 deductible had substantially covered the costs of repairing and/or replacing the damaged inventory and machinery and equipment. Business interruption insurance had substantially covered the lost sales impact and related fixed costs in 2011.

In the first quarter of 2012, CTS recovered approximately $0.8 million from the Company’s insurance carriers and recorded a recovery of approximately $0.6 million for business interruption in CTS’ Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the quarter ended April 1, 2012 after deducting $0.1 million for certain expenses and relieving the insurance receivable of approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 2011. All claims were settled in 2012 with CTS’ insurance carrier.

Thailand EMS Manufacturing Facility Flood

During the fourth quarter of 2011, CTS’ Thailand EMS manufacturing facility was flooded. The flood damaged approximately $0.8 million of inventory and $0.5 million of fixed assets. CTS also incurred approximately $2.5 million of fixed costs at this facility. Local property insurance covered the costs of repairing and/or replacing the damaged inventory and machinery and equipment. CTS also had business interruption insurance under these policies that covers the lost sales impact and fixed costs. The maximum amount covered under the local insurance policy was approximately $2.4 million.

In the first quarter of 2012, CTS received cash of approximately $7.2 million from the Company’s insurance carriers. Out of the $7.2 million cash, approximately $4.4 million was for business interruption and the remaining $2.8 million was for the reimbursement of costs related to property damage. Part of the cash received was to relieve the insurance receivable balance of $2.4 million recorded at December 31, 2011. Consequently, CTS recorded a recovery of approximately $3.0 million for business interruption and $1.8 million for property damage in CTS’ Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the quarter ended April 1, 2012. All claims were settled in 2012 with CTS’ insurance carrier.