LAI Midwest recognized
with environmental conservation award

FRIDLEY, Minn., May 9, 2007 — Anoka County recognized LAI Midwest, a contract manufacturer specializing in advanced waterjet machining, for its environmental conservation program that recycles tons of solid waste and cuts its water use in half.
A Waste Buster Recognition Award will be presented to LAI Midwest May 16 by the Anoka County Solid Waste Advisory Task Force at Blaine City Hall, Blaine, Minn.
“The conservation and recycling program was driven by our employees,” Frank Bailey, plant manager of LAI, said. “After sharing ideas and teaming up to create a plan to re-use and recycle, all of our employees took an active role in contributing to the cause.”
LAI Midwest, which opened its production facility in 1994 in Fridley, Minn., has 40 employees.
After installing a filter press to recycle water, LAI Midwest cut its daily water consumption of 8,000 gallons--roughly in half.
Last year, the company recycled 57 tons of scrap metal, 2,160 pounds of cardboard, 1,000 pounds of newsprint, 100 pounds of aluminum cans, 80 pounds of glass and plastic bottles, and 180 fluorescent bulbs. LAI employees are responsible for collecting and delivering recycled items to a drop-off recycling center.
To cut down on wasted paper, employees have reduced incoming mail, printed double-sided documents, used scrap paper, purchased recycled paper and donated 200 pounds of shredded paper to the Anoka County Humane Society.
The company started promoting its recycling efforts June 2006 with posters, flyers, e-mails, company meetings and bulletin board postings. LAI's facility in Westminster, Md., has started a similar recycling program.

About LAI International

LAI is an approved supplier for large potential growth manufacturing programs, including projects in green power plant technology, aircraft parts and sub-assemblies, and defense components. Revenues are forecast to reach $58 million in 2008, with an employment base projected at 350 by the end of the year.
LAI continues to execute its strategy of expanding its capabilities by taking on more of its customers' supply chain. LAI's acquisition in 2007 of RTI, Scarborough, Maine, expands its capabilities in manufacturing power generation and rotating equipment. In addition, LAI operates four other manufacturing facilities, dispersed in key manufacturing regions across North America, with locations in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Tucson and Westminster, Md.
LAI is known for its experience in supply chain management of complex manufacturing processes and its technical expertise in advanced waterjet cutting, drilling and five-axis machining, as well as precision laser processing, including laser cutting, drilling, welding, heat-treating and five-axis machining. The company also offers high-speed CNC machining, electrical discharge machining, including wire, plunge and hole-drilling EDM processing, five-axis grinding, welding, conventional machining and certified gage calibration. Additional capabilities include sheet metal fabrication, tool design and air-flow inspection.
LAI was acquired in 2005 by Spell Capital Partners, LLC, Minneapolis, Minn. Its corporate headquarters are located in Scottsdale, Ariz.
For more information, see LAIco.com.

Quick Facts: LAI International, Inc.
Founded: 1979
Mfg. facilities: Phoenix, Tucson, Minneapolis, Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine
Headquarters: Scottsdale, Ariz.