LAI wins $4.4 million contract to manufacture F-35 subassemblies

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 19, 2008 — LAI International, Inc., a strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers, has announced it has secured a multi-year $4.4 million contract to manufacture airframe panels for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
   “LAI will continue to play a key role as a strategic manufacturing partner for our customer as we leverage our advanced manufacturing technologies and supply chain to deliver quality products,” John Rogers, V.P. of Operations, said. 
   The latest contract for the subassemblies for the advanced attack aircraft F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet is valued at $4.4 million over the next three years. 
   “Our focus on maximizing operational efficiencies and on our commitment to quality and on-time delivery is instrumental in establishing LAI as a world-class aerospace supplier of make-complete, ready-to-assembly parts,” Frank Bailey, plant manager of LAI’s facility in Minneapolis, where the manufacturing will take place. 
   The program requires supply chain management of a series of specialized manufacturing processes, including precision grinding, heat-treating, advanced waterjet machining, hot forming, alpha-case removal, chemical milling, CNC machining and finishing.
   LAI’s manufacturing plant in Minnesota was named a Lockheed Martin Corporation STAR Supplier Facility in 2002. 

About LAI International
   LAI is the premier manufacturer of precision engineered components and assemblies for aerospace, power generation, defense and other advanced technology industries. The company is a major supplier of finished goods. Its technology, engineering and manufacturing solutions are the lifeblood of airframes, aircraft engines, power generators, defense systems and other mission-critical applications.
   LAI is the largest precision contract manufacturer in its class with the fastest growth as ranked by Inc. Magazine. 
   LAI has developed longstanding, strategic relationships with leading global players across multiple areas of their operations, including Boeing, Eaton, GE, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Siemens, and more than 70 percent of Fortune 500 global manufacturers.
   LAI operates five manufacturing facilities, dispersed in key manufacturing regions across North America, with locations in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Tucson, Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine — all of which are ISO 9001:2000 and AS9100 certified. The company also offers NADCAP-certified non-conventional machining processes.
   For more information, see www.LAIco.com. 

Quick Facts: LAI International, Inc.
- Founded: 1979
- Five U.S. manufacturing facilities: Phoenix, Tucson, Minneapolis, Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine
- Corporate headquarters: Scottsdale, Ariz.
- All facilities ISO 9001:2000 | AS9100 certified
- Inc. 5,000 fastest-growing company award winner, 2007, 2008