LAI wins $5.2 million contract with Lockheed

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 13, 2007 — LAI International, Inc. was awarded a three-year manufacturing contract valued at $5.2 million from Lockheed Martin for the production of titanium skins for the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter aircraft.
“These components were identified by Lockheed Martin as some of the most difficult skins to produce for the F-22 program,” John Hartley, LAI’s Director of Aerospace Products, said. “LAI was initially given this opportunity based on our past performance in dealing with technically challenging airframe parts, and the results were impressive.”
LAI Midwest, Minneapolis, Minn., had earned Lockheed Martin's Raptor of Distinction subcontractor award in 2004 for its manufacturing excellence in producing components for the F-22 Raptor air dominance fighter. LAI is a key supplier of waterjet-drilled screen panels for the F-22.
LAI Midwest, which was named Lockheed Martin Corporation STAR Supplier Facility in 2002, was originally named a STAR Supplier by Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics Material Management Center in 1997. The company was the first F-22 unique supplier to receive the award.
LAI is known as the world’s largest combined laser and waterjet machining service provider.

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.