Lockheed Martin Transfers Key Aircraft Manufacturing Equipment to ENAER
Santiago, Chile, June 5th, 2000 -- Officials of ENAER and Lockheed Martin have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the transfer of an autoclave that will allow ENAER to manufacture advanced composite material parts for current and future generations of commercial and military aircraft.
Because of their light weight, strength and durability, composite material components are used in increasing amounts in aircraft such as the EMBRAER ERJ-135/145, the F-16, the F-22 Raptor and the Joint Strike Fighter.
"We understand that the capability to manufacture advanced composite material parts is a high-priority objective for ENAER" said Henry Gomez, international vice president of Business Development, Latin America, for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. "We use composite technology in many of our designs, and I am pleased that Lockheed Martin can provide this technology to ENAER for its present needs as well as for future business. I believe this type of agreement that includes a response and solution to an immediate need is essential to continuing to build on the relationships and trust between our two companies."
The transfer of this equipment is the next phase in a series of cooperative activities that ENAER and Lockheed Martin have implemented over the last two years to build a long-term relationship. Lockheed Martin already has transferred some key production, management and manufacturing technologies to ENAER. As part of the process to improve efficiencies and technologies at ENAER, Lockheed Martin production experts have reviewed manufacturing technologies and control procedures at the facility. These experts have submitted study recommendations that already have resulted in improved production efficiency by reducing manufacturing man-hours and by improving production control processes at ENAER.
Lockheed Martin has been recognized as breaking the mold in production trends by actually reducing costs when production has declined. In recent years, changes implemented at Lockheed Martin’s F-16 production line improved its efficiency to such an extent that it has been recognized as one of the 10 best manufacturing facilities in the United States. The transfer of technologies already initiated is aimed at achieving similar improvements at ENAER’s facilities in Santiago.
"Lockheed Martin is not only interested in supplying opportunities today, but also in increasing them in the future," Gomez said. "The type of relationships we want to establish in Chile are evidenced by the agreement we signed with ENAER, which will help to expand the capability of Chilean industries and to make them more competitive in the global marketplace."
Lockheed Martin will transfer the title of the equipment to ENAER within the month. The agreement includes the autoclave, drive motor and all associated ancillary equipment.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Products include the F-16, F-22, C-130J, F-117, U-2, P-3, X-33 and Joint Strike Fighter, among other renowned aircraft. LM Aeronautics Company is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
With headquarters in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services. Lockheed Martin had 1999 sales surpassing $25 billion.
Kathryn Hayden
(817) 763-4084
e-mail: kathryn.a.hayden@lmco.com
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