LAI recognized by Northrop Grumman
with Platinum Source Preferred Supplier Award

Lauded for quality, delivery of JSF airframe components

LOS ANGELES, May 12, 2009 — LAI International, Inc., a strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers, was honored by Northrop Grumman as a Platinum Source Preferred Supplier for quality control and on-time delivery of precision-manufactured airframe components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
A team of LAI production and quality personnel representing LAI was among representatives of 130 U.S. suppliers recognized at Northrop Grumman’s annual awards program at the Los Angeles Hilton Hotel ballroom. LAI was one of 62 firms named as Platinum Source Preferred Suppliers for 2008.
   LAI has received similar recognition from Lockheed Martin and the Boeing Company. 
   LAI has a multi-year contract to manufacture 21 different highly engineered, precision-machined titanium and aluminum structural panels that fit on the airframe of three variants of the advanced attack aircraft F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet — a Conventional Take-Off and Landing aircraft for the  U.S. Air Force, a Carrier Variant for the U.S. Navy; and a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Navy.
   LAI has collaborated with its customers to engineer the panels for manufacturability, and the LAI team coordinates supply chain management of several manufacturing processes — including hot-forming, CNC machining, chemical milling, finishing and five-axis precision waterjet drilling — to supply completed components for assembly on the aircraft.
   “A review of your product history for the previous 12 months reflects sustained excellence as a supplier of quality products and on-time delivery to Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems,” John Saliture, Director, Supplier Quality for Northrop Grumman, said in a letter to LAI. “The Platinum Source Supplier Award is recognition for your high level of quality and delivery performance as a Northrop Grumman I.S. Supplier.”
   The awards recognize companies for achieving distinction in product quality, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and robust lean processes. The organization has reshaped itself in recent months to be better aligned with market conditions, Chuck Wands, sector vice president, business management and chief financial officer for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said.
   “A more streamlined organization will better position our sector for future growth,” said Wands. “In order to achieve that, however, we must have absolutely flawless performance on our existing programs — and our suppliers have always played a critical role in helping us to accomplish that. They are our partners in the truest sense of the word, and share Northrop Grumman’s commitment to value and customer satisfaction.” 
   Lisa Kohl, vice president, Global Supply Chain, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said the companies honored at the event represent “the best of the best,” and the current economic climate has underscored their importance. 
   “Building honest, lasting relationships with our suppliers has always been a key part of who we are as a company,” Kohl said. “Your recognition here today is testimony to your hard work, know-how and your dedication to being a valued part of the Northrop Grumman product team. We look forward to your continued partnership with the Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems team.” 
   The awards program is an outgrowth of the company’s strategic sourcing initiative, an effort that began in 2003 to build stronger long-term relationships with suppliers. Under this initiative, every supplier is graded on parameters such as quality, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction and participation in affordability initiatives.    

About LAI International
   LAI is the premier manufacturer of precision engineered components and assemblies for aerospace, power generation, defense and other advanced technology industries. Its technology, engineering and manufacturing solutions are the lifeblood of airframes, aircraft engines, power generators, defense systems and other mission-critical applications.
   The company 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 U.S. manufacturing facilities, 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 in 1979
- Five U.S. manufacturing facilities: Phoenix, Tucson, Minneapolis, Westminster, Md., and Scarborough, Maine
- Corporate headquarters located in Scottsdale, Ariz.
- All facilities ISO 9001:2000 | AS9100 certified
- Lockheed Martin Corporate STAR Supplier
- Northrop Grumman Platinum Supplier
- Inc. 5,000 fastest-growing company award winner, 2007 and 2008