LAI Awarded Contract with Lockheed-Martin

LAI International, Inc., announced recently that it has been awarded a three year manufacturing contract worth $5.2 million from Lockheed-Martin to produce titanium skins for the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter aircraft.

Known as the world's largest combined laser and waterjet machining service provider, LAI was established in Maryland in 1979 and built its flagship plant in Westminster, Md., in 1984.

"These components were identified by Lockheed-Martin as some of the most difficult skins to produce for the F-22 program," said John Hartley, LAI's Director of Aerospace Products. "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, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota earned Lockheed's Raptor of Distinction Subcontractor Award in 2004 for its manufacturing excellence in producing components for the F-22 Raptor. Although the work for this contract will be completed at their Midwest facility, sources from the company report that due to the increased workload, portions of an existing Lockheed-Martin contract will be moved to its' Westminster, MD plant as early as this year.

LAI operates four manufacturing facilities nationwide, including LAI East, Westminster, Md.; LAI Midwest, Minneapolis, Minn.; LAI Southwest, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Southwestern Laser, Tucson, Ariz. LAI was acquired in 2005 by Spell Capital Partners, LLC, Minneapolis, Minn. Their corporate headquarters are located in Scottsdale, Ariz.

LAI specializes in precision waterjet processing and laser machining to manufacture complete components for aerospace, automotive, defense, electronics, medical, power generation and other industries.

The company provides High-Definition Waterjet MachiningTM, and precision waterjet cutting and drilling services. They also offer advanced laser machining services, including high-speed cutting, small-hole drilling, precision welding and localized heat-treating.

LAI provides complete supply chain management for its customers, from acquiring and processing raw materials into final products to manufacturing finished assemblies.

On the web: www.laico.com

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