SPRING, Texas, Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to serve as the systems integrator in the early stage development of a next-generation open and secure automation system for process industries.  Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will be responsible for the advanced processing architecture working with EMRE in this pre-development phase.  As part of this research phase, Lockheed Martin will be conducting an Industry Day on Jan. 26, 2016 and will solicit Requests for Information (RFIs) from industry in support of the new system.

"We continue to challenge ourselves by looking at existing processes and finding new and more innovative ways of working using both internal and external ideas," said Vijay Swarup, vice president of Research and Development at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company. "This breakthrough initiative could help transform refining and chemical manufacturing through the use of high-speed computational components, modular software, open standards, and the use of autonomous tools."

Working with Lockheed Martin, ExxonMobil's goal is to design a new architecture that will control and optimize refining and chemical manufacturing facilities while enabling future equipment and information services such as preventative maintenance and fleet optimization. The design and implementation is based on architecture standards that will ensure modularity, interoperability, extensibility, reuse, portability, and scalability of the new system.

"Lockheed Martin is a leader in providing open architecture and secure processing solutions for our customers," said Paula Hartley, vice president of Advanced Product Solutions for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training. "The advantages of our secure commercial processing experience combined with the expertise in applying open architecture standards provides a low risk solution for the ExxonMobil process control requirements."    

The automation platform will provide several sources of value for industrial manufacturers. The platform can be designed with intrinsic cybersecurity protection that is adaptable to emerging threats. The architecture will also promote competition and innovation in the marketplace. Lastly, interoperability, modularity and adherence to industry standards will lower the cost of integrating new system components or replacing legacy platforms.

Companies interested in additional information on the upcoming Industry Day and RFIs, contact: dennis.stevens@lmco.com.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky – employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) scientists, chemists and engineers are pursuing energy innovations to help improve the quality of life and drive economic growth and advancement throughout the world.  EMRE is home to ExxonMobil's research team that is focused on long-term technical leadership and creating strategic science-based opportunities.   EMRE also licenses technologies that provide significant value while improving safety, reliability and energy efficiency.  For more information, visit:  www.exxonmobil.com.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin