Lockheed Martin , prime contractor and systems integrator for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System, has selected its award-winning manufacturing facility in Camden, AR, to build the THAAD launcher and Fire Control and Communications (TFCC) unit.

Initially, 35 new jobs will be created to support the program with production taking place in the 200,000 square-foot Launcher Integration Complex. Camden Operations currently has an employment population of 450. Employment at the facility could grow to more than 500 by 2010.

At a ceremony in the Camden Launcher Complex, elected officials from Arkansas, Missile Defense Agency officials, Lockheed Martin executives and employees celebrated the facilities newest product.

"The hardworking employees of Lockheed Martin's Camden Operations understand the importance of providing our troops with the very best equipment and technology in order to achieve their mission," said U.S. Senator Mark Pryor. "I'm proud their facility was chosen for this exciting new product, it's a win-win for national defense and the surrounding Camden community."

"Lockheed Martin and the Highland Industrial Park in East Camden play a vital role in our national defense, and this announcement is a testament to the exceptional work of the employees of Lockheed Martin," said U.S. Congressman Mike Ross. "I commend Lockheed Martin for recognizing the value of the skilled workforce here in East Camden, and I am proud that they are making this further investment here in Arkansas which will provide continued economic growth and the important production of necessary resources to protect our nation and our troops."

"Camden's outstanding employees consistently perform at a world-class level because they know what's at stake. They are dedicated to producing systems that perform in those defining moments on the battlefield when lives are on the line. That's what makes this workforce so incredible," said Norm Anderson, general manager - Lockheed Martin Camden Operations.

In 2006, Lockheed Martin's Camden Operations was selected as one of INDUSTRYWEEK magazine's "Top Ten Best Plants." The Camden plant was selected from more than 200 potential candidate facilities across North America.

Camden Operations is a 10-time winner of the Employee Involvement Association's (EIA) Performance Excellence Award. Camden Operations has been recognized by the Center for Suggestion System Development (CSSD) as a Best Practice among suggestion programs, and has received CSSD's Best of the Best Awards for employee participation and strong management support.

The facility produces the battle-proven Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launcher and a family of munitions, which includes the Guided MLRS Unitary Rocket, and the now battle-proven, lightweight High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Launcher, which fires MLRS rockets and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. Camden is also the home of the battle-proven Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile, which has been in production since late 2001.

THAAD is designed to defend U.S. troops, allied forces, population centers and critical infrastructure against short- to intermediate range ballistic missiles. THAAD comprises a fire control and communications system, interceptors, launchers and a radar. The THAAD interceptor uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and is the only weapon system that engages threat ballistic missiles at both endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes.

A key element of the nation's Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), THAAD is a Missile Defense Agency program, with the program office located in Huntsville, AL. The agency is developing a BMDS to defend the United States, its deployed forces, friends and allies against ballistic missiles of all ranges and in all phases of flight.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our Web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin