IndustryWeek has selected two separate Lockheed Martin facilities in Orlando and Ocala, FL, as award winners in its 2007 Best Plants competition. This is the first time in the program's 18-year history that one company has placed two sites on the list of top 10 best plants in the country.

"We believe [Lockheed Martin's] facilities are pacesetters among North American manufacturers in terms of operational strategy, production practices and performance, and will continue to lead the way in the future," said Jill Jusko, IndustryWeek Best Plants director.

"Our employees in Orlando and Ocala are honored to receive these prestigious awards," said Mike Bennett, executive vice president of Operations for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "To receive one placement on the list would have been an honor; placing two facilities is truly remarkable. These awards acknowledge our teams' commitment to excellence and continued improvement in manufacturing."

IndustryWeek's Best Plants award program, which names 10 winners each year, recognizes world class North American plants on the leading edge of manufacturing excellence, with ongoing efforts to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction and create stimulating and rewarding work environments.

Approximately 165 plants were initially nominated, with the top 10 winners announced on December 19, 2007. Application materials detailed accomplishments related to quality, employee involvement, customer and supplier relations, productivity, cost reductions, inventory management, responsiveness, environmental and safety performance, new product development and overall market results.

The Orlando manufacturing facility was selected for its efficient and strategic manufacturing processes that empower the company to capitalize on emerging technologies. The facility manufactures, assembles, integrates, tests and delivers extremely reliable and cost-effective electro-optical targeting and navigation systems and missile electronics. By leveraging common processes, flexible lean manufacturing and highly trained personnel second to none in the defense industry, its products exceed expectations and give customers an unprecedented ability to fight, win and survive.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control located in Ocala produces complex precision, electro-optical, mechanical and electronic subsystems. The Ocala facility's relentless focus on continuous improvement through lean thinking and practices allows them to supply cost efficient and quality hardware to a wide range of internal and external customers.

In addition to its Orlando and Ocala plants, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Camden, AR, and Troy, AL, have also been honored by IndustryWeek as being among the top 10 plants in America in 2006 and 1997 respectively.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, 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