Lockheed Martin's Central Florida units will recognize 14 companies as their outstanding small business providers for 2008. Executives from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support will present awards to this year's winners at a banquet tonight in Orlando.

Each year, Lockheed Martin companies around the nation select small businesses that have consistently provided outstanding support and products during the past year. Though Lockheed Martin has thousands of suppliers, only a select few are recognized for superior quality in goods and service.

"Small business partners bring a unique skill set to our products and services and help us meet the requirements of our military customers," said Dale Bennett, president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support. "We have developed a long and valuable relationship with them and take pride in recognizing the significant role they play in the success of our customers and our corporation."

"Small businesses are critical partners in developing new technologies for the nation's Armed Forces," said Tom Simmons, vice president of Fire Control for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Their skill and dedication support us in providing the most innovative solutions and capabilities to our customers. This award celebrates their contributions and commitment to excellence."

The small businesses recognized this year include: Apex Machine Tool Company Farmington, CT; Bay Tech Industries, Inc., Tampa, FL; Audio Visual Innovation, Inc., Tampa, FL; Collins Manufacturing Apopka, FL; Victory Supply, Sanford, FL; Craig Technologies, Cape Canaveral, FL; Magnus Hitech Industries, Inc., Melbourne, FL; S F I, Inc., Orlando, FL; Aphelion Precision Technologies Corporation, Wheeling, IL; Lattice Materials LLC, Bozeman, MT; Haigh-Farr, Incorporated, Bedford, NH; HDL Research Lab, Inc., Brenham, TX; Williams-Pyro, Inc., Ft. Worth, TX; and Plastic Molded Concepts, Eagle, WI.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin