STRATFORD, Connecticut - 

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced the certification of the Cherokee Nation Industries’ facility in Stilwell, Okla., as a UTC Supplier Gold site. Cherokee Nation Industries becomes the 15^th Sikorsky supplier to achieve this milestone for superior operational performance. The Supply Management Council for UTC granted the certification to the Cherokee Nation Industries’ Stilwell facility based on criteria including best-in-class performance in quality, delivery, lean techniques and customer satisfaction.

Robert M. Anderson, Chief Procurement Officer of the Avionics Product Center at Sikorsky, said, “Cherokee Nation Industries, a small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise located in Stilwell, Oklahoma, has achieved UTC Supplier Gold status by demonstrating during the preceding 12 months zero quality defects, 100 percent on-time delivery, continual process improvement in a lean culture, and overall strong customer satisfaction in connection with the manufacturing of main wiring harnesses for the MH-60S SEAHAWK^®and S-92^® aircraft.”

Cherokee Nation Industries’ Aerospace and Defense business unit has a 42-year history as a contract manufacturer and integrator of electro-mechanical assemblies. The company’s core business is comprised of distribution, kitting and manufacturing of: cable assemblies and wire harness assemblies, interconnect solutions, electronic racks, electric panels and enclosures, power distribution, electro-mechanical assemblies, and “Build To Print” products.

Drawing on its in-house capabilities, Cherokee Nation Industries, an AS9100 certified company, has a rich history of supplying products to the commercial and defense aerospace industries. Past performance has included prime and subcontracting manufacturing for the Department of Defense, and for many of the leading aerospace and defense contractors including Sikorsky. Cherokee Nation Industries’ Aerospace and Defense business unit utilizes an AS9100 certified quality system.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.