ARCHBALD, Pa., Jan. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) Archbald, Pa., facility was selected as one of IndustryWeek magazine's "Best Plants" for 2013.

Each year, IndustryWeek's Best Plants program recognizes facilities on the leading edge of manufacturing and operational excellence, with ongoing efforts to increase competitiveness, enhance customer satisfaction, and create stimulating and rewarding work environments.

"The 2013 IndustryWeek Best Plants winners are shining examples of the operational excellence that thrives among North American manufacturers," said IndustryWeek senior editor Jill Jusko. "We applaud the commitment of leadership and team members at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Archbald, Pa., to excellence today and continued improvement going forward."

The approximately 420 employees at Missiles and Fire Control's Archbald facility design and manufacture precision-guided weapon systems and nuclear systems for military and civil customers.

A key factor contributing to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's Archbald Operation's recognition was a highly motivated workforce focused on continuous improvement using lean principles. The plant's use of integrated program teams to keep employees engaged; provide them with the knowledge, training, and tools to perform; enable them to assess performance against goals and objectives; and empower them to implement improvements, was also a contributing factor.

"This award recognizes the Lockheed Martin Archbald team and their commitment to excellence in support of our customers," said David Opalka, acting site director for Lockheed Martin's Archbald facility. "In military and nuclear energy environments, lives depend on our products working each and every time. Our culture of continuous improvement ensures that our manufacturing teams maintain the high level of quality and performance that our customers require."

In addition to the Archbald facility, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Troy, Ala., Camden, Ark., Orlando and Ocala, Fla., and Lufkin, Texas, have received IndustryWeek's Best Plants award. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control was a 2012 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for performance excellence as well.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

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http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin