FORT WORTH, Texas, March 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has been recognized with three 2014 Manufacturing Leadership Awards (ML Awards) recognizing achievements in advanced manufacturing, environmentally friendly practices and customer relationships. The ML Awards are administered by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, Frost & Sullivan – a global business leadership network.

"We're honored to receive this recognition for our focus on delivering quality products with efficiency and full respect for the environment," said Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president for Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics business. "Our innovations improve quality, reduce cost and address our customers' most pressing needs."

Lockheed Martin leadership in the production of stealth, or low-observable, aircraft led to continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in robotic spray and mold-in-place automated equipment and techniques that apply precise amounts of low-observable material on aircraft parts. In addition to the precision applications, the techniques support Lockheed Martin's environmental "Go Green" initiative by significantly reducing material waste and volatile organic compound emissions. This initiative earned the ML Award for Sustainability Leadership.

Another production technique involves machining titanium. Lockheed Martin was a major player in developing Cryogenic Machining, supporting the initial Small Business Innovative Research and later creating a mentor-protege effort with a supplier to foster the technology. The new machining technology uses liquid nitrogen as a coolant, instead of traditional coolants, which allows the machining tools to work faster and longer. In addition to reducing costs and production time, the liquid nitrogen process eliminates the hazardous waste associated with conventional coolants. This achievement earned the ML Award for Engineering & Production Technology Leadership.

The ML Award for Customer Value Leadership recognizes Lockheed Martin's implementation of an earned value management system that provides timely calculations of physical percent completion of work compared to the plan using Manufacturing Resource Planning details, and gives the customer clear visibility to the integrated performance status at an aircraft component level. At the time of certification, the Defense Contract Management Agency said Lockheed Martin's methodical approach to the planning and control of work will undoubtedly position itself for success and to be emulated by others.

Manufacturing Leadership Awards:

The Manufacturing Leadership Awards honor companies and individuals that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. Award nominees describe their breakthrough projects using the nomination form. Nominations for breakthrough projects are entered into specific categories and evaluated by a panel of expert judges. Seven of the ML Awards categories are for outstanding projects undertaken and completed by a manufacturing company. Four of the categories recognize the achievements of individual manufacturing executives.

For more information, go to: http://mlawards.gilcommunity.com/

About the Manufacturing Leadership Council

The Manufacturing Leadership Council, Frost & Sullivan, is the world's first member-driven, global business leadership network dedicated to senior executives in the manufacturing industry. The Manufacturing Leadership Council's mission is to help senior executives define and shape a better future for themselves, their organizations, and the industry at large. The Council produces an extensive portfolio of leadership networking, information and professional development products, programs, and services -- including the Manufacturing Executive Website, an online global business network with 5,300 members around the world; the Manufacturing Leadership Council, an invitation-only executive organization of over 100 members; the annual Manufacturing Leadership Summit – Bold Ideas for a Better Future; the Manufacturing Leadership Awards, celebrating industry achievement; and the thought-leading Manufacturing Leadership Journal. More information on www.MLCouncil.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies? Contact us: Start the discussion

About Lockheed Martin:

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 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 2013 were $45.4 billion.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company