IRVING, Texas and OWEGO, N.Y., Feb. 8, 2018 – ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) Research and Engineering Company awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) multiple contracts to design, develop and integrate an early stage, next-generation, open and secure automation control system to assist with plant optimization and other operational enhancements. Advances in computer hardware, software, networking and security, coupled with increasing global competition and cybersecurity risks, have driven the process industry to consider ways to update the design and maintenance of these systems, which serve as the eyes and ears inside industrial manufacturing facilities. 

“We are pleased with the progress made to date on the project in support of the ExxonMobil’s Open Process Automation initiative,” said John Contrata, director of Open Systems Processing at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. “We look forward to working with ExxonMobil to demonstrate key attributes of the system such as interoperability, modularity and portability.” 

Working with ExxonMobil, Lockheed Martin is developing an open and secure automation architecture during the proof-of-concept phase. As part of this phase, Lockheed Martin developed a base design, established a systems integration laboratory in Owego, New York, and has selected 10 suppliers (ABB, ANSYS, AspenTech, Inductive Automation, Intel, nxtControls, R Stahl, RTI, Schneider Electric and WindRiver) to provide subsystems, hardware and software components that will be integrated as part of a proof-of-concept demonstration.

ExxonMobil and Lockheed Martin have made a number of advances in developing a secure, affordable, interoperable and portable proof-of-concept system since announcing the joint initiative in January 2016.  

The automation platform is critical for industrial manufacturers. It can be designed with intrinsic cybersecurity protection that is adaptable to emerging threats. Coupled with interoperability, modularity and adherence to industry standards, it will lower the cost of integrating new system components and associated maintenance.

“ExxonMobil believes that we have a once in a generation opportunity to make a step change improvement in our process automation systems,” said Kenny Warren, vice president of engineering for ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company in Spring, Texas. “Our vision for a standards-based, open, interoperable and secure automation architecture addresses both technical and commercial challenges of current systems. This transformation is imperative for competitiveness of both end-users and suppliers in this new digital age.”

ExxonMobil will present the proof-of-concept at the February 2018 ARC Industrial Automation Conference in Orlando, Florda. The next phase in this critical program will include field trials of prototype platforms to move toward technical readiness. ExxonMobil is actively seeking end user collaboration partners from any industry to participate in pioneer open system field trials in their respective facilities. 

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For more information visit: www.lockheedmartin.com.

About ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (EMRE) scientists, chemists and engineers are pursuing energy innovations to help improve the quality of life and drive economic growth and advancement throughout the world. EMRE is home to ExxonMobil's research team that is focused on long-term technical leadership and creating strategic science-based opportunities. EMRE also licenses technologies that provide significant value while improving safety, reliability and energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.

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