Park Electrochemical Corp. (NYSE: PKE) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Park Aerospace Structures Corp., was selected by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) as its 2009 Research and Development Supplier of the Year for work related to fabricating a motor cage structure and a system of composite struts for the Max Launch Abort System (“MLAS”) program.
This series of structures was a key enabler to ensure the MLAS vehicle maintains the required launch trajectory. The MLAS is being evaluated by NASA as an alternate launch abort system. The MLAS is of possible future interest due to expected aerodynamic advantages and weight savings. It would also eliminate the need for a launch abort tower for the Orion Crew Module.
Northrop Grumman selected Park Aerospace Structures Corp. out of a total supplier base of approximately 1,700 companies. Gregory Strand, Vice President of Aerospace Structures Marketing and Engineering of Park Electrochemical Corp., Timothy Slipp, Vice President of Park Aerospace Structures Corp., and Eric Olason, Program Manager at Park Aerospace Structures Corp., received the award on behalf of the company on April 28 at a luncheon sponsored by Northrop Grumman in Los Angeles.
Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector developed its Supplier of the Year program to recognize the critical role its suppliers play in the delivery of high-performance products Northrop Grumman produces for U.S. and international customers. To be considered for a Supplier of the Year award, a company must demonstrate consistently superior performance in delivering products and services.
“Northrop Grumman has always been rigorous in its selection of suppliers, so your recognition here today is testimony to your hard work, know-how and your dedication to being a valued part of the Northrop Grumman product team,” said Lisa Kohl, Vice President, Global Supply Chain, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
Northrop Grumman also named Park Aerospace Structures Corp. one of its 2009 Platinum Source Preferred suppliers.
Brian Shore, Park Electrochemical Corp.’s President and CEO, said, “We are so very honored and gratified to have been selected for this award by Northrop Grumman for work on the MLAS program. Actually, it is truly an honor for us to even be involved in such a wonderful program at all.”
Source: http://www.parkelectro.com/