FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 16, 2014 – The first vertical tails manufactured by Australian company, Marand, were installed Nov. 13 on the F-35 Lightning II known as AF-73 in Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas.
The installation of these first major air frame components marks an important production milestone for Marand, BAE Systems and Australia, demonstrating the significant industrial benefits the F-35 program brings to the growing Australian aerospace industry. The work on the F-35 vertical tails is subcontracted to Marand by BAE Systems and is one of the largest planned manufacturing projects for the F-35 in Australia, with 722 ship sets planned.
“We are proud of this incredible milestone for our team and for the work our company has done to establish a unique capability in the field of aerostructures manufacturing. The Marand team has risen to the challenge of doing incredible work thanks to the support from BAE Systems,” said Marand Chief Executive Officer, Rohan Stocker. “Our work not only serves the Australian Defence industry, but also creates high technology Australian jobs.”
The F-35 Lightning II aircraft will provide the Royal Australian Air Force with a transformational 5thgeneration fighter capability and provides significant benefits to the Australian aerospace industry, with more than $412 million (USD) already contracted.
Background Information
About Marand
Marand designs and manufactures complex and innovative equipment and know how to the aerospace, defence, automotive, rail and renewable energy industries. Our customer base includes companies such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Boeing, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.
Our expertise in applying innovative manufacturing and production techniques, with precision where needed, delivers substantial financial benefits to our customers. This has resulted in Marand being the largest Australian supplier on the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter programme. In addition to the F-35 Vertical Tails programme, Marand is the global sole source of the F-35 engine removal and installation trailer.
About BAE Systems
At BAE Systems, we serve the needs of our customers by delivering a wide range of advanced defence, aerospace and security solutions that provide a performance edge. We work together with local partners to develop, engineer, manufacture and support the innovations that increase defence sovereignty, sustain economies and safeguard commercial interests. With some 84,600 employees in six continents, we are committed to creating solutions that protect and strengthen nations, commerce, communities and people.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 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.
Media Contacts
Marand
Alex Lyon
+61 417 384 223
Email alexl@marand.com.au
Lockheed Martin
Laurie Tortorello
+ 1-817-899-8153
Email laurie.a.tortorello@lmco.com
BAE Systems
Adam Morrison
+44 (0) 7525 390393
Email Adam.morrison@baesystems.com
Please visit our website: www.f35.com
