Boeing

ITAJUBÁ, Minas Gerais, Brazil, May 14, 2012 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] Super Hornet industry partner Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC] has signed Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with two Itajubá-based companies that could expand their precision-machining opportunities in the global aerospace and defense industries. The MOAs with GNS Industry and Trade and RCS Precision Machining and Maintenance outline plans for each company to explore work packages with Northrop Grumman and its suppliers for precision-machined aluminum components and subassemblies.

"GNS and RCS are experienced precision-machining manufacturers for the automotive, oil and steel industries, and have already made forays into aerospace," said Steve Hogan, Northrop Grumman vice president and program manager, F/A-18 Programs. "Our machining specialists view both of these companies as well positioned for expanded opportunities in the aerospace and defense industries."

The MOAs resulted from a March 2012 assessment of companies in the state of Minas Gerais that evaluated local aerospace capabilities and identified opportunities to work with Boeing, its Super Hornet industry partners and their extended network of suppliers. The Boeing-led assessment and resulting collaborations are part of ongoing industrial engagement throughout Brazil in support of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet bid in Brazil's F-X2 fighter jet campaign.

"Brazilian companies continue to demonstrate their aerospace capabilities, and Boeing and its industry partners are committed to identifying opportunities for them to work with us and our suppliers," said Megan Weinstock, manager of Supplier Management in support of International Strategic Partnerships for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "These endeavors are key to forging long-term business relationships with companies that can help us offer the right solutions to our customers."

Northrop Grumman manufactures the Super Hornet center and aft fuselage and vertical stabilizers.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Contact:

Marcia Costley
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 562-797-7281
Mobile: +1 714-316-4267
marcia.b.costley@boeing.com

Kirsti Dunn
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Office: +1 301-373-2388 x2722
Mobile: +1 301-769-1068
kirsti.dunn@ngc.com