Monday, September 14, 2009

Next months to seal fate of Boeing C-17

* U.S. orders needed to keep line running
* 20-30 international orders possible
(Adds interview details, background, byline; previous dateline WASHINGTON)
By Andrea Shalal-Esa
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) (BA.N) said on Monday its C-17 transport plane program is at a critical juncture and the next months will determine the fate of the company's production line beyond July 2011. Barring further orders from the U.S. Air Force, the production line is facing a shutdown in July 2011, even though the company believes it could sell 20 to 30 aircraft overseas in coming years, said Tommy Dunehew, vice president of business development for the Boeing program.
"We need a U.S. line open and U.S. orders to keep the place open. International by itself doesn't do it," he told Reuters in an interview at the annual Air Force Association meeting.
Dunehew said the company was anxiously awaiting the outcome of House-Senate negotiations on the fiscal 2010 defense appropriations bill. The House added three aircraft to its bill, while the Senate added 10. "We'll make our decisions based on what comes out of that," he said.
Boeing has said it ideally needs about 15 aircraft orders to maintain an economically viable production line, but Dunehew said it would probably be able to continue building airplanes if the order was around 10 to 12, especially if there were some near-term certain foreign orders in the offing.
If Congress approved funding for two to three planes, then Boeing would likely add those orders to the end of the current production run, and move to shut down the line, Dunehew said. Each aircraft order extended the line for three weeks, so an order for three more planes would add nine weeks, he said.
The company had promising prospects for international sales and was in talks with several customers in the Middle East and elsewhere, he said, noting that Qatar had an option for two more planes, and Britain was expected to order two more.
Boeing was also closely watching developments in Europe, where the A400 military transport being developed by EADS (EAD.PA) has run into big delays, which could generate demand for C-17s until the European planes are available.
But foreign orders alone could not sustain the line, because they were too unpredictable and generally too small.
Shutting and restarting production would be prohibitively expensive, he said. Earlier estimates by the Government Accountability Office put the cost at around $2 billion.
"Right now we're in a critical stage of the program," Dunehew said, noting that Boeing was already using its own funds to maintain suppliers since the program has a two-year build cycle. "We have to look at the reality of our business situation over the next month or two."
The U.S. Air Force has said it does not want to buy any more C-17s beyond the ones already on order, but U.S. lawmakers have continued to earmark funding for dozens of planes in recent years to maintain jobs on the program.
A study of the Pentagon's mobility needs, due in December, could spawn further orders for the C-17, especially if the Air Force decided to retire 59 aging C-5A transport planes made by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), Dunehew said.
The Pentagon's Quadrennial Defense Review, which is due to wrap up this fall in time to inform the fiscal 2011 budget process, could also point to further C-17 orders.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Richard Chang)

Engine issue should not delay U.S. F-35 flight tests

* F-35 on track to meet cost and schedule targets
* Air Force official "not losing sleep" over engine issue
* Pratt says manufacturing defect possible
(Adds comments from Pratt official, byline)
By Andrea Shalal-Esa
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Sept 14 (Reuters) - A problem with the F135 engine built by United Technologies Corp (UTX.N) for the F-35 fighter should not delay the program's flight test schedule, a senior program official said on Monday. Air Force Major General C.D. Moore, the program's deputy executive officer, told reporters on Monday that he remained confident that the $300 billion Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) program could meet its cost and schedule targets.
Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies unit, on Sunday said part of an F135 engine was damaged during testing on Friday, and work was underway to determine the cause.
Moore said he was optimistic about resolving the issue because an earlier version of the engine had already passed the certification testing. "I'm not losing sleep over it," he told Reuters after the news conference.
Moore declined comment when asked if the event could spur additional support for an alternate engine being developed by General Electric Co (GE.N) and Britain's Rolls-Royce Group PLC (RR.L), which the Obama administration has targeted for cuts.
The Pentagon has long advocated halting the alternate engine program -- which Congress initiated and has funded for years despite White House opposition -- and proceeding with a single engine. Many other weapons programs had been successful with one engine, he said.
But Moore conceded the timing of the engine incident was unfortunate. "This could be a nonissue, but it's the political implications that go with it," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates last month threw his support behind the F-35 program and said the most high-risk issues facing the fighter were behind it, but congressional aides seized on the latest Pratt engine problem as evidence that more issues could arise.
Pratt already had to redesign part of the engine after a problem arose during testing in 2007, an effort that added hundreds of millions to program costs and delayed flight tests of the short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) variant.
Eric Branyan, Lockheed's deputy program manager for the F-35, said a first vertical landing by the short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) variant had slipped again to late October or early November. The test was initially scheduled for May, then slipped to September.
Moore said officials did not want to rush into the test.
A high-level Pentagon team visited the Pratt factory last week to study an expected surge in projected costs for the engine, but Pratt officials said the visit went well.
William Begert, vice president of business development for the company, said Pratt was working to lower longer-term costs through engineering and manufacturing improvements.
He said a big part of the $1.9 billion in the program's cost growth had been due to factors beyond Pratt's control, including foreign exchange fluctuations on the lift fan, which is produced by Rolls-Royce for both engine teams.
Several hundred million dollars more stemmed from engineering changes needed to add power to the engine after the airplane grew heavier, he said.
Begert said the engine damaged during test was arriving at another Pratt facility in Connecticut this week, and officials should have a good idea pretty quickly what went wrong.
He said he would be surprised if the problem turned out to be a design issue since an earlier version of the engine had passed testing and was now being used in flight tests. "This is unlike the third blade problem" of 2007, he said.
More likely, he said, it was a one-off manufacturing defect.
Lockheed is developing three radar-evading F-35 models to replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially. The United States plans to buy 2,443 F-35s for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, with purchases by eight partner nations to boost production to around 3,000. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)

Air France-KLM in talks to invest in JAL: source

NEW YORK (Reuters) September 14, 2009,- Air France-KLM (Paris:AIRF.PA - News) is in talks with Japan Airlines (Tokyo:9205.T - News) to form an alliance by injecting a few hundred million dollars and taking a minority stake in the struggling carrier, a source familiar with the matter said. Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL - News) and American Airlines (NYSE:AMR - News) are in separate "early stage" talks with Japan Airlines, said the source, who declined to be identified because the talks have not been made public.
The carriers are discussing an investment of $200 million to $300 million each, in exchange for a minority stake and a code-sharing relationship, but talks are fluid and the numbers could change every day, the source said.
The Japanese government prefers Delta Air Lines or Air France-KLM, which it views as financially healthier than American Airlines, the source said.
But JAL prefers American Airlines, with which it has an existing partnership through the Oneworld alliance, the source said. JAL and American have been code-sharing partners for a decade.
JAL, Asia's largest airline by revenue, lost about $1 billion last quarter and is under growing pressure to raise money and slash costs after securing a 100 billion yen ($1.1 billion) government-backed credit line earlier this year.
Japan's transport ministry regulates JAL and could play a key role in which airline is chosen as JAL's partner.
(Reporting by Jui Chakravorty; Editing by Richard Chang)

Boeing: no big changes to 767, 777 for US tanker

* No "Franken-tanker" this time - Boeing exec
* Boeing unsure whether 767 or 777 will be offered
* Air Force: No impact from WTO ruling
* Boeing determined to learn lessons from past bid
(Adds Boeing comments from interview)
By Andrea Shalal-Esa
NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N) does not plan any major modifications to its 767 or larger 777 aircraft in competing for the U.S. Air Force's multibillion-dollar aerial tanker contract, a Boeing executive said on Monday. After Boeing's proposal was downgraded during the last competition for risk associated with planned modifications to its 767 aircraft, the company will not go that route again.
"We're not doing the Franken-tanker," said Rick Lemaster, Boeing program manager for the tanker project, using a word coined by critics who said Boeing's last bid was a horror made up of parts from different models of the 767.
Lemaster told reporters at the annual Air Force Association conference just outside Washington that his company is waiting to see the Air Force's final list of requirements for the tanker before deciding whether to bid its 767 or 777 model.
Boeing would not offer a plane with major modifications, regardless of which aircraft it decided upon. For example, Boeing will not offer to install a different wing for the tanker competition, Lemaster said.
U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said the service was close to releasing its draft request for proposals (RFP) in the tanker contest, which will pit Boeing against Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) and its European partner, Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA).
Donley said the Air Force sees no need to add specific language to the RFP document as a result of a World Trade Organization ruling this month which found Airbus benefited from some illegal subsidies. Boeing supporters argue that the WTO decision should be factored into the tanker competition.
Donley said the WTO decision was preliminary, and would be followed by another case, brought by the European Union, which charged Boeing also benefited from illegal subsidies. "We see no need to make immediate adjustments in the RFP," he said.
LESSONS LEARNED
Boeing is determined to learn lessons from its failed bid in the last competition for a $35 billion deal to build some 179 tankers needed by the Air Force for mid-air refueling, Lemaster said. The winning bid chosen that time -- and later canceled -- was from Northrop and EADS.
Boeing, in that competition, offered a modified 767 aircraft because it was convinced the Air Force did not want a bigger aircraft like the 777.
Lemaster said Boeing had gained experience building 767 tankers for Italy and Japan over the past four to five years, and was confident the company could adapt its refueling technologies to the larger 777, if that aircraft appeared to better meet the Air Force's requirements.
"What we propose to the Air Force will be a low-risk solution," he said.
Lemaster rejected a suggestion that Boeing would offer the Air Force a less capable tanker than before. "This is not a dumbed-down tanker," he told Reuters in a later interview.
Lemaster said the Air Force had tested the Boeing tanker on behalf of the Italian government, and the Navy was due to carry out a similar "military utility observation" soon.
Boeing has built three tankers for Italy and is finishing work on a fourth. The company is waiting for final certification of the aircraft, which would pave the way for the Italian government to begin its acceptance process.
Boeing has delivered three tankers to Japan, and those have been in operational use since April. A fourth tanker is due to be delivered by the end of the year or early next.
Lemaster said Boeing would also put a bigger emphasis on affordability this time since the Northrop aircraft was judged to have a lower life cycle cost in the last competition.
"We're determined not to let that be a lesson that we didn't learn," Lemaster said.
Lemaster said Boeing expected the draft rules to be released later this month, followed by final rules in the following months, with a deadline for submissions by the companies in January and a contract award next summer.
He said the company had not yet decided which engine would power its 777 offering, but was in discussions with all three approved manufacturers: General Electric (GE.N), United Technologies Corp's (UTX.N) Pratt & Whitney unit, and Britain's Rolls-Royce Group PLC (RR.L).
Boeing shares closed 38 cents lower at $50.97 on Monday.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Tim Dobbyn, Bernard Orr)

Northrop Grumman Wins U.S. Navy Engineering and Technical Services Contract

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Sept. 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News) subsidiary AMSEC LLC has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy for Hull, Mechanical, Electrical (HM&E) and Electronic System Alteration Installation Team (AIT) Services.
AMSEC LLC was one of several contractors awarded a five-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, cost plus fixed fee contract that has a combined value of $455 million to all contractors involved.
"AMSEC has more than 28 years of experience delivering complete HM&E services and AIT solutions to the U. S. Fleet," said Harris Leonard, vice president of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and President, AMSEC Operations. "We look forward to expanding our current support to carriers, surface ships, watercraft, cutters and submarines."
AMSEC's portion of the work will be performed at their locations in Norfolk, VA; San Diego; Mayport, FL; Pearl Harbor, HI; Everett, WA and other CONUS and OCONUS locations. The work is expected to be completed by August 2014. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.
"We have developed a first-class rapport with our customer and will continue to foster that relationship," said Chris Fiori, AMSEC's program manager for work performed under this contract.
AMSEC LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman's Shipbuilding sector, is a full-service provider of engineering, logistics and technical support services to the U.S. Navy and maritime industry.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Contact:
Leslie Mitchell-Gallop

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
(757) 463-6666
leslie.mitchell2@ngc.com

Scandal spurs US review of embassy contractors

WASHINGTON, Sept 14 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department will review its use of private contractors at overseas embassies after a scandal over sexual hazing by security guards at the U.S. embassy in Kabul, an official said on Monday.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asked both the State Department and USAID, the government's foreign assistance arm, to take an "across the board" look at how contractors are used and prepare to do more of the jobs themselves, department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
"She has made it a priority to build up the capacities of both agencies to, when appropriate, take on tasks that are now being outsourced," Kelly told a news briefing, adding that the review would be part of a larger, four-year assessment of diplomatic strategies and operations.
Kelly said 12 embassy guards had been removed or resigned following the scandal. The entire senior Kabul management team of the contractor, Virginia-based ArmorGroup, has been replaced and alcohol has been banned at the group's camp, Kelly said.
A watchdog report this month accused ArmorGroup of jeopardizing security at the embassy by understaffing the facility and ignoring lewd, drunken conduct and sexual hazing by some guards -- and provided graphic photos as evidence.
ArmorGroup North America, now owned by Florida-based Wackenhut Services, was also hit by a federal whistle-blower lawsuit that said it had ignored brothel visits by guardsmen and other misconduct because of what a lawyer said was a "myopic preoccupation with profit" in its five-year, $187 million contract with the State Department.
The State Department extended ArmorGroup's contract for another year in June despite citing the firm three months earlier for letting 18 guardposts go unstaffed for 30 hours and other shortcomings.
Kelly said State Department believed the safety of embassy staff was never in jeopardy. "Despite the administrative deficiencies discussed with the contractor, the department did not observe any breaches of security of the mission in Kabul," he said." (Reporting by Andrew Quinn; editing by Alison Williams)

Sypris Awarded Multi-Year Naval Contract

Recorders Used in Anti-Submarine Warfare Analysis Systems
Sypris Electronics, LLC ~ Monday September 14, 2009,
TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced today that it has been awarded a contract from the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic for its Model 101e data recording systems. The three-year contract has a ceiling of approximately $10.5 million if all options are exercised. The award is in support of the Navy’s Tactical Mobile Acoustic Support Systems (TacMASS) Anti-Submarine Warfare Analysis System.
“Sypris is committed to the long-term support of key armed services programs and has supplied technological solutions for the Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems for over 30 years,” stated John Walsh, President of Sypris Electronics. “This award further demonstrates our commitment to the Defense community. Sypris Electronics designs, develops and delivers mission critical systems and services that support and protect the Warfighter.”
Sypris Electronics is a world-class, integrated systems solutions provider. Our ruggedized electronic products, advanced engineering services and complete electronic manufacturing capabilities are aligned to provide our customers the best people, practices and technologies to continually exceed expectations. We consistently promote an agile, innovative culture by strategically partnering with leading-edge technology companies, agencies and universities. With over 40 years of experience, Sypris Electronics is proud to develop, manufacture and integrate leading technologies into mission critical electronics systems that secure America’s interest. Visit www.sypriselectronics.com for additional company information.
Key Word Tags:
Sypris Electronics, Sypris Data Systems, SPAWAR
Contact:
Sypris Electronics, LLCJennifer L. Limeri, Marketing Manager, 813-972-6000

GeoEye Celebrates GeoEye-1 Satellite's First Year in Space

DULLES, Va., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GeoEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: GEOY - News), a premier provider of satellite and aerial-based geospatial information and services, marked the one-year launch anniversary of GeoEye-1, the world's highest resolution and most accurate commercial Earth-imaging satellite. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on September 6, 2008.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh//LA75210)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080625/LAW528LOGO)
"The past year has been an exciting and rewarding one for GeoEye," said Bill Schuster, GeoEye's Chief Operating Officer. "With the launch of GeoEye-1 last September, we put into service the world's most advanced commercial imagery satellite, which is delivering the highest resolution, most accurate color satellite imagery available today."
In celebration of this Sept. 6 anniversary, GeoEye tasked the GeoEye-1 satellite to collect a half-meter resolution image of Madrid, Spain on Sept. 7. The full high-resolution image is featured on GeoEye's corporate home page at: www.geoeye.com, under "Featured Satellite Imagery," along with other stunning images including the 2009 Burning Man Festival, Black Rock Desert, Nevada; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; construction of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic venues, British Colombia; and San Francisco Bay in northern California.
Since its launch, GeoEye-1 has imaged every continent in the world and chronicled several noteworthy events this year, including President Obama's inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. in January. In April, GeoEye-1 photographed a North Korean missile facility just moments before the launch of a long-range missile. The GeoEye-1 satellite has collected approximately 54 million square kilometers of imagery and taken over 200,000 images since its launch.
"The strong partnership between GeoEye and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems delivers tremendous value to our customers," said Dave Shingledecker, Vice President of Integrated Space Systems for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. "We are aligned in our commitment to the imagery market and possess complementary capabilities and business strategies. We have an exciting future as we work together to further enhance commercial imagery."
GeoEye began delivering GeoEye-1 imagery to Google Inc. for both the Google Earth and Google Maps services in March. A sample of images from GeoEye-1, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt; Borneo, Indonesia; Cabo Polonio, Uruguay; and British Columbia, Canada can be seen at http://earth.google.com/geoeye/.
Plans are in development for GeoEye-2, another high-resolution satellite. GeoEye has contracted with ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT - News) to build the GeoEye-2 high-resolution camera and electronics. ITT's work could be used to accelerate the development of GeoEye-2, so that it could begin commercial operations in 2013.
About GeoEye
GeoEye, Inc. is an international information services company serving government and commercial markets. The Company is recognized as one of the geospatial industry's imagery experts, delivering exceptional quality imagery products and solutions to customers around the world. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, the Company has 534 employees, as of June 30, 2009, dedicated to developing best-in-class geospatial, communications and information products, systems and services. The Company provides support to academic institutions and non-governmental organizations through the GeoEye Foundation (http://www.geoeyefoundation.org). GeoEye is a public company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol GEOY. Additional information about GeoEye is available at www.geoeye.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limitation, the words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "will," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements that address operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to growth, expected levels of expenditures, and statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions, or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements and those presented elsewhere by our management from time to time are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2008, which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on April 2, 2009, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, which we filed with the SEC on May 12, 2009 and Aug. 10, 2009, respectively.
A copy of all SEC filings may be obtained from the SEC's EDGAR web site, http://www.sec.gov/,
or by contacting: William L. Warren, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, at 703-480-5672.

CTT Systems: CTT Systems' Zonal Drying Systems to be installed in JET2.COM Boeing 737QC fleet

CTT Systems ~ Monday September 14, 2009,
NYKÖPING, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:
CTT Systems (STO:CTT) today announced that Jet2.com (UK) has placed an order for 7 Zonal Drying™ Systems to be installed in Jet2.com’s B737QC aircraft. The systems, which eliminate condensation in the aircraft, are scheduled for installation during 2009-2010. “We are very pleased that Jet2.com continues to invest in our Zonal Drying™ System based on their experience of the system in their B757s. Jet2.com is a very valuable customer for us and we look forward to be a part of their future business and helping them to keep their costs down,” comments CTT’s VP Sales & Marketing Ulf Liljenberg on today’s order. “With this order for systems to the B737QC we also hope to be able to attract interest from other operators of this specific aircraft type,” continues Ulf Liljenberg
By eliminating condensation in the aircraft both operational and maintenance costs will be lowered through:
• lowered fuel consumption (i.e. lower aircraft weight due to elimination of accumulated water),
• improved operational reliability (i.e. less corrective maintenance)
• consistent insulation performance (i.e. water reduces insulation performance),
Further, the aircraft residual value will be protected or even improved due to reduced corrosive impact over the years. Reduced fuel burn (due to lowered aircraft weight) also has a positive impact on the environment.
CTT’s Zonal Drying™ System has been selected as basic equipment for the new B787 “Dreamliner” and CTT’s humidifiers are options in crew rest compartments and on flight deck. The A380 offers CTT’s humidifiers as option in crew rest compartments. CTT will also supply the Zonal Drying™ system and Humidifiers for the A350 aircraft, as options. A350 will have the Cair™ system, humidification for flight deck, cabin crew rest and specific parts of the passenger cabin available as options. This is the first time an aircraft manufacturer offers humidification for the passenger area.
CTT provides systems for humidity control in aircraft. CTT Systems’ offers the Zonal Drying™ System, and the Cair ™ System. The Zonal Drying™ System eliminates condensation on the aircraft structure and is installed in many aircraft in use today. The Cair™ System provides humidification of the extremely dry first and business class cabins without condensation in long haul aircraft. CTT’s Customers include Boeing, Airbus and many airlines, along with partnerships with Lufthansa Technik. CTT Systems AB is located in Nyköping, Sweden and listed on the Stockholm stock exchange.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
Contact:
CTT Systems AB.

Torbjörn Johansson, President
Tel. +46-155-205901
alt. mobile. +46-70-665 24 46
orUlf Liljenberg,
VP Sales & Marketing
Tel. +46-8-6602159
alt. mobile. +46-70-265 49 00
Also visit: www.ctt.se

Intelligent Decisions Successfully Completes FBI Data Center Relocation and Renovation

ASHBURN, Va., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelligent Decisions, Inc. (ID), a premier global technology solutions provider specializing in Information Technology capabilities, announces that it has successfully completed the relocation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Fort Monmouth Information Technology Center (FMITC) in New Jersey to an undisclosed Information Technology Center on the west coast and then completely renovated the data center.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/PH63489LOGO )
Intelligent Decisions was chosen by STG to manage and execute the Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) Disaster Recovery Relocation Project, under STG's ITES-2S contract with the FBI. This project was divided into two tasks. Task 1 involved the relocation of IT equipment across the country to another data center and Task 2 was a comprehensive renovation of the new data center.
Task 1 required the de-installation, secure transporting, reinstallation, testing and recertification of critical national security IT equipment. The FBI set a strict data center downtime requirement that could not exceed 7 days, and had to take place between the Presidential Inauguration and Super Bowl. ID successfully completed the task of relocating the sensitive equipment from Fort Monmouth, NJ to the west coast, and had the systems reinstalled, tested/certified and running in 5 days.
Task 2 of the project included renovation of an existing data center structure of approximately 15,000 square feet at a government owned facility. ID, acting in the capacity of the general contractor on the project, replaced all the HVAC units, UPS units, flooring, ceilings, walls and Fire Protection System. Intelligent Decisions has an array of scalable fire system solutions that can be integrated into any IT environment.
"ID is very excited to have been given the opportunity to display our creative, IT solutions capabilities on such a highly sensitive national security project," said Mark Whitty, Senior Director of Professional Services at Intelligent Decisions. "It was a very unique project with many variables, so we came up with the idea to use both aircraft and ground vehicles to safely and securely move the equipment to its new home. Under our close supervision, the tasks ran smoothly and were completed on time and on budget."
About Intelligent Decisions, Inc.
Headquartered in Ashburn, VA, Intelligent Decisions (ID), a premier global systems integrator, provides a broad range of innovative, IT professional services, software, hardware and manufacturing solutions to Federal, State and Local governments and Fortune 1000 customers. Ranked on the VARBusiness 500 and CRN's Fast Growth 100, ID offers best-value pricing and helps clients meet their strategic goals and mission objectives.
For more information, visit www.intelligent.net or call toll-free 800-929-8331.
Contact
Brady Kavulic
Intelligent Decisions
Senior Marketing Manager
p)703.554.1619
bkavulic@intelligent.net

Lockheed Martin Achieves ISO 20000 Certification for ITA Program

First program in Lockheed Martin history to achieve milestone
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT - News) has achieved International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 20000 certification for the Information Technology Agency (ITA) program based in the Pentagon. The ISO auditors reviewed more than 70 Lockheed Martin standard operating procedures, providing the customer with the satisfaction and advantage of a third party verification that Lockheed Martin uses the best IT practices in the world to support their mission.
This new certification is fully IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) compliant. As the most widely accepted approach to IT Service management in the world, ITIL provides a cohesive set of best practices, drawn from the public and private sectors internationally, and supported by a comprehensive qualification scheme, accredited training organizations, and implementation and assessment tools.
The ITA-Lockheed Martin program spent six rigorous months of procedure and documentation auditing and on-site compliance verification.
"We are thrilled to have this expansive program accomplish this milestone," said Ron Stefano, Vice President of Enterprise IT at Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services-Defense. "This achievement is a testament that our employees and partners are committed to supporting the ITA's mission and have worked tirelessly to ensure the best practices and solutions are provided to our customer."
Lockheed Martin's ITA program provides network operations maintenance, management, and security support for all security levels of data networks within the Pentagon and the National Capital Region. The program provides constant, round-the-clock support through the Network Operations Security Center. Before achieving ISO 20000, the program had been ISO 9001 certified since October 9, 2003.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 161 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

QD Vision Spotlights Advances in Quantum Dot Technology for Solid State Lighting and Displays at Key Industry Events

WATERTOWN, Mass.-September 14, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--QD Vision (www.qdvision.com), developer of nanotechnology-based products for lighting and displays, has accepted invitations to highlight advances in quantum dot technology at nine major industry events in the next six months.
Since announcing its first product earlier this year – a Quantum Light™ optic for a new LED lamp developed by Nexxus Lighting that combines the warmth and color of incandescent bulbs with the efficiency of LED technology – QD Vision has seen a significant increase in lighting and display industry interest for its quantum dot technology. The company’s Quantum LightTM product line enables major improvements in color quality, brightness and efficiency for solid state lighting and displays, while reducing overall system costs. The Nexxus LED lamp incorporating the Quantum Light™ optic from QD Vision will be commercially available in early 2010.
“The potential improvements in lighting and display system cost, color and efficiency offered by our Quantum LightTM product platform have drawn increasing interest from several prestigious industry organizations, as well as leading companies in general illumination and consumer electronics markets,” said Dr. Dan Button, President and CEO of QD Vision. “Our announcement with Nexxus Lighting of the first SSL lamp utilizing quantum dot technology to achieve best-in-class performance generated a lot of excitement about what QD Vision is bringing to lighting and display applications.”
Company co-founder and chief technology officer Seth Coe-Sullivan and other QD Vision executives will discuss quantum dots and their impact on lighting and displays at the following conferences:
Dates Location Link
September 14 – 17
Rome
http://www.eurodisplay.org/
September 29 – October 1
San Francisco
http://www.oled-info.com/oleds-world-summit-2009
October 14 –16
Shenzhen
http://www.sslchina.org/
October 20-22
San Diego
http://www.ledsconference.com/
November 30–December 4
Boston
http://www.mrs.org/s_mrs/sec.asp?CID=9546&DID=198609
December 1–4
San Jose,
http://www.idtechex.com/printedelectronicsusa09/en/index.asp
December 9–11
Miyazaki, Japan,
http://www.idw.ne.jp/
January 23–28, 2010
San Francisco,
http://spie.org/x33511.xml
February 10–12, 2010
Santa Clara
http://www.strategiesinlight.com/
About QD Vision, Inc.
QD Vision (www.qdvision.com) is a quantum dot product company that delivers highly differentiated lighting and display solutions to major industries where color, power and design matter. QD Vision’s Quantum Light™ platform enables step-change advances in current generation solutions, such as LCDs, LEDs and even OLEDs, and ultimately a significant leap over these technologies. Leveraging a first-tier patent position in nanotechnology originating at MIT, QD Vision is a privately held company based in Watertown, Mass.
Contact:
Aquarius Advisers

Mel Webster,
617-494-9800
mwebster@aquariusadvisers.com

Omni-ID Introduces Enhanced RFID Next-Generation Technology Platform

Showcases Value Innovation for RFID With Global Broadband Operability and New Patented Technology Tag Design
Omni-ID ~ September 14, 2009,
FOSTER CITY, CA--(Marketwire - 09/14/09) -
News Facts:
Omni-ID, the leading supplier of high-performance passive UHF RFID tags, today unveils its next-generation technology platform that delivers global functionality without compromising tag read performance -- regardless of the surrounding environment.
Omni-ID continues to develop world-class products and innovate around existing patented technologies that enable the Company to stay on the cutting-edge of passive UHF RFID product design. The next-generation technology platform includes:
Global Broadband Standard and Operability: Omni-ID tags will be optimized for global frequencies in accordance with EPC Gen2 Protocol, providing near-perfect functionality across all geographic regions, with uncompromised on-metal performance.
Patented Plasmonic Structure: Updated construction of the RFID tag plasmonic structure allows for improved scalability, repeatability, and higher tolerances -- therefore minimizing variation and improving its use as a broadband technology.
New Coupling Structure: Omni-ID RFID tags use a two-component system that optimizes the use of plasmonics and a near-field loop antenna design as a coupling structure. Omni-ID's new custom designed "loop" antenna increases the flexibility in design and facilitates unique performance while improving the capacity for solid state quality.
Migration to High Memory Silicon Chip: The new chip provides for improved performance and additional user memory.
Omni-ID's move to a next-generation technology platform marks a commitment to continued value innovation and enables the Company to meet market and customer needs for longer read distances; improved performance and reliability; and global functionality and interoperability with other RFID hardware and software.
On the heels of establishing a leadership position for meeting the RFID needs of commercial services industries, Omni-ID is broadening its product offerings to extend customer and partner benefits to additional markets. Omni-ID's newly announced suite of RFID passive tags, targeted toward the manufacturing, transportation/logistics and defense industries, takes full advantage of this next-generation technology platform.
Multimedia:
Case Study: Click here to read about the next-generation technology in action. The Omni-ID Max(TM) Pro tag is driving supply chain transparency in a European automobile engine tracking pilot.
Quotes:
"During the past few years, passive RFID technology has evolved from 'mostly working' to 'unquestionably delivering.' Omni-ID's latest product offerings break all the performance records for on-metal and near metal operation and do so with passive tags designed to work globally," said Louis Sirico, Founder and CTO of IndustryWizards.com. "These products give businesses and government agencies the ability to implement rock solid asset tracking solutions in a variety of new applications never before possible."
"Two important values that are a part of Omni-ID's DNA and critical to our growth and success are value innovation and an empathy with our customers," said Tom Pavela, President and CEO, Omni-ID. "Omni-ID approaches technology design and development of new passive RFID products with these two values in mind, and our next-generation technology platform marks the continued dedication toward that achievement. We look forward to the additional benefit we can now bring to meeting customer needs and markets around the world through this enhanced platform design."
"After more than forty years in leadership roles within the logistics industry and national defense, I see the potential that Omni-ID's passive, on-metal and global functionality RFID technology has to enable 'asset tracking and visibility,'" said Major General Hawthorne L. Proctor, U.S, Army (Retired). "From a defense perspective, this technology will provide better asset visibility, reduced cost and overall improved readiness for combat. Principally, the global functionality and balanced performance elements of this technology will allow the military to effectively maintain asset visibility and tracking in what is now called "the last tactical mile" by enabling the transfer and tracking of military equipment from container to storage to point of use. This passive RFID technology will mark a new level of efficiency and insight for logistics management and will enable other sustainment of our Armed Forces."
About Omni-ID
Omni-ID is the leading supplier of high-performance passive UHF RFID tags that deliver near-perfect read rates on, off and near metals and liquids. Using a fundamentally different approach to RFID design, Omni-ID created a patented technology structure that allows for continued innovation and product development. Omni-ID has built a global partner ecosystem with leading RFID technology companies to deliver complete RFID asset tracking, supply chain management, work-in-process and cargo and container tracking solutions. To complement its product line, Omni-ID has a full service bureau offering to ensure efficient and seamless deployment of RFID implementations. With offices in Foster City, Calif. and in the UK, along with a manufacturing facility in China, Omni-ID's mission is to drive the widespread adoption of RFID technology as the optimal tracking and identification solution. For more information, visit http://www.omni-id.com/.
Contact:
Emily Murphy

SHIFT Communications
Email Contact
617-779-1815

RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. has Received a $3.6M Purchase Order to Produce and Deliver Advanced Video Management Systems (VMS) to the IAF

NETANYA, Israel, Sept. 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq:RADA - News) has announced today that it has received a $3.6 million follow-on purchase order from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) to produce the advanced airborne video and data management system (Video Management System - VMS) for the Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft. Delivery of the units will be completed until the end of 2010.
The VMS is the latest generation of RADA's Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which is one of RADA's current most-selling products worldwide and has been in production for several years now.
Zvi Alon, RADA's CEO, commented on this purchase order: "This follow-on production order proves the confidence of the IAF in RADA's advanced solutions to airborne video and data management. We are confident that other air forces worldwide will follow the IAF and enhance the sales potential of this advanced system."
About RADA
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. is an Israel based defense electronics contractor. The Company specializes in Data Recording and Management (Digital Video & Data Recorders, Ground Debriefing Stations, Head-Up Display Cameras), Inertial Navigation Systems, Avionics Solutions (Trainer Aircraft Upgrades, Stores Management Systems, Interface Computers) and avionics systems for UAVs.
Note: Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risk uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, risks in product and technology developments, market acceptance of new products and continuing product demand, level of competition and other factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd.

Dubi Sella,
V.P Marketing & Sales
+972-9-892-1111
mrkt@rada.com

GigOptix $5M Federal Funding for an On-Chip Polymer Modulator Integrated Photonic Transceiver Development Receives Subcommittee Approval

BOTHELL, Wash.-September 14, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--GigOptix Inc. (OTCBB:GGOX - News) today announces that $5 million in government funding for development of its On-Chip polymer modulator Integrated Photonic Transceiver, which was part of the funding request made by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to be included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations bill, has received the approval of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee last week.
This appropriation bill must still receive legislative approval and the signature of the President. Furthermore, if the appropriations are enacted, GigOptix will need to go through an application process before it would receive funding.
The funding would help to develop a new family of cutting edge integrated driver - modulator devices for use by the U.S. Air Force. GigOptix’ technology provides 200 gigabytes in data transmission capability which could decrease the size, weight, and energy usage of some of the military’s most critical technology systems.
Dr. Avi Katz, CEO and Chairman of the Board of GigOptix Inc., said, “Getting the latest technology into the hands of the Air Force improves our military readiness. Creating that technology is what we focus on every day at GigOptix. We’re very grateful to have the support of a leader like Senator Murray who understands the urgency of getting great resources into the hands of military personnel to help them carry out their mission safely, while creating high-tech sophisticated jobs here at home.”
To see Senator Murray’s full statement on the project, please visit http://www.murray.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=317588.
About GigOptix Inc.
GigOptix is a leading fabless manufacturer of electronic engines for the optically connected digital world. The Company offers a broad portfolio of high speed electronic devices including polymer electro-optic modulators, modulator drivers, laser drivers and TIAs for telecom, datacom, Infiniband and consumer optical systems, covering serial and parallel communication technologies from 1G to 120G. For more information, please visit www.GigOptix.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements made in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including any statement that refers to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances and those which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “expects,” “plans,” “may,” “should,” or “anticipates” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, which might cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include whether the appropriations bill will receive legislative approval and ultimately become law, whether GigOptix will receive any funding, whether the modulator developed by GigOptix will be used by the Air Force, and those risks described in GigOptix's periodic reports filed with the SEC, and in news releases and other communications. GigOptix disclaims any intention or duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this release.
Contact:
GigOptix Inc.

Media:Parker Martineau,
650-424-1937 ext. 102
Corporate Communications Manager
pr@gigoptix.com
or
Alliance Advisors, LLC
Investor Relations:
Alan Sheinwald,
914-669-0222
President
asheinwald@allianceadvisors.net

Myers Industries Consolidating Production

Closure of Two Facilities Builds on Optimization Programs and Other Initiatives Underway to Enhance Operational Efficiency
AKRON, Ohio-September 14, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MYE - News) today announced that it plans to consolidate production facilities in two business segments, Material Handling and Automotive and Custom. This consolidation is related to the Company’s previously announced initiatives and assessment of resources to better align capacity and reduce operating costs, which will further strengthen competitiveness.
The consolidation impacts two facilities:

In the Material Handling Segment, the Company will close one facility in Shelbyville, Kentucky. This injection-molding plant produces plastic reusable containers. The plant employs approximately 88 people.


In the Automotive and Custom Segment, the Company will close one facility in Reidsville, North Carolina. This blow-molding plant produces custom plastic products for a wide range of markets. The plant employs approximately 70 people.
Both facilities are expected to close by the end of 2009. Production from the facilities will be transferred to other Myers Industries operations in North America. The Company will make severance and outplacement support available to affected employees.
President and Chief Executive Officer John C. Orr said, “The decision to close any facility is extremely difficult because of the people and communities it impacts. However, given the changed economic landscape and to better position our business, it is absolutely critical that we further reduce costs, consolidate facilities and fully utilize our high-efficiency molding capacity to enhance productivity.”
Myers Industries expects to incur total one-time, pre-tax expenses of approximately $10.6 million in connection with the consolidation actions, of which approximately $7.4 million is related to the Material Handling Segment and $3.2 million is related to the Automotive and Custom Segment. The Company’s cash expenses are estimated to be approximately $1.7 million in each segment.
The Company anticipates an annualized pre-tax savings of approximately $2.5 million related to the Material Handling Segment consolidation. In the Automotive and Custom Segment, the Company anticipates annualized pre-tax savings of approximately $2.0 million related to the consolidation. Additional options remain under consideration for certain businesses in the Automotive and Custom Segment, including further restructuring or potential divestitures.
About Myers Industries
Myers Industries, Inc. is an international manufacturer of polymer products for industrial, agricultural, automotive, commercial and consumer markets. The Company is also the largest wholesale distributor of tools, equipment and supplies for the tire, wheel and undervehicle service industry in the U.S. The Company reported 2008 net sales of $867.8 million.
Visit www.myersind.com to learn more.
Caution on Forward-Looking Statements: Statements in this release may include “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement that is not of historical fact may be deemed "forward-looking." Words such as “expect,” “believe,” “project,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “objective,” “goal,” “view,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions of future events and financial performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many outside of the Company's control, that could cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied. Factors include: changes in the markets for the Company’s business segments; changes in trends and demands in the industries in which the Company competes; unanticipated downturn in business relationships with customers or their purchases; competitive pressures on sales and pricing; raw material availability, increases in raw material costs, or other production costs; future economic and financial conditions in the United States and around the world; the Company’s ability to integrate acquisitions over time; the Company’s ability to execute the components of its Strategic Business Evolution process; and other risks as detailed in the Company’s 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Myers Industries undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date made.
Contact:
Myers Industries, Inc.

Donald A. Merril,
330-253-5592
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
or
Max Barton,
330-253-5592
Director,
Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

International Battery Awarded $2.1 Million in Federal Funding to Develop Advanced Batteries for U.S. Army

ALLENTOWN, Pa.-September 14, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Battery (www.internationalbatteryinc.com), a U.S. manufacturer, designer, and developer of large-format lithium-ion rechargeable cells, today announced it has been awarded $2.1 million in federal appropriations funding, secured by U.S. Representative Charles W. Dent through the Department of Defense.
This award will fund work aimed at the development for a new Silent Watch system with high energy storage capabilities for use in U.S. combat tactical vehicles.
The Non Primary Power System (NPS 1160) is modeled on International Battery’s large format Iron Phosphate cells and Battery Management System (BMS) technology manufactured in the U.S. The goal of this program is to test and deliver prototypes aimed at creating increased power in military combat and silent watch vehicles. The potential for this technology is very significant in both size and growth in these modular systems. With the added rolling Silent Watch requirements and tight space claims within the military, these systems offer the scalability and modularity to fit multiple platforms.
International Battery's U.S. based manufacturing facility will offer several advantages in the rapid development of Iron Phosphate batteries including: clean and environmentally safe setting through the use of its water based manufacturing process; higher energy density and longer life cycle than those achieved from current conventional lead-acid batteries.
"Congressman Dent has been a great advocate for International Battery and our innovative battery manufacturing technology," said International Battery’s CEO, Ake Almgren. “We’re honored by the recognition of Congressman Dent and the Department of Defense for our capabilities to help enhance our country's security and provide increased operational effectiveness for our troops in the field."
International Battery's award is among an initial base contract with several options to follow that will allow a path for International Battery’s strength of engineering and manufacturing to lead Silent Watch technologies into the future. The total funding package will help to create International Battery's future capability of adding more high-paying jobs in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This technology footprint represents additional market growth capability for the commercial markets, such as trucks, buses and future stationary power applications.
"With companies like International Battery, our region is leading the way in the development of advanced, innovative technology for use by the military," Congressman Dent stated. "The rollout of this important technology will also help provide a model for commercial uses. This is an important investment toward meeting our nation's overall goal of replacing petroleum as our primary energy source in the transportation sector."
About International Battery
Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., International Battery is a U.S. manufacturer, designer, and developer of large-format lithium-ion rechargeable cells and batteries for use in a wide range of transportation, industrial, electric utility, smart grid and military applications, employing a uniquely environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
In addition to historical information, this release may contain forward-looking statements. International Battery may, from time-to-time, make written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements encompass International Battery’s beliefs, expectations, hopes or intentions regarding future events. Words such as "expects," "intends," "believes," "anticipates," "should," "likely" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to International Battery as of such date. International Battery assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Actual results may vary, and may vary materially, from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected for a number of reasons.
Contact:
Jennings & Associates Communications, Inc.

PJ Jennings,
760-471-7376
pj@jandacommunications.com
www.jandacommunications.com

The MathWorks Announces Release 2009b of the MATLAB and Simulink Product Families

New Version Extends Support for Handling of Large Data Sets and Large-Scale System Models
NATICK, Mass.-September 14, 2009, -(BUSINESS WIRE)--The MathWorks today announced Release 2009b (R2009b) of its MATLAB and Simulink product families. R2009b includes features for faster performance and enhanced handling of large data sets, builds on component-based modeling features in Simulink, and updates 83 other products, including PolySpace code verification products.
Key R2009b highlights for the MATLAB product family include extended support for multicore and multiprocessor systems as well as improvements for handling large data sets. MATLAB and Image Processing Toolbox now offer more multithreaded implementations of functions, and Statistics Toolbox adds parallel computing support for several functions. For users with large data sets, MATLAB now offers the ability to perform FFTs on data sets larger than 2 GB, Image Processing Toolbox adds a function to support processing of arbitrarily large TIFF images, and Parallel Computing Toolbox includes a new interface for working with large data sets that are distributed across a cluster.
Other MATLAB highlights in R2009b include:
Mapping Toolbox enables the search and retrieval of geographic data sets from Web Map Service (WMS) servers (for example, NASA JPL OnEarth and Microsoft TerraServer).
Users can now access the MATLAB Central File Exchange, including thousands of user-contributed files, directly from the MATLAB environment.
For Model-Based Design, R2009b enables Simulink users to capture design variants in models and switch between model-wide configurations to better manage design alternatives and reuse. Engineers can now simulate and generate embeddable code from MATLAB programs and Simulink models containing arrays that dynamically change size over time, which are useful for applications such as object detection and motion tracking.
Other Simulink highlights in R2009b include:
Simulink Control Design – Automated tuning and turnkey PID controller blocks in Simulink for faster design and verification of these frequently used controllers.
Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder – More efficient code generation for signal processing applications, with reduced data copies and optimized matrix operations.
Simulink Verification and Validation – Model Advisor Configuration Editor to manage and deploy a consistent set of checks and rules for modeling standards across an organization.
Simulink Design Verifier - New API that allows Embedded MATLAB to be used as a property specification language.
The new release is available immediately and is being provided to users with current subscriptions to MathWorks Software Maintenance Service. Additional information on R2009b product updates is available at www.mathworks.com/R2009b.
About The MathWorks
The MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions.
Founded in 1984, The MathWorks employs more than 2,100 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.
MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Contact:
The MathWorks,

Inc.Dave Smith,
508-647-7427
Dave.Smith@mathworks.comor
Text 100 Public Relations
Jennifer Bulmahn,
617-723-1044
mathworks@text100.com

ARC Automotive Announces New Inflator for Passive Safety Restraint Systems - the EcoSafe Inflator

New Airbag Technology Made from H2O Brine Provides ‘Greener,’ Low-Cost Alternative
FRANKFURT-- September 14, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--ARC Automotive Inc., a leading producer of airbag inflator technologies, today announced a new, ‘greener’ alternative – the EcoSafe Inflator™ – to engage airbag passive safety restraint systems in passenger vehicles.
“ARC Automotive, a pioneer in gas inflators, now introduces a technology that provides a safer, greener alternative to today’s pyrotechnic inflators,” said Ali El-Haj, President, ARC Automotive Inc. “With this patented technology we introduce a new passenger vehicle inflator that employs a saltwater brine solution mixed with heated gas – a safer alternative at a lower cost.”
The EcoSafe Inflator™ uses a saltwater solution and small, encapsulated pyrotechnic charge to deploy the airbag during a traffic collision. Other pyrotechnic inflators use larger charges to generate hot gases, which must be cooled and filtered as it inflates the airbag.
“EcoSafe Inflator™ requires a smaller pyrotechnic charge to vaporize the brine or saltwater solution,” El-Haj said. “The mixture of vaporized liquid and combustible gases then inflates the airbag with a non-toxic, low temperature, low particulate mixture.”
“By using less propellant the inflator offers greater vehicle occupant safety because during the airbag deployment the technology emits less particulate into the vehicle cabin,” he said.
Cost of the EcoSafe Inflator™ is lower compared to today’s inflators due to the use of saltwater and less pyrotechnic material, compared to today’s pyrotechnic inflators. Savings to the airbag system manufacturer can be significant considering the lower part costs, as well as reduced logistics and handling costs.
“The manufacturers of passive safety restraint systems for vehicles will realize significant cost savings by applying this technology,” said El-Haj.
The EcoSafe Inflator™ can be used in standard side airbag or active knee bolster applications. It can be used in existing air bag configurations with no new module development required.
ARC Automotive is a supplier to the world’s developers of passive safety restraint systems and also works directly with automotive original equipment manufacturers on safety restraint system design.
ARC Automotive, a legacy company of Atlantic Research Corporation, in the early 1970s pioneered the hybrid inflators used in today’s vehicle airbag systems. In 1998 Atlantic Research Corporation evolved into ARC Automotive Inc. following a joint venture buyout from AlliedSignal.
ARC Automotive Inc., a leader in inflators and propellants for the automotive industry, is a global supplier to the manufacturers of vehicle airbag safety systems. Founded more than 50 years ago as Atlantic Research Corporation, ARC Automotive has evolved over the years to utilize the same proven technologies found in propellant military systems. ARC Automotive has manufacturing operations in the United States, Mexico and China, operating with TS 16949, A2LA-ISO / IEC 1725 and ISO 14001 qualifications. ARC Automotive is a division of Sequa Corporation. More information is at www.arcautomotive.com.
Sequa Corporation is a diversified industrial company with operations in the aerospace, metal coatings and automotive industries. Sequa is a Carlyle Group company. For additional information, visit www.sequa.com.
Contact:
Sequa Corporation

Cathy Gedvilas,
718-974-9595
cathy_gedvilas@sequa.com

Interfast Inc. Launches European Base of Operations

New presence will better service the European aerospace and industrial fastener markets
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - 09/14/09) - Interfast Inc., a leading global aerospace and industrial fastener distributor, today announced it has purchased certain assets of UK-based Burwood Fastener Products Ltd. and has launched a new European division that will operate under the name Interfast Europe Ltd.
"Interfast Europe integrates the best of both organizations and will offer a comprehensive range of fastener products from more than 40 manufacturers, engineering product support and extensive supply chain management expertise," says Peter Oleck, director of Interfast Inc. and general manager of Interfast USA. "Interfast has been a valued and trusted partner to the world's leading aerospace and industrial companies for more than 40 years. We're confident that the newly formed organization will bring a new critical mass to servicing the European market."
David Proctor has been appointed general manager of Interfast Europe Ltd. and Howard Gerstein becomes director of sales and marketing. No changes to existing staff are anticipated as the company moves forward to support existing customers. Interfast Europe will support customers in the European aerospace and industrial fastener markets.
The establishment of Interfast Europe now brings the total of Interfast stocking locations to nine across North America and Europe.
About Interfast Inc.
Interfast is a value-added distributor of specialty fasteners, fastening systems, and production installation tooling for the aerospace, automotive, electronics and general industrial markets. Interfast serves the global market through a network of strategic business partnerships, combining its extensive business and product knowledge with local representatives. The company works with the aerospace OEMs and their suppliers, airlines and the MRO sectors to deliver proactive and innovative fastener-based solutions for a broad base of applications, coupled with a strong presence in the industrial market with recognized branded products such as PEM� and Unbrako�.
PEM is a registered trademark of PennEngineering.
Unbrako is a registered trademark of Unbrako Group.
Contact:
Contacts:

Interfast Inc.
John Rossi
Marketing Manager
1 800 263 6167 ext 308
JohnRossi@interfast.ca
HMB Communications for Interfast
Hugh Black
905-338-1590 / Cell: 416-898-4871
hughblack@cogeco.ca