CANBERRA – 3 July 2009: The Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Ron Fisher, today welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister’s support for the company’s maths and science initiatives.

Mr Fisher was speaking after the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, toured the Imagination Factory Exhibition at Scitech, Perth’s hands-on science centre. In Perth as part of a national tour, the Imagination Factory exhibition was developed by Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre, with the financial support of Raytheon. 

“Imagination Factory tells the story of systems integration about how things work together to do inventive things. The exhibition captures Raytheon’s spirit of innovation and enables young Australians to investigate basic mechanical tools such as cams, gears, pulleys, levers and electric circuits.

“Our million dollar commitment to Imagination Factory is the largest community initiative undertaken by Raytheon outside of the United States. This partnership is about encouraging young Australians into the world of maths and science to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. But it is about much more than money. Volunteering is important as well.” Mr Fisher said.

Today, the Deputy Prime Minister presented certificates to twelve Raytheon Australia employees who will be volunteering as explainers in the Imagination Factory exhibition at Scitech.

“I am thrilled that our employees are making their own contribution. This really brings Imagination Factory to life. I want to thank Scitech for involving them in this endeavour and for showcasing this wonderful exhibition over the coming months.

“I particularly want to thank Ms Gillard for taking the time to visit Imagination Factory and for acknowledging the efforts of our volunteers. We are honoured that the Deputy Prime Minister has congratulated Raytheon for its continuing commitment to the education and training of Australian students.” Mr Fisher said.

-End-

With facilities located across the country, Raytheon Australia is a highly capable prime contractor with an engineering and technical workforce of 1300 backed by world-class management and quality systems. This local presence is bolstered by strong relationships with small and medium sized enterprises and access to the global resources of Raytheon Company. 

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specialising in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Contact
Raytheon Australia
Gerry Wheeler
+61 439 501 327
gerard.wheeler@raytheon.com.au