Raytheon Australia welcomes Australian SME to global supply chain

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 31 January 2008: In a short ceremony at the Chief of Navy’s Sea Power Conference 2008, Raytheon Australia today recognised the achievements and innovation of an Australian small-to-medium enterprise (SME), Micreo, and their participation in the Raytheon global supply chain.

Micreo’s excellence in manufacturing components for the F/A-18 Hornet radar warning receiver was acknowledged in a presentation to Tim Shaw, Managing Director of the Brisbane-based company. The program is expected to continue until 2015.

This is another milestone in Raytheon Australia’s development and support of Australian SMEs to help grow the Australian Defence industry. Ron Fisher, Managing Director of Raytheon Australia spoke highly of the SME, “Micreo’s commitment to customer success and solution agility is of a high standard. They have made a significant contribution to the quality of Raytheon Australia's support to the Royal Australian Air Force.”

Micreo now has access to future business opportunities in partnership with Raytheon as well as to Raytheon Australia’s Reachback™ capacity to the resources of Raytheon Company worldwide. As part of Raytheon's global supply chain, Micreo will supply parts to Raytheon for other countries' aircraft and has a greater possibility of involvement in future programs.

“Company exposure, specialised training and global supply chain opportunities for SMEs are part of Raytheon Australia’s strong commitment to providing support for Australian SMEs on major programs. A strong SME base is vital to the delivery of Defence programs and the broader Australian economy,” said Mr Fisher.

Micreo specialise in the design and manufacture of microwave and electro-optic components for telecommunications and aerospace applications.

-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 Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN). Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $19.7 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 85 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 72,000 people worldwide.