Heroux-Devtek announces multi-year contract to manufacture the landing gear for the C-130J aircraft

Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX: HRX), a leading Canadian manufacturer of aerospace and industrial products, today announced that it has been awarded a seven-year contract by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company to manufacture the landing gear for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Under the terms of the agreement, Héroux-Devtek will manufacture and assemble the landing gear for Lockheed Martin's global production of C-130J aircraft and provide spare parts over a seven-year period beginning in January 2012. Based on current program expectations, the contract has a potential total value of approximately $70 million.

Following procurement of 17 aircraft by the Government of Canada, known as CC-130J for the Canadian Forces, as well as by other nations around the world, production of the C-130J aircraft is expected to rapidly ramp-up over the short-to-mid-term. This contract is also part of Canada's Industrial and Regional Benefits ("IRB") Policy.

"Héroux-Devtek has been actively involved for over 25 years on this highly successful program. Moreover, we have developed a proven expertise over the last 15 years as a reliable manufacturer of new C-130J landing gear, recognized for our solid performance, high quality and on-time deliveries. This strategic long-term contract further demonstrates our leadership in the military landing gear market. Héroux-Devtek is proud to support Lockheed Martin by further contributing to the longest continuous military production program in history," said Gilles Labbé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héroux-Devtek.

"The Government of Canada congratulates Héroux-Devtek on its latest contract with Lockheed Martin," said the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. "We are pleased that this investment, through the IRB Policy, is helping to grow the economy and create quality employment for the highly skilled Canadians in the aerospace sector. Today's announcement is another example of the successful integration of Canadian firms into global value chains, which is continuing to strengthen our economy."

"It is world-class suppliers such as Héroux-Devtek that make the C-130J Super Hercules the success that it is" said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin's Vice President for C-130 Programs. "The C-130J operates in some of the harshest environments in the world and the ability to operate from rough, austere runways requires efficient, reliable landing gear. We are proud of our relationship with Héroux-Devtek and look forward to many more years of successful take offs and landings."