Héroux-Devtek signs a preferred supplier agreement exceeding $115 million CAD with Messier-Dowty to manufacture new landing gear components

Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX : HRX) a leading Canadian manufacturer of aerospace and industrial products, today announced that its Landing Gear Division has signed a preferred supplier agreement with Messier-Dowty. This strategic agreement is accompanied by orders to manufacture major landing gear components currently estimated in stated Canadian currency at more than $115 million over the next 10 years.

The agreement calls for Héroux-Devtek to manufacture these components for three large commercial aircraft programs. Production of these complex components will require an investment of $16 million over the next two years in ultra-modern and highly-automated equipment. Deliveries will begin in calendar 2008 and a full production ramp-up is anticipated over an 18-month period.

"Héroux-Devtek is pleased to demonstrate its ability and commitment to support Messier-Dowty's growing requirements," said Martin Brassard, Vice-President and General Manager of Héroux-Devtek's Landing Gear Division. "We are very excited to perform such new value-added work on these successful programs with an industry leader like Messier-Dowty."

"Messier-Dowty is a very important player in the industry," stated Gilles Labbé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héroux-Devtek. "This contract definitely strengthens our relationship and is the result of our competitiveness and solid reputation. We are looking forward to broaden the scope of our service and product offering with Messier-Dowty and to jointly benefit from the strong order books of the new programs in which we will participate."

Pascal Sénéchal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Messier-Dowty added: "In signing this long-term agreement with Héroux-Devtek, Messier-Dowty will be able to offer its customers additional capacity, while ensuring a high level of quality and responsiveness. Building such partnerships with key suppliers is a cornerstone of our supply chain development strategy."