LaBarge awarded $12 million in contracts from Kaman Aerospace for Black Hawk helicopter program

LaBarge, Inc. (NYSE Amex: LB) has been awarded contracts valued at approximately $12 million from Kaman Aerospace Corporation to provide cockpit wiring harnesses for several models of the Black Hawk helicopter. The Company anticipates additional follow-on orders. Kaman is a subcontractor to Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), on the Black Hawk helicopter program.

The LaBarge-built wiring harnesses will be installed in cockpits of the UH-60M and UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters, and the HH-60M and HH-60L Medevac models. The Black Hawk helicopter is a U.S. Army multi-mission combat assault helicopter that transports troops, weapons systems and supplies. The Army uses the Medevac helicopter to provide medical evacuation of injured soldiers and assistance to civilian populations in times of crisis.

In addition to the cockpit wiring harnesses it builds for Kaman, LaBarge provides electronic assemblies directly to Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. for the Black Hawk helicopter program. LaBarge has supported the program since 2005.

Production on the new contracts is expected to begin at LaBarge's Joplin, Mo., facility in August 2009 and continue through December 2010.

LaBarge, Inc. is a broad-based provider of electronics to technology-driven companies in diverse markets. The Company provides its customers with sophisticated electronic and electromechanical products through contract design and manufacturing services. Headquartered in St. Louis, LaBarge has operations in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The Company's Web site may be accessed at http://www.labarge.com.