LMI Aerospace awarded Embraer KC-390 slats design and build contract

LMI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq:LMIA), a leading provider of engineering services, structural assemblies, kits and components to the aerospace, defense and technology industries, announced today that it has received a contract award from Embraer for the design and build of wing slat assemblies for the KC-390 aircraft.

The new contract encompasses the engineering, manufacturing, testing, tooling, certification, and product support of the complete wing leading edge slat system. The engineering development effort on the program is planned to begin in November of 2011 and first delivery of product is expected in the first quarter of 2013. The total contract value is estimated to be $44 million based upon acquisition intentions already signed for the KC-390. The engineering, testing and tooling will be funded by Embraer with milestone payments throughout the development process. This is the second significant design build contract for LMI.

"We are very pleased to be working with Embraer on the new KC-390, delivering on our stated strategic goal of supporting our customers with integrated design and build services," said Ryan Bogan, Chief Operating Officer of LMI, who will have responsibility for the program. "We have a strong history in engineering, fabrication, and assembly of slat products. This new program also adds to LMI's diversification goals, adding military content with a new customer."

The Embraer KC-390 is a new entrant in the medium-lift military transport market. Designed with a twin turbofan engine to provide outstanding operational productivity, the KC-390 is expected to have the lowest total life cycle cost and the highest availability in its class.