Quickstep Holdings Limited (QHL) is pleased to advise that it has shipped the first production F-35 Lightning II part ahead of schedule to Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The Destruct Test Article (DTA) is the first purchase order item to be manufactured by Quickstep as part of the Long Term Agreement signed in February 2011.The DTA has been shipped to Northrop Grumman, more than a month prior to its November 11, 2011 deadline.

Quickstep successfully passed the initial "Toll Gate" review required for the contract in June, enabling the Company to start production of the Destruct Test Article followed by Fly-Away components. The delivery of the DTA further strengthens the Company's standing in the aerospace industry and supports Quickstep's activities in securing further long-term defence contracts.

These accomplishments come at a particularly significant time for the Company, which is currently re-establishing itself in the former Boeing facilities in Bankstown, NSW. With the move due for completion in December 2012, Quickstep will have access to a more sophisticated facility and skilled workforce in which to meet its future JSF contractual obligations.

Quickstep will provide progress updates on the move to Bankstown and report as further milestones are achieved. The Company intends to maintain operations at its existing facility in North Coogee, Western Australia, until the Bankstown facility is fully operational.