Boeing [NYSE: BA] Super Hornet industry partner Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC] has signed Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with two Itajubá-based companies that could expand their precision-machining opportunities in the global aerospace and defense industries. The MOAs with GNS Industry and Trade and RCS Precision Machining and Maintenance outline plans for each company to explore work packages with Northrop Grumman and its suppliers for precision-machined aluminum components and subassemblies.

"GNS and RCS are experienced precision-machining manufacturers for the automotive, oil and steel industries, and have already made forays into aerospace," said Steve Hogan, Northrop Grumman vice president and program manager, F/A-18 Programs. "Our machining specialists view both of these companies as well positioned for expanded opportunities in the aerospace and defense industries."

The MOAs resulted from a March 2012 assessment of companies in the state of Minas Gerais that evaluated local aerospace capabilities and identified opportunities to work with Boeing, its Super Hornet industry partners and their extended network of suppliers. The Boeing-led assessment and resulting collaborations are part of ongoing industrial engagement throughout Brazil in support of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet bid in Brazil's F-X2 fighter jet campaign.

"Brazilian companies continue to demonstrate their aerospace capabilities, and Boeing and its industry partners are committed to identifying opportunities for them to work with us and our suppliers," said Megan Weinstock, manager of Supplier Management in support of International Strategic Partnerships for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "These endeavors are key to forging long-term business relationships with companies that can help us offer the right solutions to our customers."

Northrop Grumman manufactures the Super Hornet center and aft fuselage and vertical stabilizers.