LAI International, Inc., a strategic supplier of precision components and subassemblies for original equipment manufacturers, has announced it has secured a multi-year $4.4 million contract to manufacture airframe panels for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.   

"LAI will continue to play a key role as a strategic manufacturing partner for our customer as we leverage our advanced manufacturing technologies and supply chain to deliver quality products," John Rogers, V.P. of Operations, said.   

The latest contract for the subassemblies for the advanced attack aircraft F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet is valued at $4.4 million over the next three years.   

"Our focus on maximizing operational efficiencies and on our commitment to quality and on-time delivery is instrumental in establishing LAI as a world-class aerospace supplier of make-complete, ready-to-assembly parts," Frank Bailey, plant manager of LAI's facility in Minneapolis, where the manufacturing will take place.      

The program requires supply chain management of a series of specialized manufacturing processes, including precision grinding, heat-treating, advanced waterjet machining, hot forming, alpha-case removal, chemical milling, CNC machining and finishing.   

LAI's manufacturing plant in Minnesota was named a Lockheed Martin Corporation STAR Supplier Facility in 2002.