Northrop Grumman Honors Top Suppliers

The awards recognize companies for attaining distinction in product quality, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction and robust lean processes. The suppliers provide Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems with products ranging from small aircraft parts to complicated spacecraft electronic subsystems, as well as everyday services.

Northrop Grumman presented awards in two categories: Platinum Source Preferred and Supplier of the Year. Thirty-five awards went to small businesses, including three small, disadvantaged-owned businesses as recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Of the 71 suppliers honored, two - Hurlen Corp. of Santa Fe Springs, CA, and TEK Precision Co. Ltd. of Deer Park, NY - have operated at Northrop Grumman's highest level, as Platinum Source Preferred suppliers, for seven consecutive years.

"Northrop Grumman's Platinum Source Program places greater emphasis on performance measurements that are aligned with customer expectations," says Lisa Kohl, sector vice president, Global Supply Chain, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, who hosted the awards ceremony. "We maintain a special relationship with our Platinum Source suppliers, a trust not afforded to others. This trust is based on suppliers' unqualified commitment to produce and deliver 100 percent conforming parts on schedule, with acceptable supporting documentation."

This year, the customer's keynote address was provided by Col. Glenn L. Graham, an experienced test and command pilot, engineer, and Air Force Commander. As Commander, Defense Contract Management Agency, Palmdale, Col. Graham provides defense contract management services for major aeronautical defense suppliers in and around Palmdale, El Segundo, and Rancho Bernardo, CA.

Congratulating each supplier for its "dedication and commitment to excellence," Kohl cited the "critical role each supplier serves in preserving freedom and providing customers with innovative and affordable air, space and ground solutions.

"You are truly the best of the best," Kohl told the audience.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.