LUCAS Industries, the global automative and aerospace systems supplier, has built a new manufacturing area, or "cell", at its fabricated systems in Burnley, specifically to supply US defence giant, McDonnell Douglas, with canisters for the ship-launched Harpoon missile.

The cell was officially opened last Friday by Bob Kreiger, General Manager of Missile Systems for McDonnell Douglas.

The formal opening celebrates the recent sole source supplier status, awarded by McDonnell Douglas to Lucas for the aluminium canisters, which extend Lucas' sole supplier status for the Harpoon submarine launch capsules.

Lucas was awarded Silver Supplier Certification by McDonnell Douglas in 1995 for quality and delivery performance.

The new test and assembly facility means that a manufacturing cell which brings together work on both launching systems will be introduced, increasing time and cost effectiveness in production and delivery of the launch systems.

Mike Gardiner, general manager at the Lucas fabricated systems operation in Burnley, says: "We're delighted to extend our long-term relationship with McDonnell Douglas. Our new launch canisters have been introduced both on time and within budget thanks to excellent teamwork between St Louis and Burnley personnel."

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