Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Recognizes Co-Operative Industries Defense as Small Business Supplier of the Year
In recognition of exemplary dedication and outstanding contributions, Co-Operative Industries Defense received Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ Small Business Supplier of the Year Award. This award was given in acknowledgment of Co-Operative Industries’ commitment and dedication to supporting the F-16 and F-35 aircraft development and production.
As stated by Lockheed’s Vanessa Bull (Supplier Diversity Programs), “Co-Op’s investment and heightened level of customer support clearly demonstrates their commitment to support current and future LM Aero Programs. Co-Operative Industries’ performance is exemplary and merits their designation as one of our 2012 Small Business Suppliers of the Year.”
Co-Operative Industries Aerospace & Defense is a Fort Worth based Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned company which currently employs 148 individuals. They have been doing F-16 and F-35 electrical wiring harness production and repair work since 2005. In January 2011 Co-Operative Industries relocated to their newly renovated Cherry Lane facility. This 121,096 square foot site incorporates a lean factory concept, expanded manufacturing space, strategic spare parts inventory, and harness test equipment. These actions enhanced their ability to support production requirements and enabled a more robust capability for quick turn repairs.
Receiving the award for CIA&D were Jim Green (Chairman), Sam Symonds (President & CEO), and Chris Fairchild (Director of Contracts). “We at Co-Operative Industries Defense are extremely proud to have been recognized by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as a 2012 Small Business of the year. We are honored that LM Aero recognizes our continuous effort to meet and exceed our customer requirements,” stated President & CEO Sam Symonds.
In attendance at the Small Business Recognition Awards ceremony on behalf of LM Aero were Vanessa Bull (Supplier Diversity Programs), Jim Tanksley (Sr. Manager Supplier Diversity), Carol Linwood (Director Commodity Suppliers), Debbie Hurst (President Women’s Council Southwest), and Sam Evans (Director Small Business Procurement Management).
