HAMP.L Regulatory News (HAMP)

11 Jun 2008 07:00

11 June 2008

Hampson wins exclusive five year contract to supply F-16 canopies

Hampson Industries PLC ("Hampson" or "the Group"), the international aerospace and precision engineering group, announces that its US subsidiary, Texstars Inc, has won an exclusive contract to supply all F-16 canopy requirements globally, including US and foreign spares. The contract is worth US$39 million (£20 million) over its five year term. Texstars is a member of the Group's Aerospace Composites & Transparencies division. 

In service with 24 countries, the multi-role Lockheed Martin F-16 is the highest volume military fighter programme in the world with over 4,000 aircraft produced to date. It is scheduled to remain in service with the U.S. Air Force until 2025.

Commenting on the new contract, Hampson's Chief Executive Kim Ward said:

"Texstars has long been an acknowledged technology leader in high performance military canopies, having achieved a number of important technical firsts, particularly in relation to the F-16 and other technically demanding US military programmes.

"Previous contracts to supply F-16 canopies were awarded on an annual basis, often with requirements spilt between more than one supplier. This contract attests to the confidence placed in Texstars by the US Air Force and underpins our confidence in the future strategic growth of our Aerospace Composites & Transparencies division."

Ends

For further information:

Kim Ward, Chief Executive +44 (0)1384 472941

Howard Kimberley, Finance Director +44 (0)1384 472946

Jonathan Gollins/Marylene Guernier, M:Communications +44 (0)7776 303 788

About Hampson:

The Group's operations are structured into three business segments, serving primarily the global commercial and military aerospace and specialist engineering markets from manufacturing facilities in the UK, North America and India.

Approximately 90% of the Group's sales are derived from its aerospace activities, the balance from the market for automotive turbocharger components.

Following the acquisitions of Odyssey Industries, Inc. and Global Tooling Systems, Inc. the Group now employs over 2,400 people worldwide.

Hampson Industries PLC is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (Symbol: HAMP).  For more information on Hampson: www.hampsongroup.com