14 June 2006

"Our new facility here will accommodate the growing demand from Smiths' engine customers and an increased need for precision manufactured turbine engine components for all major military and civil aircraft," commented Dale Collins, General Manager, Smiths Aerospace - Asheville/West Jefferson. "We are pleased to grow our business in North Carolina which offers a skilled and competitive workforce."

Smiths Aerospace Components-West Jefferson is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility focused on the machining of precision rotating engine components and continues the tradition of manufacturing excellence and customer satisfaction established by Smiths over the last 35 years. The new 128,000 square foot facility is located at 4 The Professional Drive, West Jefferson. The first shipments of engine components took place in December 2005.

Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group, is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, with more than 11,000 employees and $2 billion revenues worldwide. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is world-leaders in digital, electrical power and mechanical systems, engine components and Systems Customer Services. www.geaviationsystems.com

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