Spirit Europe and Sigma Aeronautics Ltd. agree to explore expansion of Spirit supply chain in Northern Ireland

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit AeroSystems (Europe) Ltd. at Farnborough International Airshow today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sigma Aeronautics Ltd., as part of Spirit's strategy to further develop its supply chain capabilities within the United Kingdom. Sigma represents a number of aerospace companies located in Northern Ireland.

"Today's signing with Sigma further solidifies our joint commitment to build and support the aircraft manufacturing supply chain in the U.K.," said Neil McManus, Vice President and Managing Director of Spirit Europe. "At Spirit Europe, we are keen to explore the potential for new opportunities in this area."

The MOU was signed in the presence of Peter Robinson, Northern Ireland's First Minister and Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise.

Welcoming the MOU, Minister Foster commented, "This is a major opportunity for Northern Ireland companies to collaborate and win increasing business in a fast expanding aerospace market.  Aerospace is a substantial employer in Northern Ireland and is the type of technology led and innovation driven industry to accelerate growth in exports and high value jobs."

David Raymond, MD of Sigma, stated, "Spirit's offer to work with Northern Ireland aerospace companies to help them step up to become an integral part of its UK supply chain presents a tremendous opportunity for companies here."

"Together we supply directly and indirectly to most of the major aircraft manufacturers worldwide. Our mission is to understand and share Spirit`s strategy for growth and ensure we become a long term partner in their success."

"We will build new business together based on successful collaboration, innovation, competitiveness, technical excellence, and the will to win."

"I would like to acknowledge all who have worked to make this first step today possible. Neil McManus and his team, the NI companies involved, Invest NI, and importantly ADS who have been with us all along providing invaluable support."

On the web: www.spiritaero.com

About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.
Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR), with headquarters in Wichita, Kan., USA, is one of the world's largest non-OEM designers and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft. In addition to its Wichita and Chanute facilities in Kansas, Spirit has locations in Tulsa and McAlester, Okla.; Kinston, N.C.; Prestwick, Scotland; Preston, England; Subang, Malaysia; and Saint-Nazaire, France. In the U.S., Spirit's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components. Additionally, Spirit provides aftermarket customer support services, including spare parts, maintenance/repair/overhaul, and fleet support services in North America, Europe and Asia. Spirit Europe produces wing components for a host of customers, including Airbus.

SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems