AZUSA, Calif., Nov. 9, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Space Systems Division facility, located at 1100 West Hollyvale Street here, was honored in ceremonies today by IndustryWeek (IW) magazine as one of the Best Manufacturing Plants in North America.
The award recognizes world-class manufacturing capabilities and a management mindset of continuous improvement. The Azusa plant was one of ten selected from over 300 facilities nominated between October 2000 and March 2001.
IndustryWeek editor Jill Jusko said, "This plant defines world-class performance and IW is proud to celebrate their success and share their story."
The Azusa facility is part of the Space Systems Division of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.
Speaking before more than 1,000 employees, local dignitaries, customers and suppliers, Joe Mogilewsky, plant manager at the Azusa facility, explained, "Our plant is being recognized today, not because of the brick and mortar, nor solely because of our processes, tools and equipment. It's because of our performance -- our results and our people.
"We've won this award because of the selfless spirit and passion of our most valuable asset, our dedicated and talented people, who excel at ensuring customer success and have an unwavering commitment to quality."
Mr. Mogilewsky added, "The key to our success is that our employees understand where the company is going, how they fit in, and how they can make a difference."
This facility provides space-borne sensing for missile early warning and weather systems. It produces ground systems that process data from space-based platforms, and smart weapons technology for high-priority U.S. government national security programs.
Notable achievements by the Azusa facility include:
-- 3.7 million hours without a lost-time accident;
-- 98 percent employee retention rate;
-- Recipient of the National Safety Council's Grand Trophy seven
times;
-- Plant level profitability is up 40 percent in the last five
years;
-- Energy consumption is down 20% in the past year;
-- Customer complaints have been reduced by 50%;
-- Average production cycle time has been reduced by 35%;
-- 79% reduction in Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO).
Headquartered in Baltimore, Md., Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense electronics and systems including space systems, airborne radar systems, navigation systems, electronic warfare systems, precision weapons, air traffic control systems, air defense systems, communications systems, marine systems, oceanic and naval systems, logistics systems, and automation and information systems.