Long-term agreement will be the largest contract ever awarded to Landing Gear operations

LONGUEUIL, QC, Sept. 16, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX: HRX), ("Héroux-Devtek" or the "Corporation"), a leading Canadian manufacturer of aerospace products, announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary HDI Landing Gear USA Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with The Boeing Company to supply complete landing gear systems for the Boeing 777 and 777X, contingent on launch of the 777X program. Following this agreement with Boeing, a multi-year contract is expected to be signed before the end of calendar 2013.

Under the terms of the MOA, HDI Landing Gear USA Inc. will supply complete landing gear systems, including the main and nose landing gear, and the nose landing gear drag strut. The MOA includes manufacturing parts for Boeing to sell in the aftermarket. Under the expected multi-year contract, deliveries would begin in early calendar 2017, with an option to extend the contract through 2028.

"This MOA is a landmark achievement for Héroux-Devtek, as the long-term contract with Boeing would represent the largest contract ever awarded to our landing gear operations," said Gilles Labbé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héroux-Devtek. "We are extremely proud to further strengthen our business relationship with Boeing. The 777 has been a longstanding strategic program for Héroux-Devtek and we are proud to have been selected by Boeing to supply complete landing gear systems which clearly demonstrates their confidence in our capabilities to produce high quality product while meeting the affordability requirements of the market. Our expanded content on a leading large commercial aircraft program significantly enhances Héroux-Devtek's reputation and competitive position in the aerospace industry. It also provides a solid foundation we can leverage to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of our operations, as we step up our presence in the global supply chain."

"We are pleased to sign this MOA with HDI Landing Gear USA Inc.," said Kent Fisher, vice president and general manager, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Supplier Management.  "They presented us with the best offer in terms of technical capability, cost and collaboration."

The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane, with 1,460 orders for 777s from 66 global customers to date.

A significant factor that was also considered by Boeing in executing this MOA was Boeing's Industrial Regional Benefits (IRB) commitment in Canada. Canada's IRB policy requires prime contractors such as Boeing to make investments in the Canadian economy as a result of winning defense and security contracts with the Government of Canada. Boeing has several current IRB programs and is actively engaged in the pursuit of new opportunities that if successful, would generate additional obligations. This MOA is another example of the synergy created when IRB's give Canadian firms the opportunity to provide Boeing with the best product at the best value.

PROFILE
Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX: HRX) is a Canadian company specializing in the design, development, manufacture and repair and overhaul of landing gear systems and components for the Aerospace market. The Corporation is the third largest landing gear company worldwide, supplying both the commercial and military sectors of the Aerospace market with new landing gear systems and components, as well as aftermarket products and services. The Corporation also manufactures electronic enclosures, heat exchangers and cabinets for suppliers of airborne radar, electro-optic systems and aircraft controls through its Magtron operations.  Approximately 70% of the Corporation's sales are outside Canada, mainly in the United States. The Corporation's head office is located in Longueuil, Québec with facilities in the Greater Montreal area (Longueuil, Laval and St-Hubert); Kitchener and Toronto, Ontario; as well as Springfield and Cleveland, Ohio.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information provided herein, this press release may contain information and statements of a forward-looking nature concerning the future performance of the Corporation. These statements are based on suppositions and uncertainties as well as on management's best possible evaluation of future events. Such factors may include, without excluding other considerations, fluctuations in quarterly results, evolution in customer demand for the Corporation's products and services, the impact of price pressures exerted by competitors, and general market trends or economic changes. As a result, readers are advised that actual results may differ from expected results.

SOURCE Héroux-Devtek Inc.