Crissair Honored by Lockheed Martin

Crissair Honored by Lockheed Martin

Santa Clarita Valley-based Crissair was recognized today by Lockheed Martin as one of their elite suppliers for the F-35 jet. This prestigious honor is given to fewer than 1% of suppliers.

Jack O’Banion, Vice President of Strategy and CustomerRequirements for Advanced Development Programs at Lockheed Martin described the significant contributions that Crissair made to the F-35. Crissair is a critical supplier, providing 35 different components to the plane. O’Banion also recognized that Crissair is also an important engineering parter. He described the re-engineering of the grab hook that allows planes to land on aircraft carriers. To reduce the chance of the F-35 being detected, the hook is stored within the plane, requiring new hydraulic equipment that Crissair helped redesign. These innovations have enabled the F-35 to be used by all branches of the military.

“We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Crissair team to the development of the F-35 Lightning II and honored to demonstrate the capabilities of the F-35 to Congressman Knight and the community here in Valencia,” O’Banion said.

Mike Alfred, President of Crissair, accepted the recognition along with other members of the leadership team.

Congressman Steve Knight was also recognized by Lockheed Martin for advancing funding that allowed new technology to be incorporated into the F35 five years earlier than previously planned. “I am thrilled to be here today to recognize the contributions of the Crissair team to the development of the world’s most advanced fighter,” said Knight. “The fifth-generation capabilities of the F-35 are essential to our ability to combat 21st century threats. I take great pride in having the opportunity to recognize the workers in the 25th Congressional District who are an important part of making it a reality for our Armed Forces and our allies.”

The event also showcased the F-35 Flight Simulator, in which participants can “pilot” the plan using the controls that are in the actual plane.

Crissair is a member of the Santa Clarita Valley's strong and growing Aerospace and Defense Coalition (ADC). The ADC is made up of over 80 SCV aerospace and defense companies that meet quarterly in the SCV. To support the ADC, the SCVEDC pursues the following services:

• Industry Promotion: Promote awareness of the SCV as a center for aerospace industries. Assist ADC in achieving its mission of supporting local businesses by collaboration among ADC companies
• Quarterly Industry Events: Invite well-known speakers in different subject matters to speak and interact with ADC members
• Business Attraction & Outreach Campaigns: Attract companies in the Aerospace and Defense cluster and promote SCV's strength in this area through integrated marketing campaign
• Annual Guide to Workforce Training: College of the Canyons’ Economic Development Division customized recruitment and technical employee training guide, including potential use of Employment Training Panel funds to significantly reduced training program costs
• Info & Data: Provide economic data, real estate updates, and industry news through regular communications. Provide cost comparison analyses upon request
  
  

READ ON to learn more about more thriving advanced manufacturing companies in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) is a unique private / public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. The SCVEDC utilizes an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, especially those in key industry clusters, by offering competitive business services and other resources.