WHAT'S NEW

Birken has had a strong diversification effort in 2006. New contracts with Mitsubishi and Turbomeca along with continued growth in the JSF development program have allowed us to plan a growth-orientated future specializing in complex component manufacturing.

Over the last 50 years Birken's strength has been its ability to provide quality aircraft parts of all sizes and quantities produced in a flexible environment. Our customers know that we could change and redirect our focus with just a phone call. We are proud of that heritage and the three generations that have kept our reputation intact.

Our future provides new challenges. Large production programs, R&D activities, and joint development teams that deal with productivity and machine capabilities require more up-front cooperation and coordination with our customers. We have developed the expertise to meet these new challenges. Our Engineering and R&D staff meet with customers almost daily developing strategies to meet rigorous test and production goals for today and 20 years into the future. We have produced nearly 40 prototype and test parts for the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) and the GP 7000 which will power the double-deck A380 commercial airliner.

We see a tremendous future in the Regional Jet and Business Jet industry. Pratt & Whitney Canada and Rolls Royce will lead the expanding engine market for this industry segment and we are proud to be partnering with these companies in this exciting and demanding ramp-up activity.

Finally, we see significant growth in commercial and government helicopter programs. Our partners, Mitsubishi and Turbomeca, will be major players in the growth that will occur over the next 5 to 10 years.

Our opportunities for significant growth are at our doorstep. The V-2500, the Trent 500, PWC 306 and the PW 4000 are current production engines. The future holds the Trent 900, Trent 1000, PW 210 and JSF (F135) as well as many military mainstays. We look forward to the challenges of our future.