News Release
GULFSTREAM EARNS TOP SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY RATING
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Rating Validates Gulfstream's Diligence To Keeping Its Business and Resources Secure
SAVANNAH, Ga., December 10, 2007 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection has awarded its highest supply chain security rating to Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. The business-jet manufacturer's efforts to ensure its supply chain is safe and secure achieved "Tier Three" status. As a result, Gulfstream is eligible to receive the highest level of benefits available to members of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
"It is our duty as an American company to ensure the safety of our supply chain, and thereby the safety of the American public," said Joseph T. Lombardo, president, Gulfstream. "We work closely with all of our suppliers, both here and abroad, to identify any potential weaknesses in the procurement process - including purchasing, receiving, transporting and invoicing. If any are found, we immediately take steps to correct them and protect the supply chain."
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism is a joint government-business initiative designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security while facilitating legitimate, compliant trade. The C-TPAT program comprises three successive phases: 1) Hardening of the physical supply chain; 2) Internal supply chain management practices; and 3) Business partner practices, procedures and requirements. Gulfstream recently achieved the last of the three phases by ensuring its suppliers are also meeting the physical and procedural security requirements set forth by C-TPAT that maximize the security of the supply chain.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,600 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500® and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 9,100 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 82,900 people worldwide and anticipates 2007 revenues of more than $27 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.
