BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 2005--USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU) announced today that it has signed a contract with ATK Space Systems, a division of Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK), for the development and manufacture of carbon fiber centrifuge rotor tubes for use in the centrifuge machines in USEC's American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility.
According to USEC's Senior Vice President Philip G. Sewell, who is responsible for the American Centrifuge Program, "ATK has been involved in centrifuge manufacturing activities at USEC's Centrifuge Technology Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. ATK now joins Boeing, Honeywell and Fluor Enterprises as part of USEC's contracting team." The contract with ATK runs through March 2007 and includes labor, parts and equipment, and other support costs for the carbon fiber centrifuge rotor tubes used in USEC's American Centrifuge machines.
ATK Space Systems, Clearfield, Utah, is a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced composite materials for scientific spacecraft, satellite systems and robotic vehicles like the Mars Exploration Rovers. ATK's state-of-the-art advanced composite material design and manufacturing skills will enhance USEC's American Centrifuge machines. With this agreement to produce carbon fiber rotor tubes for the centrifuge, ATK becomes a member of USEC's team of contractors.
The American Centrifuge is based on proven centrifuge technology originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, but with expected improvements in efficiency through the use of state-of-the-art materials, control systems and manufacturing processes. The lead cascade in the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility is scheduled to begin operation in late 2005 at USEC's plant site in Piketon, Ohio.
This news release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involves risks and uncertainty, including certain assumptions regarding the future performance of USEC. Actual results and trends may differ materially depending upon a variety of factors, which are described in USEC's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These SEC filings are available on USEC's website, www.usec.com.
ATK is a $2.4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 14,000 in 23 states.
USEC Inc., a global energy company, is the world's leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.
CONTACT: USEC Inc., Bethesda
Media:
Elizabeth Stuckle, 301-564-3399
or
Investors:
Steven Wingfield, 301-564-3354
or
ATK
Bryce Hallowell, 952-351-3087
SOURCE: USEC Inc.