LaBarge to Produce Security Equipment for L-3 Communications

    Nov. 10, 2004
    Company is awarded $6 million contract to produce L-3's airport security equipment

    LaBarge, Inc. has been awarded a contract valued at $6 million by L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems. LaBarge will continue to perform turnkey manufacturing services for L-3's VIS108, VDS108 and MVT (multi-view tomography) explosives detection systems that use X-rays to detect the presence of explosives or other contraband. LaBarge manufactures and integrates box-level assemblies into higher level electronic equipment for the inspection systems.

    VIS108, VDS108 and MVT inspection systems are currently used at key international airports to automatically scan checked baggage for the presence of explosives that, if allowed inside the hull of an aircraft, could threaten the safety of airline passengers. The inspection systems detect explosives using L-3's proprietary X-ray techniques by applying sophisticated algorithms to identify threatening objects in baggage. In addition, the MVT, which has the highest throughput rate (1,800 bags per hour) in the industry, has been adapted for a U.S. rail passenger baggage screening pilot program.

    The majority of the work will be performed at LaBarge's Huntsville, Ark., facility, with support from its facility in Tulsa, Okla. The Company anticipates production to continue through December 2006.