Spirit AeroSystems Increases Real-time Collaboration with PLM Solutions from IBM and Dassault Systèmes

10/24/2005

Largest independent structures supplier to streamline product development processes with innovative end-to-end PLM solution

Paris, France, October 25, 2005 - IBM and Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced that Spirit AeroSystems, the largest independent structures supplier to the worldwide aerospace industry and a major supplier to Boeing Commercial Aircraft, has chosen their PLM solutions to enhance real-time collaboration with its customers and improve the global efficiency of product development processes.

Spirit will deploy a global end-to-end IBM PLM solution that includes industry-leading software applications developed by Dassault Systèmes, along with leading-edge middleware, hardware and services. The supplier will deploy CATIA V5’s collaborative digital product design in a seamlessly integrated environment with ENOVIA LCA for product data management and DELMIA for digital manufacturing simulation. With 500 seats, these solutions will together enable aircraft structure and system development based on industry-proven best practices, while supporting the industry-specific processes found in the aerospace sector.

Using this PLM solution, Spirit will gain greater control over its data and processes, enabling it to work more efficiently and responsively, and enhancing its competitiveness. It will also optimize collaboration with Boeing Commercial Aircraft, the company’s largest customer, with whom it is already tightly integrated.

Spirit builds parts for almost every Boeing Commercial jetliner in production, and is currently responsible for the important forward section of the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner. Spirit also designs and manufactures the engine pylons and both fixed and moveable wing components. The developmental forward barrel _ called Section 41 _ is made of advanced composite material and was recently rolled out to much fanfare by Spirit and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner team.

According to Spirit's Engineering Department, “This decision is not just about the advanced composite design capabilities that CATIA V5 brings to our design engineers. It’s about collaborating with Boeing and the global 787 team in real-time, with no translation or papered-over integrations. This global collaboration is key to our success and to the success of our customer.”

“As a major supplier to the aerospace industry, Spirit is facing increased responsibilities in a very competitive marketplace,” said John Porter, Vice President, Product Lifecycle Management, IBM Americas. “Our end-to-end PLM solutions will help Spirit transform its business by cutting costs, optimizing collaboration and the use of critical information. Thus they will increase differentiation through innovative products and services and offer their customers unique value.

“Marcelo Lemos, President, Dassault Systemes of America, said, “Drawing upon our experience of working closely with leading aerospace companies, we have developed a portfolio of Digital Aircraft Solutions which addresses the specific transformation needs of the industry. We are delighted to work with Spirit AeroSystems and deliver to them field-proven solutions that enable unparalleled process innovation and real-time collaboration.”

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About Spirit AeroSystems

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. is the world’s largest independent supplier of structures for commercial aircraft. It designs and builds part of every Boeing commercial aircraft currently in production, except the 717. It produces the fuselage, engine nacelles and pylons of the 737; and nose sections, nacelles and pylons for the 747, 767 and 777 aircraft. It designs and produces slats, flaps, forward leading edges and trailing edges for 737 wings; slats and floor beams for the 777 airplane; and wing and fuselage components for the 747. The company also designs and builds aircraft production tooling.  For more information, visit http://www.spiritaero.com

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM Sales & Distribution, which supports more than a dozen key industries worldwide, works with companies of all sizes around the world to deploy the full range of IBM technologies. The fastest way to get more information about IBM is through the IBM home page at http://www.ibm.com

 

About Dassault Systèmes

As world leader in 3D and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solutions, the Dassault Systèmes group brings value to more than 80,000 customers in 80 countries.  A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire life cycle of products from conception to maintenance.  Its offering includes integrated PLM solutions for product development (CATIA®, DELMIA®, ENOVIA®, SMARTEAM®), mainstream 3D design tools (SolidWorks®), and 3D components (Spatial/ACIS®).  Dassault Systèmes is listed on the Nasdaq (DASTY) and Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) stock exchanges.

 For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com

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