Merritt Tool Company (MTC) is a modern machine shop manufacturing facility, specializing in complex, medium to large, CNC milling, turning, grinding and assembly. MTC serves customers in the aerospace, energy and commercial industries. A.P. Merritt Sr., founded MTC in 1928. Today, A.P. Merritt, Jr. is the President and CEO of the current production facility in Kilgore, Texas The company's early success was launched by the manufacturing of the "gold fishtail" bit used to drill hundreds of oil wells in East Texas. Business grew dramatically in the first two decades. As the company grew, it began to diversify its business. MTC was awarded its first government contract in 1949 when the company was chosen to repair and manufacture bomb-loading carts at Kelly Air Force Base. In 1987, MTC won its first major government contract to manufacture retract arms for the C-5 tanker. Currently, MTC is involved in multiple civilian and defense aerospace contracts ranging from the popular Boeing 737 to cutting edge military technology such as the F-22 Raptor, the V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). MTC has developed an excellent reputation for manufacturing high quality parts on schedule for Boeing contracts. Historically, MTC has manufactured various components for the 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777. On the military side, MTC has been manufacturing parts for Boeing (as subcontractor) on the new F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft, the V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft and the Apache Longbow helicopter. In January 2002, MTC was selected as a Boeing Preferred Supplier for its continuing dedication to quality performance, on-time delivery and commitment to reduction of costs. In 2003, MTC was awarded its first contract for production of structural components for Lockheed Martin's new JSF aircraft. In 2004, MTC was awarded its first contract for the production of missile parts for the Tomahawk cruise missile. Also in 2004, MTC developed a significant relationship with PCC Structurals manufacturing titanium parts for the F-22 and the Army Howitzer gun.In 2005, MTC won its first contract to machine parts for the F-22 directly for the prime-contractor, Lockheed Martin. The oilfield industry continues to present new opportunities for MTC. Currently, MTC has significant relationships with Halliburton, Frank's Casing, Weatherford, Schlumberger and FMC. Because MTC began its business supplying parts to the oilfield, this is an area for which MTC has a special competency and reputation. MTC is striving to grow its non-aircraft business in industries such as oil production, automotive, and semiconductors. Because MTC's manufacturing capabilities and quality systems are industry independent, MTC has the luxury of developing business in a wide variety of industries. Today, the company is committed to making the right investments in people, equipment, quality, lean manufacturing and customer service. In January 2004, MTC was featured in Modern Machine Shop magazine to its dedication to lean manufacturing principles resulting in cost reductions. MTC uses tools like lean manufacturing to further separate the company from the competition.