TEWKSBURY, Mass., Nov. 10, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) was honored by the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) with the 2008 Innovative Manufacturer of the Year award. Representatives from Raytheon's Seapower Capability Center, Portsmouth, R.I., were presented the prestigious award at RIMA's 10th anniversary gala Nov. 8.

"Technology and innovation are the core of our business -- key to our ability to deliver the advanced and reliable solutions that our warfighters depend on," said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) Charles "Tom" Bush, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. "To be recognized by RIMA with this award is a testament to our employees' commitment to developing innovative solutions that our military and civil authorities need to protect themselves, our country and our allies."

Raytheon's Seapower Capability Center has a long history of innovation and world-class manufacturing results. The center embraces the principles of lean manufacturing and uses Raytheon Six Sigma as its disciplined improvement process to eliminate waste and increase efficiencies.

In addition to this distinction, the SCC has received a number of notable awards for manufacturing excellence, safety standards, and security practices, including the Northeast Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing (gold medal recipient); the Defense Security Service's Cogswell Award; and a "star" rating from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for participation in the Voluntary Protection Program.

Raytheon's Seapower Capability Center is IDS' primary naval systems mission center responsible for the development and integration of world-class submarine and surface ship combat management, anti-submarine, mine warfare, and integrated ship systems, as well as sensors and torpedoes for U.S. and allied navy fleets. Located on 175 acres in Portsmouth, R.I., the SCC employs close to 1,600 people and is home to roughly 30 different manufacturing programs supporting various navies around the globe, as well as civil authorities.

The Rhode Island Manufacturers Association is a nonprofit, member-driven association created to enhance the ability of Rhode Island manufacturers to compete effectively and profitably in local, national and global markets by legislating Rhode Island into the top quartile among states in terms of manufacturing competitiveness. RIMA's goal is to serve as the unified voice of the state's manufacturing sector.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration, providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  Carolyn Beaudry
  401.842.3550

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Carolyn Beaudry of Raytheon Company, +1-401-842-3550

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/