TEWKSBURY, Mass., May 11, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) has demonstrated continued success in manufacturing excellence as two business centers were announced as recipients of the prestigious regional Shingo Prize for excellence in lean manufacturing.

"Being awarded the Shingo Prize at two IDS centers is a testimonial to our commitment to being a value-added business partner to our employees, suppliers, partners and customers," said Dan Ryan, IDS' vice president of Operations. "The prize signals that we embrace lean practices, provide world-class manufacturing performance, and are committed to continuous improvement. Lean manufacturing is how we provide 'No Doubt' to our warfighters."

This marked the second straight year Raytheon IDS' Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass., received a Shingo Prize for excellence in lean manufacturing; the center received the prestigious Gold Award. This is the first recognition for the Maritime Mission Center, Portsmouth, R.I., which received the Silver Award.

Dubbed the "Nobel prize of Manufacturing" by Business Week, the Shingo Prize is recognized as the premier manufacturing award and recognition program in North America and honors companies that demonstrate a commitment to lean through the implementation and execution of lean manufacturing strategies to drive superior quality, value and enterprise-wide results.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Joint Battlespace Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a strong international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. armed forces.

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
   Guy Shields
   978.858.5246

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Guy Shields of Raytheon Company, +1-978-858-5246

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