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PAR Systems Signs Agreement with NASA for Use of Hangar N Facility

April 9, 2013

 

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – PAR Systems, Inc., a world leader in material handling, automation, and robotic solutions since 1961, has signed a partnership agreement with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for use of the Hangar N facility and its unique Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment. The NASA facility is located on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Under a 15-year lease agreement, PAR Systems will access the facility immediately to begin work performing non-destructive testing, and other related aerospace, marine, and industrial product services.

 

Initially, eight PAR Systems employees with over 200 combined years of non-destructive test engineering and inspection experience will be based at Kennedy to perform the work. All are NDT professionals with national level III American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) certifications, and can use multiple inspection methods. With PAR Systems’ 52 years of experience in automation systems and its global resources, the team will be able to advise clients on the best inspection methods to use as well as how to automate those activities. Additional support will be provided by PAR’s LaserUT® Center of Excellence in Fort Worth, Tex. and its Robotics Headquarters in Shoreview, Minn.

 

“PAR Systems focuses on being a trusted partner by delivering automated solutions to their clients. It has now expanded that solutions capability with premier NDT services by leveraging more than two decades of engineering knowledge and extensive NDT equipment developed to support the space program,” stated John Pollock, Vice President and General Manager of PAR Systems’ Aerospace segment. “We are excited about this new long-term partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the many inquires it has already generated.”

 

Inspection capabilities include multiple x-ray modalities such as Digital and Computed Radiography, Backscatter, and Computed Tomography along with Laser Shearography, Infrared, Ultrasonic, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, and Liquid Penetrant. The ability to understand how and when to apply the technology is the cornerstone of what PAR’s Level III Development and Operational Engineers provide. This expertise allows PAR to quickly and accurately assess the best NDT solution for clients’ needs through applied engineering. The facility can inspect large structures as well as small commercial and aerospace parts. Its location on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station allows PAR to support NASA’s Space Launch System program and commercial launch customers.

 

“Kennedy Space Center continues to work with the commercial community to find inventive ways to use our unique facilities and equipment,” said Kennedy Director Bob Cabana. “We look forward to this new partnership with PAR Systems and its contributions to America’s space program.”

 

The business project development team from Kennedy Space Center, and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast worked with PAR Systems, Inc. to establish the agreement.

 

About PAR Systems
PAR Systems, a portfolio company of MML Capital Partners (www.mmlcapital.com), is a world leader in providing manufacturing solutions for critical material handling and automation applications to improve customer quality, safety, and productivity. Since 1961, PAR has created intelligent solutions for a broad range of industries including aerospace, marine, hazardous environments, heavy material handling, industrial, and life sciences. PAR Systems is headquartered in Minnesota, with global engineering and manufacturing centers of excellence. For more information on PAR Systems, visit www.par.com.