Aerospace Contract Manufacturing Services by MTS Forge

Lockheed Martin is primarily a defense prime contractor and systems integrator, not a contract manufacturer in the traditional sense. Contract manufacturers like MTS Forge are independent suppliers that produce precision components—such as aerospace forgings—to exact specifications for OEMs and primes. MTS Forge supplies forged components to aerospace and defense customers that may include major primes and their supply chains.

Contract manufacturing means a company outsources the production of specific components or assemblies to a specialized manufacturer. In aerospace, this involves producing parts—such as closed die forgings, contour forgings, or machined components—to the customer's exact drawings, material specifications, and quality standards. MTS Forge operates as an aerospace contract manufacturer, producing certified forged parts for customers who require compliant, traceable, American-made components.

MTS Forge operates under Mil I 45208 (Inspection System Requirements), NCA 3800 (Quality Assurance Program for nuclear and defense applications), and Mil Q9858 (Quality Program Requirements). These certifications ensure every component produced for aerospace and defense programs meets the material traceability, process control, and inspection standards required by procurement teams and prime contractors.

MTS Forge works with a broad range of materials suited for aerospace applications, including alloy steels, stainless steels (including 316-L), high-performance alloys such as Monel K-500, and duplex stainless steels like Ferralium 255. This material versatility allows MTS Forge to meet diverse aerospace engineering requirements for corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and high-temperature performance.

Yes. MTS Forge performs normalizing heat treatment in-house at its Coatesville, PA facility. Normalizing heats the forged component above its upper critical temperature and allows controlled air cooling, which refines grain structure, relieves internal stresses, and produces uniform mechanical properties. This is the most commonly specified heat treatment for hot forgings used in aerospace, defense, and nuclear applications.

Yes. MTS Forge offers in-house rough machining applied directly after the forging process. This brings components to near-net shape by removing forging flash, surface irregularities, and dimensional excess. Having this capability under one roof reduces lead times, eliminates the need for a separate machining vendor, and lowers handling risk—a significant advantage for aerospace supply chains with tight schedules.

MTS Forge can produce upset forgings, rings, and cylinders up to 26 inches in diameter and 1,500 pounds per piece. For sawing operations, the company handles materials up to 16 inches outer diameter. Flanges are manufactured up to 14 inches in size. Custom and contour forging capabilities accommodate a range of sizes depending on the specific application and material.

MTS Forge maintains a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program that provides complete traceability from raw material through finished component. The program aligns with Mil I 45208, NCA 3800, and Mil Q9858 standards, covering inspection systems, process controls, and documentation requirements. This ensures aerospace and defense procurement teams receive fully traceable, certified components that satisfy both prime contractor and regulatory audit requirements.