Facility TourS

Saturday, May 16

Lockheed Martin F35 Assembly

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Tour attendees will receive a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most advanced aerospace manufacturing operations in the world. The experience begins with a brief history of Air Force Plant 4, highlighting the evolution from World War II-era aircraft production to today's cutting-edge defense manufacturing facility.

Participants will then take a guided walking tour of the active F-35 assembly line, following the aircraft through key stages of production. Areas may include Wing Structures, Wing Systems, EMAS, Forward Fuselage, and Final Assembly. Throughout the tour, attendees will have opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with knowledgeable guides as the build process unfolds.

Time and interest permitting, the tour may also include select back shop areas such as Composite Layup and other specialized manufacturing operations.

Space is limited for this tour.

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Monday, May 18

DFW International Airport Tour/PIO Building

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join us for a unique facility tour at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the third busiest airport in the world. Attendees will receive an overview of DFW's innovative initiatives and gain insight into the scale and complexity of operations that support one of the largest aviation hubs globally.

The tour will also include a visit to DFW's internationally recognized fire Training Research Center (FTRC). During this portion of the tour, participants will learn about the facility's role in advancing firefighter education and training, explore the center's specialized training environment, and see examples of the equipment and approaches used to support cutting-edge research and instruction.

This behind-the-scenes experience offers a rare opportunity to visit a world-class aviation facility and learn how research, training, and innovation come together to support safety and preparedness at a global scale.

Space is limited for this tour.

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Tuesday, May 19

American Leather

7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Take an inside look at the manufacturing operations of American Leather, a leader in custom-built furniture production.

This facility tour highlights a highly advanced manufacturing environment centered on just-in-time (JIT) production and lean manufacturing principles. Attendees will gain insight into how American Leather produces made-to-order products with exceptional speed, while maintaining a strong reputation for quality and reliability.

Every piece manufactured is custom-built, allowing the organization to deliver finished products in as little as three weeks which is an impressive achievement within the furniture manufacturing industry.

This tour offers a practical look at how lean processes, operational discipline, and manufacturing efficiency come together in a real-world production setting.

Space is limited for this tour.

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