BETHESDA, Md. - The United States Enrichment Corporation, a subsidiary of USEC Inc., today took over direct operation of its production facilities in Paducah, Kentucky and near Portsmouth, Ohio. Previously employed by operations contractor Lockheed Martin Utility Services, the workforce of approximately 4,000 are now employees of USEC.

"We believe our direct operation of the plants will achieve a closer alignment of our performance with our objectives of efficiency, safety and creation of shareholder value," said USEC President and Chief Executive Officer William H. Timbers, Jr. "As a private company, it makes sense that we manage and operate our business ourselves, rather than through a contractor."

"We appreciate the dedication and service of Lockheed Martin employees over the past few years," said James H. Miller, USEC Executive Vice President. "We now embark on a new beginning together as fellow employees of the United States Enrichment Corporation."

USEC Inc. (NYSE: USU) is the world leader in production and sale of uranium fuel enrichment services for commercial nuclear power plants. A global energy company with customers in 14 countries, the Company’s operations involve approximately 5,000 people. With headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, the Company operates production plants in Kentucky and Ohio and is developing an advanced laser enrichment technology in California.

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