Eurocopter Inaugurates its New Plant in Spain
The plant, which is based in Castilla-La Mancha, confirms Spain’s role as the third pillar of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer
Albacete, 28 March 2007
The President of the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, José María Barreda, today inaugurated the new Eurocopter España plant in Albacete in the presence of the Eurocopter CEO, Lutz Bertling; the Spanish Secretary of State for Defense; and the Mayor of Albacete. The authorities from the Ministry of interior, Industry, and Defense also attended this significant event, alongside representatives from the region’s main political and administrative institutions. The full program for the morning ceremony included a demonstration by the Aspa, aerobatic team of the Spanish Air Force, with Eurocopter Colibri helicopters.
Today’s inauguration shows the long term commitment of the Eurocopter Group to Spain.
The plant was designed to incorporate the highest levels of technology in Europe, with the aim of developing a full cycle and permanent helicopter industry in Spain. The 150,000 square meter site will contain 33,000 square meters of covered production facilities, which will house the EC135, NH90, and Tiger hangers, as well as the facilities dedicated to aerostructures. By the end of 2010, the plant will have a workforce of 700 people.
During the inauguration ceremony, José María Barreda declared: “Today is an historic day for our region, which rounds off the efforts of many men and women to put Albacete on the European aeronautical map.” Lutz Bertling underlined: “The event that we are celebrating today is the result of the exhaustive work performed by Eurocopter and the differents spanish administration, as well as the enthusiastic support of the town of Albacete.”
As the third pillar of the Eurocopter Group, Spain is developing engineering, manufacturing, upgrading, delivery, and logistic activities, with complete responsibility for customer support, marketing, and program management. Eurocopter is the main helicopter contractor in Spain, and the country is fully involved in the most important programs. The Ministry of Interior has decided tol acquire 48 EC135, mainly for EMS and law enforcement missions and the Ministry of Defense has ordered four of these aircraft for the Emergency Military Unit (UME). The Spanish Army has ordered a total of 24 Tiger combat helicopters.It is expected that the country will participate in the development of the new tactical transport helicopter, the NH90, the most modern multi-role helicopter in the world: the Spanish Ministry of Defense has already ordered 45 of these aircraft.
The new Eurocopter España plant in Albacete will be responsible for the production of the fuselage rear sections of the EC 135, made from composite materials, and Tiger;as well the fuselage forward sections of the NH90. The plant will house the final assembly lines for the EC135 intended for the Spanish market; the Spanish HAD version of the Tiger from 2008 and the NH90 in TTH version for the Ministry of Defense.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with about 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet.
A Century of Vertical Flight
The first-ever vertical flight was made by Paul Cornu in 1907. Since then, the spirit of conquest, technological progress and innovative ideas have made the helicopter an indispensable vehicle for saving lives, protecting the public and contributing to the economic development of the world. Eurocopter is proud to celebrate this anniversary during 2007 and to share its passion for helicopters.
For more information, please contact:
| Jesus RUIZ | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +34 91 379 66 04 Cellphone: +34 690 88 88 80 mailto: jesus.ruiz@eurocopter.com |
| Christina GOTZHEIN | Eurocopter |
Tel.: + 49 (0) 89 60 00 64 88 Cellphone: +49 (0) 151 14 22 92 43 mailto: christina.gotzhein@eurocopter.com |
| Cécile VION-LANCTUIT | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 49 34 45 55 Cellphone: +33 (0) 6 72 83 90 67 mailto: cecile.vion-lanctuit@eurocopter.com |
| Christopher BACH | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +49 (0) 906 71 45 65 Cellphone: +49 (0) 151 14 22 90 89 mailto: christopher.bach@eurocopter.com |
| www.eurocopter.com |
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