Eurocopter is moving ahead with plans to create a final assembly plant for its Ecureuil/AStar light helicopters in Columbus, Mississippi. The Franco-German company has decided to expand its US operations in Mississippi following "political intransigence" in Texas, where it already has a base (Flight International, 28 January-3 February).
Eurocopter president Jean-Francois Bigay says: "We have found good financial conditions to create something in Mississippi and we have met people very willing to help us." He says Eurocopter will keep its existing site in Grand Prairie intact, but adds that the political climate in Texas has not encouraged expansion in the state. "We have to share our plans [for expansion] with local authorities, and maybe we are not creating strong emotions with those who are responsible [in Texas]," he says.
The new site at Columbus is expected to be completed by year end and will be used for final assembly of the AStar. The facility will also make components and be a completion centre, says Bigay.
He adds: "We want to increase our business in the USA." The market was worth $253 million to American Eurocopter in 2002, a 13% rise over the previous year. The company logged 69 orders and delivered 71 machines in the year.
Eurocopter's twins formed only 14% of its US deliveries last year, but the company expects new business in 2003 for the EC145 light twin, including 25 to US customers in this year, with the first set for delivery in September.
Source: Flight International
