PHILADELPHIA,
Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ --
AgustaWestland is pleased to
announce the Grand Opening of the new AW139 medium twin helicopter assembly
line in
Philadelphia (PA) during an event held today which was attended by
over 300 guests and an additional 400 employees.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080219/NETU148 )
The event underlines AgustaWestland's growing presence in the US and the
expansion of its Philadelphia facility. In addition to the assembly of the
AW139, the facility is also responsible for AW119 Ke production and supports
the expanding fleet of AgustaWestland helicopters in North and South America.
The company broke ground on this new 168,000 square foot facility in
November 2005. Just over one year later in December 2006 the first AW139
assembled in Philadelphia was delivered to its customer.
Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland said "The decision to expand this
facility and establish the second AW139 assembly line in Philadelphia
highlights our growing presence in the United States and our commitment to
expand and invest in the United States. The AW139 is proving to be the right
solution for more and more missions worldwide including offshore transport,
VIP transport, EMS, SAR, law enforcement and recently for Homeland Security
here in the United States."
This second AW139 assembly line enables AgustaWestland to meet the growing
demand for the AW139 medium twin turbine helicopter with particular focus on
the expanding Americas' markets. Just over one year since production started,
the AW139 assembly line is reaching full-scale production, producing 30
helicopters per year. By the end of 2008, the Philadelphia facility will grow
to more than 500 employees, adding over 150 new jobs.
"This expansion is not only an investment in the City of Philadelphia, but
the people of Philadelphia as well," said Senator Bob Casey. "I was pleased
to be at the grand opening today to witness the expansion of the long-running
partnership between AgustaWestland and the Philadelphia region."
"It is an honor to be here today in Philadelphia to celebrate the grand
opening of this important expansion," said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.
"This expansion will help increase our region's economic strength and ensure
that both our military and local law enforcement organizations have access to
the critical tools and resources they need."
"As we open this new facility we take another step toward creating more
jobs, boosting our regional economy and better securing our nation," said
Congressman Patrick Murphy. "Philadelphia and Augusta Westland have a long
history of working together for our community and our country and I am proud
to be a part of this important event."
"The opening of a manufacturing plant is a valuable example of economic
cooperation, and is important in context to the overall relations between
Italy and the United States," said Ambassador Giovanni Castellaneta,
Ambassador of Italy to the United States. "We can assure our continued support
to the strategy of AgustaWestland in the competitive U.S. market."
The Philadelphia facility has steadily expanded to become AgustaWestland's
third main helicopter final assembly location and continues to be the main
product support center for customers throughout the Americas. Customer support
is provided 24 hours per day 7 days per week for a fleet of more than 360
helicopters in the Americas. Moreover, the Philadelphia plant is also devoted
to both flight and maintenance training activities.
AgustaWestland's presence in Philadelphia dates back to 1980. A 75,000
square foot maintenance facility was built in 1988 to support a growing US
commercial helicopter fleet. In 2004 the facility underwent major expansion
with the relocation of the A119 Koala production line to Philadelphia and
today is the sole production location for the AW119 Ke, the new upgraded
version of the A119 Koala. The Philadelphia plant also undertakes the
completion and customisation of AW109 Power and Grand light twin helicopters
for customers in North and South America.
For further information:
Jacqueline Ferko
T: 703.373.8022
E: jferko@awnainc.com
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