Second Line Will Help Company Meet Demand In Americas
AgustaWestland celebrated the Grand Opening of its new AW139
medium twin helicopter assembly line in Philadelphia, PA during an
event held Wednesday, and attended by over 300 guests and an
additional 400 employees. The helomaker says the opening underlined
its 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 the 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.
"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," said AgustaWestland CEO Giuseppe Orsi. "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."
The second AW139 assembly line gives AgustaWestland added
resources to meet healthy 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," added 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."
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. 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.