Recent Acquisition Of PMA Gives Helomaker Knowledge Of Certified Ops

Self-build helicopter manufacturer Rotorway International tells ANN the company continues to forge ahead with expansion efforts. Rotorway execs state the company's recent acquisition of PMC manufacturing allows Rotorway to grow into the certificated environment and also allows both companies to benefit from their respective strengths.

Through the acquisition, Rotorway gains knowledge in manufacturing in a certificated aerospace environment, and PMC grows from aerospace parts manufacturer to manufacturing components for a complete rotorcraft.

As part of the Rotorway expansion, Rotorway and PMC will combine operations... a move the companies say will result in a 20 percent net increase in employees in the United States. The combined company plans to eventually consolidate its four US locations into one large ISO/AS certified manufacturing environment; the intermediate step will be to combine the manufacturing and assembly buildings into one location.

"The economic downturn allows us to focus on combining our operations into one efficient ISO9000:2000/AS9100 environment, which enables us to build an even safer and more reliable product," said Rotorway CEO Grant Norwitz.

Mark Porter, former PMA CEO and now Rotorway's president and Chief Operating Officer, added "consolidation allows us to meet the increasing demand for our products while ensuring the best customer service for our current owner’s group which numbers over 2000 pilots and rotorcraft."

Rotorway continues to expand even in these tough economic times. Rotorway International has already outgrown its new Chandler, AZ facility and is looking for larger premises. This expansion is echoed in its facility in Cape Town, South Africa, with positions open and an expected 45% growth in personnel.

FMI: www.rotorway.com