AB139 Production Facility Should Boost Local Economy, Create Jobs

AgustaWestland broke ground Tuesday on an expansion of its US subsidiary manufacturing facility, Agusta aerospace corporation (AAC), in Philadelphia, PA. The new, state-of-the-art facility will be used for the production of the AB139 helicopter.

"Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland are an integral part of the US industrial base and strong contributors to the American economy," said Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, president and CEO of Finmeccanica, AgustaWestland's parent company. "We are committed to investing in this country. Our goal is to continue growing, bringing new technology and creating more American jobs in the years to come."

According to the company, the 110,000 square foot facility will include flight hangars, completion and final assembly areas, manufacturing stations and avionics assembly along with warehouse and office space. The project will require over $27 million in investment and create 150 jobs -- nearly doubling AAC's existing workforce.

"Today is a very proud day for AgustaWestland and Agusta aerospace corporation," said Giuseppe Orsi, CEO of AgustaWestland. "The expansion of AAC exemplifies the success and subsequent high demand for our AB139 and marks our commitment to the United States industrial base and continued investment in the city of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania."

Nearly 150 orders for the midsize twin-turbine AB139 (file photo of type, above) have been placed for a wide range of roles, including offshore transport, search and rescue, corporate and VIP transport, law enforcement and medical evacuation.

The AB139 is the best-selling helicopter in its class, according to AgustaWestland.

FMI: www.agustawestlandinc.com