Eurocopter Canada Expands its Richmond, BC, Facility

Oct. 9, 2008
The new facility - which has grown to over 11,700 square feet - will support the company’s sales efforts for its rapidly expanding business in BC, provide technical support, and serve as logistics and spare parts distribution centre for all Canadian customers.

Richmond, British Columbia – on October 8, Eurocopter Canada held an opening ceremony for its newly expanded customer service facility in Richmond, British Columbia; the ceremony was presided over by Mr. Pierre MacDonald, Eurocopter Canada Chairman of the Board. The expansion is part of the company’s plans for growth in the BC market and its commitment to customer service in the region and across the country.

“As a Eurocopter Canada customer we are thrilled to be part of today’s announcement,” said Ken Norie, President, VIH Helicopters Ltd. “It reinforces what we already know about Eurocopter: the company delivers great machines with the latest technology and is committed to servicing its customers after the sale.”

The new facility - which has grown to over 11,700 square feet - will support the company’s sales efforts for its rapidly expanding business in BC, provide technical support, and serve as logistics and spare parts distribution centre for all Canadian customers. Eurocopter Canada delivered their 500th aircraft earlier this year to Phoenix Heli-Flight.

“British Columbia is an important market for us and we are seeing tremendous growth opportunities in economic sectors such as the offshore oil and natural gas industry, mining, forestry, law enforcement and tourism,” said Marie-Agnès Vève, president and chief executive officer of Eurocopter Canada. “We look forward to expanding our presence in BC and continuing to build relationships with customers such as VIH. This increased and closer support will continue to be paramount to our success in this region and across Canada.”

Eurocopter Canada is a subsidiary of the Eurocopter Group, which is at the forefront of environmental protection and manufacturers of the quietest helicopters in the world in their respective classes. The EC120, EC130 and EC135 aircraft – with their patented Fenestron anti-torque device – are the industry standard for reduction of noise pollution. Eurocopter Group is also striving to reduce gas emissions by lightening its aircraft and demanding more efficient engines from suppliers. Eurocopter is an active participant in several environmental initiatives, including “Friendcopter”, “Clean Sky” and is involved with industrial environmental protection through programs such as “REACH” and standards such as “ISO14001.”

About Eurocopter Canada

Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada – based in Fort Erie, Ontario – has a customer support network that spans the entire country. Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 14,000 people. In 2007, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer in the civil and Para public market, with a turnover exceeding 4 billion euros, orders for 802 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and Para public sectors. Overall, the group’s products account for 30 per cent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest range of commercial and military helicopters in the world.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2007, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover exceeding 4 billion Euros, orders for 802 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.