Sikorsky opens local tech center

Company looks to add 160 jobs, 'is excited to be here'

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

By BRIAN LAWSON

Times Business Writer, brian.lawson@htimes.com

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., maker of the Black Hawk helicopter, formally opened a new technical center in Huntsville on Monday, pledging to grow the work force to some 160 employees within the next year.

The expansion of the company's presence in Huntsville - Sikorsky is looking to hire engineers, program managers and logistics specialists - reflects the company's desire to work closely with Redstone Arsenal, said Jeffrey Pino, president of Sikorsky Aircraft, during a ceremony at the facility in Cummings Research Park.

"We want to be fully integrated here in Huntsville, fully aligned with Team Redstone," said Pino, a former Army aviator. "We're really excited to be here, and we'll be a good partner, good corporate citizen and a growing part of this community."

Sikorsky is building the next generation of Black Hawks for the Army. Sikorsky said the U.S. military and the company's international customers, a total of 26 governments, have logged some 5 million flight hours in Black Hawk models.

Col. William T. Crosby, a helicopter manager at Redstone Arsenal, said Sikorsky's decision to bolster its Huntsville presence would be a great asset for the Army.

"You just can't trade sitting across the table from the guys and gals working with us to integrate new components," Crosby said. "This will enable the Black Hawk team to truly integrate with the fine Sikorsky team here locally."

Mark Miller, Sikorsky's vice president of research and engineering, said the collaboration will help provide the most technically advanced equipment for Army aviators.

"In the long term, the benefits and applications from this collective effort can be extensive from both the technology development and customer support standpoints," Miller said. "What we achieve and learn here can help improve all our military aircraft and even shape future platforms."

Pino said Sikorsky has made a significant investment in Alabama, with some $142 million invested in Huntsville and to support activities at Fort Rucker in south Alabama.

Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer said the company's mission statement illustrates, for her, its most meaningful role: " 'We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time.' "



Sikorsky opens local tech center Company looks to add 160 jobs, 'is excited to be here' Tuesday, June 05, 2007 By BRIAN LAWSON Times Business Writer, brian.lawson@htimes.com Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., maker of the Black Hawk helicopter, formally opened a new technical center in Huntsville on Monday, pledging to grow the work force to some 160 employees within the next year. The expansion of the company's presence in Huntsville - Sikorsky is looking to hire engineers, program managers and logistics specialists - reflects the company's desire to work closely with Redstone Arsenal, said Jeffrey Pino, president of Sikorsky Aircraft, during a ceremony at the facility in Cummings Research Park. "We want to be fully integrated here in Huntsville, fully aligned with Team Redstone," said Pino, a former Army aviator. "We're really excited to be here, and we'll be a good partner, good corporate citizen and a growing part of this community." Sikorsky is building the next generation of Black Hawks for the Army. Sikorsky said the U.S. military and the company's international customers, a total of 26 governments, have logged some 5 million flight hours in Black Hawk models. Col. William T. Crosby, a helicopter manager at Redstone Arsenal, said Sikorsky's decision to bolster its Huntsville presence would be a great asset for the Army. "You just can't trade sitting across the table from the guys and gals working with us to integrate new components," Crosby said. "This will enable the Black Hawk team to truly integrate with the fine Sikorsky team here locally." Mark Miller, Sikorsky's vice president of research and engineering, said the collaboration will help provide the most technically advanced equipment for Army aviators. "In the long term, the benefits and applications from this collective effort can be extensive from both the technology development and customer support standpoints," Miller said. "What we achieve and learn here can help improve all our military aircraft and even shape future platforms." Pino said Sikorsky has made a significant investment in Alabama, with some $142 million invested in Huntsville and to support activities at Fort Rucker in south Alabama. Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer said the company's mission statement illustrates, for her, its most meaningful role: " 'We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time.' " © 2007 The Huntsville Times © 2007 al.com All Rights Reserved.