Eurocopter Grand Paris

After some secrecy
Eurocopter “Joséphine” project became Paris-le Bourget and granted another
title “Grand Paris”. The title”Grand Paris” was granted at a ceremony attended by Maurice Leroy, the Minister for Cities who is in chrage of Grand Paris, Daniel Canépa, Prefecy of Paris and the Ile-de-France region and Patrick Braouezec, Deputy of Seine-Saint-Dennis.

France’s government lent its support to Eurocopter’s
transfer to Dugny of activities from the La Courneuve site, together with a
portion of the EADS research & development function currently based at
Suresnes, during the Paris Air Show in June 2011.

Moving to the new site will allow the manufacturer to modernise its production
facilities for rotor blades.

“Eurocopter’s investment project for Paris-le Bourget is perfectly aligned with
the modernization and innovation policy that the Group has been pursuing for a
number of years,” said executive vice president, global supply chain Joseph
Saporito. “This transfer to a new site allows us to rationalize our production
facilities while also presenting us with development opportunities, especially
in the areas of support and services. This will make us even more competitive
in an area of industry in which Eurocopter remains the global leader.”

The relocation of personnel from EADS Innovation Works, the research and
technology organisation of EADS will provide additional on-site expertise to
support Eurocopter activities at Dugny. “Bringing together these resources will
create synergies that ensure Eurocopter remains at the leading edge of
technology in rotor blade development,” said head of EADS Innovation Works Yann
Barbaux.

Eurocopter is looking to invest some 120 million euros in its new industrial
site, which will be located on the grounds of a former French naval air base.
The future plant in Paris-le Bourget will house innovative new high-performance
and multifunctional facilities, making it a driving force for the Group’s
strategic policy of innovation as well as a technological showcase for the
region and the benchmark for environmental policies.