SUCCESS BUILDS ON SUCCESS

In November of 2002, American Eurocopter Corporation announced that it would locate its helicopter manufacturing and assembly plant on a 40 acre site adjacent to the runway at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in East Central Mississippi. The "triangle" area is made up of the cities of Columbus, Starkville, West Point, and the counties for which they serve as county seat. The geographic location of these cities, when connected, form a triangle and together a formidable business hub.

American Eurocopter is a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, which is the second largest aerospace company in the world and holds 57 percent of the world market share of new helicopters. American Eurocopter will invest $13.5 million and create 100 new jobs for the project.

 



American Eurocopter will manufacture three models of helicopters for the military and for commercial uses in the Golden Triangle. The company will market to homeland security-related concerns, border patrol, the Coast Guard, and sheriff departments, among others. The region was able to attract the company due to its aviation related cluster. Columbus Air Force Base is located here and 6,000 military retirees reside in the area who have experience in aerospace work.

Additionally, the area is near Mississippi State University, which has one of the finest aerospace engineering departments in the country.

Another feature is the East Mississippi Community College Golden Triangle Campus and the Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence to provide specialized training required by the company.

The area was selected from among 20 proposals from other locations. Community support helped to win the project. The head of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport is a retired Air Force colonel who spearheaded the project. In addition, a retired Army aviator assembled resumes of people who had the necessary skills to meet the company's needs.

The Golden Triangle Regional Airport is the third-largest commercial airport in Mississippi and offers service to the world through Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Memphis.

 WHAT EUROCOPTER KNOWS THAT YOU SHOULD TOO
  • Columbus Air Force Base
  • Mississippi State University
  • Bagley College of Engineering
  • Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence
  • Raspet Flight Laboratory
  • Aviation Maintenance & Support Staff
  • Diagnostic and Instrumentation Laboratory
Mississippi State University offers a unique combination of resources available to support those in aviation-related businesses. The Bagley College of Engineering ranks 36th in the nation in research expenditures and produces almost 500 graduates per year from the bachelor to doctoral level. As an adjunct operation to the Aerospace Engineering School, the Raspet Flight Laboratory located at Bryan Field in Starkville specializes in the design and testing of composite materials to support rapid prototyping for lighter weight aircraft. The facility boasts three autoclaves for testing the strength of airplane components under various conditions, including one of the largest autoclaves in the nation at 10" in diameter by 55' long as well as an engine test cell. The University also has available for hire the research capabilities of the "High-Voltage" lab to simulate lightning strikes and monitor effects , particularly useful for aviation companies. You will also find a wealth of knowledge and research capabilities at MSU's Diagnostic Instrumentation and Analysis Lab, and the former National Science Foundations Engineering Research Center, home of the 10th most powerful university-based supercomputer.

Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence provides training for regional industries. This effort is designed to improve the East Mississippi region's ability to provide highly skilled and technically proficient workers.

Columbus Air Force Base is one of only three pilot training bases in the nation and is the sixth busiest airport in the U.S. in terms of daily take-offs and landings. Significant to the presence of the base is the locally trained aircraft mechanics and technicians, the majority of which are civilians. In addition, over 6000 military retirees reside in this area who have experience in aviation trades.

A relatively low cost of living, a mild year-round climate, and a variety of sporting, cultural, educational, and entertainment events make the Golden Triangle region an ideal place to live and raise a family. A great selection of historic to contemporary homes can be found on highly rated golf courses, private lakes, the inland waterway, and from upscale gated communities to traditional tree-lined neighborhoods. Foremost among the quality of life attributes are the direct benefits of two major universities (MSU and MUW) which bring to the area a constant stream of musical, theatrical, and sporting events (over 100 Southeastern Conference sanctioned events per year)

The Golden Triangle region is a hub employment center for a commuting workforce of 180,000 who possess a wide variety of skills and knowledge. The region includes the county with the highest educational attainment in the State. Smart people who can do astounding things. Put them to work for you.

Ask us about our generous financing and incentive programs to decrease your operating costs, thereby increasing your profits.

Foriegn Trade Zone benefits can be made available for those who produce items for export.

Mississippi is a Right-to-Work State. Worker representation by a third party is entirely voluntary.

All modes of transportation meet in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The four-laned US 82 connects to US 45 and Mississippi highways 25 and 12 locally with Interstate connections at I-55 and I-59, both within a two hour drive. Dual rail lines serve the region including service at the active Port of Columbus, connected to the Gulf of Mexico via the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway. The Golden Triangle Airport is the States third largest commercial airport with domestic and international service through direct daily flights to hubs in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Memphis.

For additional information please contact:

Phone: 1-800-959-9978
FAX   : 1-662-323-5815 .