Burns Says Montana "Open for Business" in discussions with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation about their expansion plans

U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns met with Mark Miller, the Vice President of Engineering of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to discuss their ‘Low Cost Domestic Sourcing Initiative.’ Sikorsky, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced helicopters for commercial, industrial and military uses, and they’re looking to expand their presence throughout the country.

(Many thanks to Jim McCray for passing this excellent news along- Russ)

"I was very happy to have this meeting today and inform Sikorsky that Montana is open for business," said Burns. "Montana plays an important role in the defense of our nation-regarding both research and development, and for that reason I think Montana is a perfect fit for Sikorsky as it moves to expand their operations. They would bring an increase in jobs, and with the work that they do, our talented engineers at MSU-Bozeman and Montana Tech in Butte would offer a pool of qualified candidates to add to the mix. I look forward to continued discussions as this process moves forward, as I believe Montana is a perfect spot for this company."

Montana is currently one of 10 states being considered as Sikorsky looks to expand, and Sikorsky officials will visit Montana from August 2-4. Burns will continue discussions with these officials as this process moves forward.

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Looking to expand: Helicopter builders expected to tour Butte

http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2004/07/21/newsbutte/hjjfjchijcgegi.txt

By Leslie McCartney of The Montana Standard – 07/21/2004

Butte is one of the sites to be toured by a well-known helicopter manufacturer, which is seeking a new home.

Butte-Silver Bow County, the Butte Local Development Corp. and other community players have submitted a proposal to Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., and Montana is one of 10 states being considered as the aircraft manufacturer looks to expand. Reportedly, the defense contractor would initially bring at least 50 high-paying design and engineering jobs with the potential of further expansion.

"They are coming to Montana for some site visits," said Evan Barrett of the BLDC, who said he expects them in early August.

More than a month ago, Butte officials submitted proposals to Sikorsky and will discuss a possible location — it has been linked to the Hennessy Building, which is going to auction by a bankrupt Touch America — and workforce, incentives and other issues. The Urban Revitalization Agency has pledged funding to help lure the contractor.

On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., met with Mark Miller, vice president of engineering for Sikorsky Aircraft, to discuss the manufacturer’s initiatives, which include expansion into places throughout the country.

"I was very happy to have this meeting today and inform Sikorsky that Montana is open for business," said Burns. "Montana plays an important role in the defense of our nation — regarding both research and development, and for that reason I think Montana is a perfect fit for Sikorsky as it moves to expand their operations. They would bring an increase in jobs, and with the work that they do, our talented engineers at MSU-Bozeman and Montana Tech in Butte would offer a pool of qualified candidates to add to the mix."

According to its Web site, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. It is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced helicopters for commercial, industrial and military uses. Its helicopters are used by all branches of the U.S. military, along with military services and commercial operators in 40 nations.

Based in Stratford, Conn., Sikorsky has major facilities in other Connecticut locations as well as in Florida, Alabama and Wisconsin. Revenues in 2003 were $2.1 billion.