COLUMBUS,Miss.-(WTVA) Company officials at the American Eurocopter plant in Lowndes County today celebrated a significant milestone in the company's production of UH-72A Lakota helicopters.
They announced its 100th model sold to the U.S Army.
T
he company looks to continue its committment and create more jobs as well.
The celebration was brief and to the point as company officials , military officers , and Governor Haley Barbour praised the Eurocopter plant for making its 100th Lakota helicopter ahead of schedule.
The company was selected to build 345 Lakotas for the Army starting in 2006 and continuing through 2016 .
American eurocopter is committed to building at least 245 more of these Lakotas here in the Golden Triangle and when that contract ends that does not mean the end of its relationship with the military.
"And they've done such a spectacular job here all our collegues here have done such a wonderful at the opporutnity to see a variety of different programs that could be built off this platform is a very, very extensive future that looks very bright."says company CEO Sean O'Keefe.
The Army ,National guard and Navy
have ordered Lakotas from the company and praise its capabilities.
"What its doing is allowing us to get our Blackhawks into the fight in theater and use these aircraft in administrative medivac missions throughout the United States."says Brigadier General William T. Crosby.
And making more helicopters means more jobs. Right now American Eurocopter has 270 employees with that number expected to rise to 370 this year.
Proof that the nations defense is big business in Mississippiaccording Governor Haley Barlbour.
"You name it we got it, and we're very proud of it because its an important part of our economy.
The 100th Lakota's next stop will be Germany with the U.S. Army's joint multinational readiness center.
American Eurocopter officials say the process of building the Lakota takes about five months from start to finish.
