Menominee, MI, January 7, 2013 – As of December 27, 2012, Chongqing Helicopter Investment Co., Ltd (CQHIC), located in Chongqing, China has acquired Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, moving from one foreign owner to another. Chongqing is the fourth largest metropolitan area in China. CQHIC is focused on helping Enstrom expand its reach into China and the rest of the world. The number of helicopters in Asia represents only a small percent of the number of helicopters in the United States, while Asia has a significantly larger population and is expected to be a major market for helicopters over the next two decades.
“This is a major step in moving Enstrom to a new level,” said Enstrom President Jerry Mullins. “It will provide Enstrom with the needed resources to enhance marketing efforts in China and around the world. This strong ownership will allow further growth of our business in Menominee, Michigan to meet the demands of the increasing markets around the world, especially Asia.”
Enstrom has seen a 50% growth in employment over the past 18 months, and with the new ownership will continue to grow to meet current and future demands. Enstrom will be expanding their Menominee facility to address higher production rates. This will also add business to Enstrom’s US supplier base, which is currently over 450 today. This new ownership will provide many opportunities, including continued product improvement, increased marketing support, funding for new product development, and manufacturing support to help control and reduce costs.
Founded in 1959, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation manufactures a complete line of helicopters. The three-seat, piston-powered F28F and 280FX are popular training, sport and light commercial aircraft. The larger turbine-powered 480B is available as a three-place advanced trainer and patrol aircraft, a 2+2 four-seat training helicopter, or as a three- to five-place executive transport. For law enforcement applications, Enstrom produces an optionally equipped variant of the 480B, known as the Guardian, and the F28F, called the Sentinel. For more information on Enstrom, visit www.enstromhelicopter.com.
