Sikorsky buys PZL Mielec

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation announced recently that it has agreed to acquire aircraft maker PZL Mielec from the Polish government. PZL Mielec will form the foundation of Sikorsky's European operations.

Under the agreement Sikorsky will acquire a 100 percent stake in the company, which is based in the city of Mielec. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and pre-closing conditions.

PZL Mielec is Poland's largest fixed wing aircraft manufacturer with approximately 1,500 employees. The company is wholly owned by the Industrial Development Agency (ARP), which is a government holding company under the Ministry of Treasury.

In 2006 Sikorsky announced plans to develop an International Black Hawk helicopter variant for global customers that would be manufactured using a global supply chain.

Upon completion of this acquisition Sikorsky plans to modernise the factory and tooling at PZL Mielec to support International Black Hawk production and continue the current capability for aircraft design, manufacture, flight test and delivery.