The Tata group signalled its continued commitment to Andhra Pradesh by conducting the groundbreaking ceremony for three new Aerospace manufacturing facilities here in the presence of Mr. N Kiran Kumar Reddy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Mr. S Ramadorai, Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems.
The three projects are for Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructure – a JV between Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin, Tara Aerospace Systems –a JV between Tata Advanced Systems and Sikorsky Aircraft and Nova Integrated Systems – a Tata enterprise.
Also present on the occasion were: Dr. J. Geeta Reddy, Minister for Major Industries, Sugar, Commerce & Export Promotion, Smt Sabitha .P Minister for Home, Jails, Fire Services, Sainik Welfare, Printing & Stationary and Sri Sridhar Babu .D, Minister for Civil Supplies, Food & Consumer Affairs, Legal Metrology & Legislative Affairs, along with senior officials from Government of Andhra Pradesh, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and Tata.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. S Ramadorai, Chairman, TASL, said: “It is our belief that these three projects mark a significant step forward in India's growth as a high technology, precision, manufacturing destination. This project has great significance for the state of Andhra Pradesh and for the city of Hyderabad. It will place Hyderabad on the global Aerospace map and it is our hope that Hyderabad will develop into a global Aerospace and Defence Hub.”
Mr. Orville Prins, Vice President (Business Development), Lockheed Martin, mentioned "I'm confident this JV will become the foundation for a long and beneficial partnership between our two companies, creating additional jobs in both India and the United States. We're extremely pleased about establishing this joint venture in Hyderabad. Both the city and state of Andhra Pradesh have a vision of developing a world-class aerospace capability. "
AVM (Retd.) AJS Walia, Managing Director, Sikorsky India, stated that “This ground-breaking represents the next phase of the Tata-Sikorsky relationship and the great benefits it will bring to local industry, the government and the region. As we complete all final details of our joint venture, we share Tata’s excitement at announcing this milestone and we look forward with great anticipation at the future benefits our collaboration will bring.”
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TATA LOCKHEED MARTIN AEROSTRUCTURES, [NYSE:LMT] the company will manufacture aerostructures for the C-130 aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin. The new Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures facility is export oriented, and the products manufactured will form a key aircraft structure that Lockheed Martin will integrate and complete for its global C-130 aircraft customers.
TARA AEROSPACE SYSTEMS will manufacture aerospace components for Sikorsky in India, including components for S-92® helicopter cabins. Tara builds upon the existing Tata Advanced Systems facility at the Aerospace and Precision Engineering SEZ, which assembles Sikorsky S-92® helicopter cabins.
NOVA INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, a Tata Enterprise, will set up an Integrated aerospace complex for to undertake high end precision electronics manufacturing, assembly and integration of airborne vehicles.
Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp (NYSE:UTX). United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries. In addition to Sikorsky, UTC subsidiaries have a significant presence in India. Combined, UTC's Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace systems, Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, Otis Elevator, Carrier air conditioning and UTC Fire & Security units today occupy more than 100 offices and factories in 60-plus cities in India, and employ nearly 4,000 people there. In 2009, UTC reported revenues of $52.9 billion.
Tata Advanced Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons focused on providing integrated solutions for Aerospace, Defence, Homeland Security and Disaster Management. The Tata Group is one of India's oldest and largest conglomerates with businesses spread over seven sectors and comprised of 98 companies operating on six continents.
The Tata Group is one of India’s largest and most respected business conglomerates, with revenues in 2008-09 of $70 billion. Tata companies together employ more than 300,000 people.