Piasecki Aircraft Corporation recently celebrated the opening of its Heliplex facility in Coatesville.
The facility will be used to design, manufacture, and test Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft and the company’s PA-890 helicopter. The helicopter is the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell rotorcraft.
“This world-class facility will serve as a strong foundation for future growth and will enable us to expand our R&D and production capabilities as we deliver transformational vertical lift technologies to the defense and commercial markets,” Piasecki CEO John Piasecki said. “We chose to expand our development capabilities in the Delaware Valley because of its deep roots within the helicopter industry, its highly-talented workforce, and its robust supplier network.”
Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky operated the facility until March 2022.
Piasecki anticipates the site will employ approximately 400 workers by 2028, with production beginning later this year.
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) toured the facility to learn about the company’s research and development and to view several models of vertical lift aircraft.
Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky announced it would close the Heliplex facility in 2019. Houlahan called the company in an attempt to keep jobs in Pennsylvania, but the facility closed in 2022.
Houlahan held a job fair specifically to help those employed at the facility secure new jobs.