Wichita, Kan - Eagle Aircraft
is consolidating all its manufacturing operations in Malaysia, home
of parent company Composite Technologies Research Malaysia. The move
is expected to result in numerous benefits, including improving production
scheduling, spare parts control and expediting, enhanced research and
development and a greater focus on customer and distributor support.
"Since the introduction
of the Eagle 150B, it has set a standard for single-engine, light aircraft,"
said Manshor Ghafar, president, Eagle Aircraft. "Such a revolutionary
plane demands an equally progressive approach to manufacturing. It's
also fitting that an aircraft known for its low maintenance and operating
costs should be produced in the smartest, most cost-effective means
possible".
Previously the company had
manufactured its cutting-edge, all-composite Eagle 150B aircraft in
both Malaysia and Australia. Approximately 150 workers are employed
in Malaysia, where the aircraft is manufactured and 44 in Australia,
where the planes have been assembled. Operations and the production
line at the Australian plant, just south of Perth, are being transferred
to Eagle's Melaka plant in Malaysia. Plans call for the Melaka plant
to handle all Eagle 150B manufacturing and assembly work by midsummer.
Eagle Aircraft will continue
to sell its aircraft in the United States, Australia
and New Zealand through a dealership network established over the last
five years. The plane is primarily targeted for use in pilot training,
leisure and sports flying and business. Ron Scherpenzeel, marketing
manager, says streamlining manufacturing operations will benefit customers
both directly and indirectly.
"This move allows
management to direct a greater portion of its energy towards building
our U.S. and European network, helping us build our customer base and
provide those customers with the highest levels of service,"
Scherpenzeel said. "It also enables us to direct more resources
to R&D, making a great product even better."
The decision to consolidate
manufacturing under "one roof" was further influenced by the
activities of other Malaysian-based subsidiaries owned by Eagle's parent
company. These subsidiaries design and manufacture composite products
for airline original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Airbus,
British Aerospace Systems and the U.S.- designed Lancair Columbia 300
high-performance, light aircraft.
"Building the Eagle
150B alongside subsidiary companies that are continually researching
and developing new-and-improved products for aviation and aerospace
only strengthens the Eagle program," said Justin Ladner, president
of HGL, Aero, the sole U.S. distributor for the Eagle 150B. "Our
customers response to the news has been extremely positive. They realise
it benefits both our product and our services. I expect to see everything
from reduced delivery times to even more competitive prices."
Now type-certified for use
in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Thailand,
work is currently underway to certify the Eagle 150B in Europe, South
America and Africa. Once this certification is achieved, Eagle Aircraft
will distribute fully built aircraft to an additional 30 countries around
the world.
- End -
.....NEWS