Sikorsky Aircraft Maps Plans for Europe; Details Progress at PZL Mielec Facility

KIELCE, Poland, September 4 /PRNewswire/ --

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. officials unveiled plans to better incorporate European regions into its business approach and provided an update on efforts to modernize the PZL Mielec facility during a briefing today at the MSPO exhibition. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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"Sikorsky Aircraft is transforming its business in a number of ways to adapt to an ever-changing, global business environment," said Bruce McKinney, Vice President, Sikorsky Europe. "As we move forward to expand our business globally, we are looking to the opportunity the European market affords Sikorsky to bring its proven products to new customers and regions."

In recent months, Sikorsky Aircraft finalized the acquisition of aircraft maker PZL Mielec in Poland, and relocated a Business Development Manager to Warsaw as it deepens efforts to develop relationships and opportunities throughout Eastern Europe. The Mielec acquisition will support production of the INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK(TM) helicopter, while continuing the current capability for aircraft design, manufacture, flight test and delivery. Modernization of the 1.2-million-square-foot facility began in April, 2007.

"The modernization processes are transforming PZL Mielec into a modern, well-organized facility capable of meeting the requirements of the new programs being implemented," said Janusz Zakrecki, President and CEO, PZL Mielec. "We are confident that we will successfully complete all the projects undertaken and reach the milestones that are planned, and we look forward to celebrating the production of the first INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK helicopter from PZL Mielec."

The numerous modernization projects to date have included installing protective guards on 70 manufacturing machines, removing nine underground storage tanks, ongoing structural improvements including roofing and security improvements including fencing, installing more than 200 new computers, employee training and introducing the United Technologies' Employee Scholar Program, which provides a free college education to any employee who wants it.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing, and service. The company's long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere ... every time(TM)." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA, provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices; challenges in the design, development, production and support of new products; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Web site: http://www.sikorsky.com