Tata Sons arm in JV with Sikorsky to make aerospace components *By fe Bureau* Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, on Thursday said that it has signed an agreement with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp, to form a joint venture to manufacture aerospace components for Sikorsky in India, including those for S-92 helicopter cabins. In June 2009, TASL entered into a long-term contract with Sikorsky to assemble S-92 helicopter cabins. Both the joint venture agreement and the cabin assembly contract stem from a memorandum of understanding signed in February 2007 by the companies to explore possibilities in the aerospace sector in India. The joint venture will manufacture components for other aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as detailed parts for Sikorsky S-92 helicopter cabin. The JV operations are expected to be housed in a second greenfield facility adjacent to the cabin assembly plant, which is under construction in Hyderabad. The cabin assembly plant will be ready by 2010, while the JV will commence production in late 2012. Mick Maurer, senior vice-president of operations for Sikorsky, said: Sikorsky s affiliation with Tata strengthens our supply chain and extends our globalisation efforts to establish significant operations in regions where the need for rotorcraft and support is great. India is certainly a key aerospace region, and we are thrilled to team with Tata and help serve and grow the business there. Davinder Kumar, chief executive officer, Tata Advanced Systems, said: This is part of our strategy to participate meaningfully in this space, and to enhance India s capacities in this sector. Dhiraj Mathur, defence analyst, PwC, said, Tata Group is aggressively eyeing the aerospace and defence sector through its subsidiaries. Though in a nascent stage, aerospace is catching attention. Many companies, including M&M, Tata, L&T and Bharat Forge ( BHARATFOR.NS <http://in.finance.yahoo.com/q?s=BHARATFOR.NS> : 266.6 +0.5), are looking into the aerospace and defence space. He added that 70% of demand arising from the aerospace and defence sector is met by imports while remaining is satisfied domestically. http://in.biz.yahoo.com/091112/50/baukdg.html
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