Sikorsky Aircraft, MIELEC, Poland: PZL Mielec, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation's affiliate in Poland, has begun to reduce its environmental footprint as part of modernization efforts underway at the company. Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in the manufacture and service of helicopters including the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
Since last March, it has reduced air emissions by 15 percent, removed more than 20 underground storage tanks to reduce the potential contamination of the company's water resource and improved energy efficiency with new lighting windows and insulation to bring the facility up to higher ecological standards.
“Protection of the environment and employee safety are of the utmost importance,” said Robert Araujo, manager of Environment, Health & Safety for Sikorsky Aircraft. “We want to be sure that we create a business environment of transparency and eco-efficiency. The depletion of resources has far-reaching consequences, including the loss of economic viability and a significant social impact. Our Poland Team is focused on implementing this sustainable approach to manufacturing by applying new technologies and methods that will not only benefit PZL Mielec but will contribute to a cleaner global, more sustainable environment.”
PZL's President Janusz Zakrecki said the company's transformation to a sustainable approach depends on a comprehensive understanding of all the systems and processes, and providing visionary leadership, technological and product innovation, and organizational capabilities to accomplish this task. This has been gradual but simultaneous with implementing Black Hawk helicopter cabin production. “The improvements being made at PZL Mielec have put us on a path to become a world class facility,” Zakrecki said. “As Sikorsky Europe begins to grow, PZL Mielec will be a proud participant in writing this new chapter of worldwide aviation history in Poland.”
Sikorsky Aircraft has identified the “green philosophy” as an important focus in the use of technology in manufacturing. Sikorsky President Jeffrey Pino said: “As Sikorsky Aircraft prepares to begin production of the International Black Hawk helicopter at PZL Mielec in the future, we intend to continue to lead the European aviation industry in setting new standards for environmental stewardship.”
PZL Mielec recently began using an environmentally friendly zero-to-low-Volatile Organic Compound paint product for aircraft, marking a first for Europe. The product, known as Aerodur 5000, was tested on the M28 Skytruck in a “lead the fleet” effort for the Polish Army. Sikorsky has used zero- Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and low-VOC material in the United States since 2000.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, USA, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing, and service. 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.
PZL Mielec is the largest fixed-wing aircraft manufacturer in Poland and cooperates with leaders in the international aviation business such as Boeing, Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney Canada, SAAB, manufacturing aerostructures on a sub-contracting basis. PZL makes airplanes of its own design: M28 Skytruck and M28B Bryza, operated in passenger and cargo transport, paratroop and medevac roles, as well as in special configurations of maritime patrol, reconnaissance, search and rescue. The special-mission configured airplanes are in service with Poland's Navy Aviation, Airforce and Border Guard.
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