Taking Chester County to New Heights with Coatesville's Piasecki Helicopter Plant
Posted July 17, 2023
Buckle up, aviation enthusiasts, because the new Piasecki Aircraft helicopter plant has landed in Chester County! In addition to being great news for the aviation world, this new plant will help drive economic growth and establish Chester County as a global hub for aerospace innovation.
Formerly the Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Heliplex, Piasecki Aircraft Corporation acquired the facility in Coatesville earlier this year with plans to transform it into an innovative research and development center. A Ribbon Cutting Event took place in May, where representatives from Piasecki — along with well-known aviation leaders, and US State Representative Chrissy Houlahan — celebrated the announcement in addition to Piasecki’s 80 years in vertical flight.
See the recording from the ribbon cutting.
According to representatives from Piasecki, the 219,000 square foot Coatesville plant will push the boundaries of aviation technology, focusing on the development of next-generation Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). One of their most thrilling projects involves creating the world's first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell rotorcraft — the PA-890 helicopter.
The facility will open its doors to employees in the fall and is expected to attract about 400 workers by 2028.
This initiative supports the Prosper goal in Chester County's Comprehensive Plan, Landscapes3, as it helps to "grow our economic strength through developing and sustaining a skilled workforce, adaptable work areas, supportive infrastructure, a culture of innovation, and engaged communities.