AgustaWestland Wins Prestigious British Business Award in Japan

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the success of its nomination for the British Business Awards in Japan. At a ceremony hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) and held in Tokyo on the evening of 1st November, AgustaWestland was presented with the award in the UK-Japan Partnership category of the 2013 British Business Awards (BBA). The AgustaWestland / Kawasaki Heavy Industries partnership was selected as the winner from a total of eight nominations by a panel of six judges, covering many angles, including the arts, finance, industry, culture and trade. The 2013 BBA trophies, 'Resonance’, created by celebrated UK-Japan artist Kate Thomson, were presented to winners by the British Ambassador to Japan, Tim Hitchens.

AgustaWestland and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Aerospace Company have been in partnership since 2002 and together have successfully penetrated the demanding defence market in Japan with the selection of the AW101 high technology maritime helicopter which has become the aircraft of choice outperforming competing types. Kawasaki Heavy Industries assembles the aircraft in Japan from AgustaWestland sourced components and provides the design and production of role specific elements for Japanese operations. Thirteen aircraft have been ordered in total; the final three orders being received in 2013. The partnership has helped to establish Kawasaki Heavy Industries as a major helicopter manufacturer in Japan, whilst sustaining many jobs in the UK defence industry.

During his acceptance speech Andy Symonds, President, AgustaWestland Japan said “I would like to extend my warmest thanks to the local AgustaWestland Japan team, all of the NE Asia team at AgustaWestland and our entrusted partners at Kawasaki Heavy Industries for this outstanding achievement. It gives us great pleasure receiving this prestigious business award which further testifies the importance of our partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the value it has delivered to both our companies as well as to the prosperous development of the Japanese Aerospace Industry. With the Japanese and British Governments recently signing security and framework agreements that focus on future collaborative defence opportunities, AgustaWestland and Kawasaki Heavy Industries being committed to expanding their collaboration in the future, will be well placed to take advantage of these opportunities.”

AgustaWestland

Source / Author: AgustaWestland