LINKOPING, Sweden, Nov. 13, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Gripen International, wholly owned by SAAB AB (Stockholm:SAABb) of Sweden and the United Kingdom's BAE SYSTEMS, offering the latest generation fighter to Poland, outlines its offset commitment to Poland.
Gripen International will bring Polish Aerospace companies into the heart of the Gripen program. Letters of Intent have been signed with a number of Polish companies, including:
PZL Mielec to undertake final assembly of the Gripen fighter, including manufacturing of major assemblies and sub-assemblies, installation, mechanical and electrical system tests, and acceptance flight tests. These capabilities offer further opportunities for involvement in the Gripen program. In addition PZL Mielec is to:
1. Manufacture complete Gripen forward fuselage and side panels together with other assemblies and sub assemblies. 2. Manufacture and supply the complete tail cone for Gripen, building on an existing relationship where it already manufactures parts of the tail cone for export.
PZL-Swidnik to deliver complex composite products including Gripen wings and landing gear doors, as a single-source vendor for the future production.
WZL-2 Bydgoszcz to take on the maintenance and support of Gripen. In addition, Saab AerotechTelub will start a partnership with WZL-2 supplying technology transfer and training.
ETC-PZL Aerospace Industries in Warszawa to develop: a full mission flight simulator, two squadron level mission flight simulators, a procedural simulator, and a Computer Based Training System. This will form a significant part of the integrated Gripen training solution for the Polish Air Force.
"This offer by Gripen International presents an opportunity for significant enhancement of existing capabilities within the Polish Aerospace Industry. The development of skills, techniques and competence will generate new market opportunities. More importantly, it offers lasting high tech employment opportunities in tomorrows global aerospace industry," commented Bjorn Magnusson, Director of Gripen International, Poland.
Gripen International, through its EU & U.S. industrial network, is able to deliver a range of Aerospace and other industrial programs to Poland, creating and sustaining jobs in many regions and industries, including: Volvo is already engaged in a range of activities in Poland within the automotive sector. In a new project, Polish suppliers will be delivering components to the Backhoe loader, a brand new Volvo product, manufactured in Wroclaw for the global market. Volvo is pleased with how the operations in Poland are developing and can see great potentials for a future expansion. This expansion will serve a range of regions, as for example Dolnoslaskie and Slaskie.
Electrolux is ready to expand production of household electrical appliances in Poland. The factory is to be established in Siewierz, in southern Poland -- creating new job opportunities and exports. " We see this as a long term investment, where the Siewierz plant becomes an integral part of our global factory network," said Per G. Hedstrom, Senior Vice President Electrolux Home Products.
General Electric of the U.S., has established an Engineering Design Center with the Institute of Aviation, through a transfer of technology program. Its main activity is design and modernization of components for jet engines and power generation systems.
Ericsson is developing its supplier network for electronic & IT equipment in Poland. This development and production will enhance the total infrastructure in several parts of Poland and create a need for a large number of local suppliers. Ericsson will also transfer know-how to the Polish Air Force and industry, to develop, simulate, test and evaluate future Gripen radar functions. An agreement on this transfer of technology has been signed with WZL-2.
Ecoship is a highly innovative company, which has developed a new concept of environment friendly ships. It is ready to initiate production and development of Ecoships at the Gryfia Ship Repair Yard, Szczecin. New EU rules will create a need to scrap many old ships to produce more ecological ones. This project has enormous export potential and will involve around 50 local vendors.
MG Rover is developing a way forward for the Zeran Car plant with the establishment of New Small Company. The New Small Company will manufacture a range of vehicles from the MG Rover product line and become an additional part of MG Rover's manufacturing capability.
"We are proud to present a range of projects where we are confident of a long term profitable future. They all represent large investments, in excess of 8 Billion Euro in total, and 50 000 jobs will be sustained and created. In addition, they will create big sub supplier chains across Poland, which I think will be a crucial generator for the polish industry," commented Bob Kemp, Sales & Marketing Director of Gripen International.
SAAB AB and BAE SYSTEMS are world leaders in the delivery of economic compensation to support defense sales. To date, programs in more than 30 countries have been implemented with a total value in excess of US$20 billion."
Notes to editors:
Gripen is the first new-generation multi-role fighter in service world- wide, designed to meet the demands of all current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs.
Gripen International is the company, which acts as a prime contracting organization, responsible for marketing, selling and supporting the Gripen aircraft worldwide. SAAB of Sweden and BAE SYSTEMS of the United Kingdom jointly own Gripen International.
Already in operational service with the Swedish Air Force, which has ordered 204 aircraft (including 28 dual-seaters), Gripen has also been ordered by the South African Air Force (28 aircraft) and Hungary has signed an agreement with the Swedish government for the lease of 14 Gripen fighters. Gripen has also been selected to meet the national, NATO and European defense needs of the Czech Republic.
Further information is available from: Joanna Sjolander, Communications Manager Gripen International Phone: +46 13 18 41 91 Mobile: +46 70 889 54 94 ax: +46 13 18 00 55 joanna.sjolander@gripen.com Owe Wagermark, Senior Vice President Communications Gripen International Phone: +46 13 18 40 14 Mobile: +46 70 889 60 00 Fax: +46 13 18 00 55 owe.wagermark@gripen.com Bjorn Magnusson, Director Gripen International, Poland Phone: +48 22 625 0136 Mobile: +48 691 67 84 68 Fax: +48 22 622 1424 bjorn.magnusson@gripen.com www.gripen.com
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