| Eurocopter announces the new SHAPE program |
|
SHAPE succeeds VITAL, which was launched in 2005 and enabled the
company to handle the huge ramp up over the past three years. With
recurring costs savings secured during this period of time and a
significant customer support improvement, VITAL has been a major
success and a key component for managing the growth. Today, in response
to the current downturn in the market and a fierce competition,
Eurocopter adjusts its organisation through SHAPE.
The SHAPE Program
SHAPE is based on three main pillars: Save, Improve, Invest.
1) Save
Eurocopter
has to save money in the short term in order to get through the crisis
period. Different actions have been launched to reach this objective.
-
A cost reduction plan to save about 200 M€. It is a key lever to
increase profitability and includes contribution to “Future EADS”
- A cash improvement project, through the reduction of inventories
-
A resource optimisation programme, whose aim is to reorient and
redeploy employees, while fostering their competencies and motivation
2) Improve
This
module is designed to both deliver productivity improvement in
Eurocopter processes and generate more sustainable revenues on a mid to
long term basis. A major focus is on speed and simplification of
processes.
3) Invest
Eurocopter’s growth
during the next decade depends on its ability to maintain a competitive
product and services portfolio. “New” competition will lead to
increased confrontation on international and emerging national markets.
The capacity to maintain innovation and product policy efforts in the
coming years is imperative for the preservation of Eurocopter’s
leadership position in the industry. Already in 2008, the company
increased its self-funding investment in R&D by 40%, and in 2009 by
another 25%. Even in times of crisis, Eurocopter will continue to
increase budgets for the development of new products and services.
Lutz
Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter, concludes: “The SHAPE program is much more
than just a simple cost reduction program. With SHAPE, Eurocopter will
have the opportunity to make the essential profits and necessary cash
available to continue to invest in its future. In our industry,
Innovation and Research & Development are fundamental. While the
crisis we are faced with is demanding, far-reaching and serious, I
strongly believe that, with the involvement of each employee,
Eurocopter will continue to grow its business successfully.”
About Eurocopter
Established
in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of
EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The
Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter
confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in
the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros,
orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the
civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for
30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide
presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along
with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance
centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in
service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries.
Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in
the world.
For more information, please click external link at bottom of page, or contact Eurocopter Southern Africa by clicking here |
| CECILE VION-LANCTUIT |
| Thursday, 22 October 2009 |
| http://www.eurocopter.com/site/FO/scripts/myFO_publication.php?news_id=641&lang=EN |