Eurocopter to build parts in Mississippi

Grand Prairie, Texas-based American Eurocopter revealed plans last month to build a major production and finishing facility at Golden Triangle Regional Airport near Columbus, Miss. The facility will construct helicopter components for the AS 350, EC 130 and AS 355; customize helicopters for special missions; and perform final assembly of the AS 350. Work will begin in the first quarter of next year at a temporary site, pending completion of a new 100,000-sq-ft building in the third quarter. Separately, Fabrice Bregier, 41, has replaced Jean-François Bigay, 59, as president of Eurocopter.