The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) awarded Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. contracts totaling $530 million for work on Black Hawk helicopters, modifying existing orders.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Hartford-based United Technologies Corp. The majority of the new work generated by the new DOD contracts will take place at Sikorsky’s main facility in Stratford, with Sikorsky facilities in Hunstville, Ala. and West Palm Beach, Fla. also contributing.
The contracts were announced even as news broke that Sikorsky would shut down a plant in upstate New York at a cost of 570 jobs, shifting some of the work performed there to West Palm Beach. The Press & Sun Bulletin reported that Sikorsky is on the hook for property taxes in Big Flats, N.Y. totaling $815,000 through 2022, while also keeping up with other property costs like insurance and utilities.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York told Gannett that it was “an infuriating decision” and that he had put in calls to UTC CEO Louis Chenevert and new Sikorsky President Mick Maurer to voice his displeasure.
