Naarden, 28 May 2010 - Fokker Aerostructures will integrate the new assembly facility for JSF components in the existing site in Papendrecht. This is the outcome of the bid book process which the aircraft component manufacturer started in November 2009. Fokker Aerostructures invited four municipalities to present their best ideas and proposals for the siting and accommodation of the new facility. Papendrecht emerged as winner because it came up with surprising, highly pragmatic solutions to the issues facing Fokker in the JSF project. The municipality’s proposals offer good opportunities for incorporating the new facility in the existing infrastructure, while at the same time reducing the operational risks.

The choice of an existing location gives Fokker maximum flexibility, which has become essential in view of the present political uncertainties. This selection will enable Papendrecht to grow into the primary location in the Netherlands for the assembly of large aerostructures with high production volumes. This offers good long-term assurances for employment opportunities in Papendrecht. In addition, the assembly facility is expected to attract a supply network of Small and Medium Enterprises.
 
As well as Papendrecht, the other municipalities competing as potential locations for the new JSF assembly facility were Hoogeveen, Tilburg and Almere. All four candidates were able to meet the basic requirements specified by Fokker Aerostructures. In fact the existing Fokker site in Hoogeveen will continue to play an important role in the building of components for the JSF, and Hoogeveen put forward some attractive options for extension of the existing site in its bid book. Tilburg distinguished itself with solutions for flexible utilization of space in the building, which would significantly reduce the risk profile for Fokker. Of all four candidates Almere was able to offer the most prominently visible location, with good potential for longer-term expansion.
 
In assessing the bid books Fokker was supported by advisors from Deloitte and Randstad. The final selection of Papendrecht for the JSF assembly facility still requires endorsement by the Fokker Aerostructures Works Council. In addition, the company and the municipality still have to reach agreement on the detailed conditions in the planned follow-up discussions. The political decision-making process about participation of the Netherlands in the JSF program will also play an important role in the further detailed development plans for the new facility.

Source: Fokker