Governor in Korea to Promote Trade, Oregon-Built Helicopters

The Governors agenda includes ‘helitankers,’ tractors, semi-conductors, shipping and food

The Erickson Air-Crane S-64E is a multi-mission helicopter for logging, firefighting, and construction. Photo courtesy: Rotor.com

(SEOUL, Republic of Korea) - Governor Kulongoski met with Korean forestry officials Monday and urged them to strengthen their fleet of Oregon-built Erickson Air-Crane helicopters, used for fighting wildfires.

`The Erickson Air-Crane has proved itself here in Korea and around the world—wherever wildfires threaten lives, homes, natural resources and national treasures," the Governor said.

He thanked the Republic of Korea`s Office of Forestry for being a valuable Oregon customer, and encouraged Korean leaders to purchase more Air-Cranes.

He also urged them to take advantage of Oregon`s expertise and technology in fighting wildfires.

Erickson Air-Crane of Central Point, Oregon, manufactures the giant Air-Crane Helitanker, which is the world`s most versatile, powerful, and cost-effective aerial firefighter. Since 1992, the Helitanker has seen service in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Borneo, Italy, Greece, France, Turkey, and Australia, as well as the Republic of Korea. The company employs 550 people in Oregon.

The Governor noted that Korea has purchased two of the giant helicopters, presently in use. But he urged the Korean government to follow through on plans to buy two more, at $23 million, in order to strengthen that mountainous nation`s fight against wildfires. Last year, wildfire destroyed the historic Naksan-sa Buddhist temple, a national treasure, which caused a public outcry.

`I stressed that Oregon stands ready to help Korea address the challenge of wildfires," the Governor said. `We offer not only the world`s best heavy-lift helicopter-tankers for getting water and retardant to the fire, but also the technology, support services and know-how. Oregon has a long history of fighting large wildfires, and we know how to do it right."

Marketing the Erickson Air-Crane and other fire-fighting products and services helps bolster Oregon`s economy and create new jobs, the Governor said, while reinforcing the state`s reputation as a source of equipment, expertise and technology for fighting wildfires.

The Governor also met with executives of the TYM corporation, the world`s leading builder of compact tractors. The company recently opened a 20,000-square-foot facility in Redmond, Oregon, where it completes final assembly and distribution of its tractors to 11 western states. The Redmond plant is TYM`s first North American facility.

`I thanked TYM for choosing central Oregon," the Governor said, `and I expressed confidence that this great company will be successful there. I emphasized that the state of Oregon is ready to assist TYM in expanding and adding facilities in Oregon."

The Governor told the TYM executives he understands that new construction requires a large investment in capital and staff time, and that such investments carry some risk.

`I intend to help reduce that risk by ensuring a smooth planning process, and by making Oregon`s incentive programs readily available," the Governor said. `Helping companies like TYM means a stronger economy for central Oregon, with better jobs and a brighter future for the families who live there."

The Governor met with officials of Hynix, a leading semi-conductor maker that operates a large manufacturing plant in Eugene, where it employs 1,100 Oregonians. He underscored the state`s commitment to assisting the company with workforce training and offered to help develop prospects for Hynix`s future expansion in Oregon.

`Hynix is a wonderful corporate citizen that I`m proud to have in Oregon," the Governor. `I want to ensure that this company can expand its investment in our state, and that we can count on its presence for decades to come."

At a meeting with top officials of Hanjin, a global-scale ocean-shipping line, the Governor voiced Oregon`s deep appreciation of the company`s commitment to doing business at the Port of Portland, where it handles large import accounts with Fred Meyer, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, Dollar Tree and Kroger stores. The Governor emphasized Oregon`s investment in improvements to its transportation infrastructure through Connect Oregon, and the Port`s purchase of large `Post-Panamax" cranes to handle container cargo shipped by Hanjin.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Seoul`s Chosun Hotel, the Governor kicked off a major promotion of Oregon foods. The promotional menu included black cod, Dungeness crab and pink shrimp caught off the Oregon cost, as well as Oregon-grown sweet blueberries.

`I know Korean consumers will appreciate the excellent quality of Oregon`s many fine foods," the Governor said. `I`m confident we can expand the export of these products to Korea."