Embraer breaks ground for its new facility in Portugal

Embraer broke ground, today, for a new industrial unit to be built in the city of Évora, Portugal. Participating in the event were the Prime Minister of Portugal, José Socrates, and Embraer's President & CEO, Frederico Fleury Curado, along with the Mayor of Évora and other Portuguese Government officials.

The new 15,000-square-meter facility, scheduled for completion by the end of 2011, will be dedicated to manufacturing complex airframe structures and components in composite materials.

"Today's groundbreaking celebrates a milestone for Embraer, as it expands its global presence," said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. "This is a strategic step towards improving our Company's productivity and competitiveness. We are honored and proud to strengthen our bonds with Portugal and, more widely, with Europe, one of our largest and most important markets."

The new composite material manufacturing facility will rely on state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, in conjunction with the Company's lean manufacturing initiatives. In order to sustain and further develop the competencies of its centers of excellence, Embraer has been in contact with local organizations, including potential suppliers, research centers, and universities.

This facility represents an estimated total investment of € 48 million, which is fully integrated with Embraer's long-term planning and budget, and consistent with Company's economic and financial projections.

"We are proud to celebrate this achievement for Portugal, as we progress in consolidating our aerospace cluster," said José Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal. "The expansion of Embraer in our country will be a big boost for the economic development of Évora and its region, and will demonstrate the competence of our workforce and the ability of our country to be involved in such a selective and demanding industry."