Switzerland-based Kopter Group announced plans to assemble its new SH09 helicopter in the U.S. “in the mid-term” and has formed wholly owned U.S.-based subsidiary Kopter North America. The company said establishing the subsidiary is a “first step” in developing a U.S. presence. It will be headed by CEO Christian Gras and long-time U.S. helicopter executive Larry Roberts as president of sales, marketing, and customer support.

“The U.S. is clearly a prime market for our single-engine helicopter," said Kopter Group CEO Andreas Löwenstein. “We already have firm commitments from key American customers to acquire our SH09, as they see it as a perfect tool for a variety of missions, including EMS, law enforcement, passenger transport, and utility. It is essential for us to serve them as close as possible to where they will operate it.”

Kopter said it is currently in discussions with industrial partners and local authorities at unspecified different suitable locations and that “strategic alliances” would enable it to accelerate setup and development of the company in the U.S.