Eurocopter is planning to build a new manufacturing plant in Albacete, Spain, close to the Los Llanos air force base, that could see the creation of up to 450 jobs. The company will construct helicopters based on the Tiger and EC135 programmes.

The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has welcomed the move, which will see Eurocopter invest over €60 million in tools, equipment and installation over the next 10 years.

Various alternative proposals were studied before the final decision was made, Eurocopter said. It suggested that the potential for further development in the area and incentives for investment and research and development were decisive factors in the company winning the business.