Erickson Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Aviation services |
| Predecessor | Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | Jack Erickson |
| Fate | Reorganized after Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016; emerged as private company in 2017 |
| Headquarters | Central Point , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Doug Kitani (CEO and Director, since August 2017) |
| Products | S-64 Aircrane helicopter, aviation services, manufacturing and MRO |
| Owner | ZM Private Equity Fund (majority owner as of 2012) |
| Website | ericksoninc |
Erickson Incorporated is a United States-based aviation service provider and aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Central Point, Oregon. Established in 1971, the company is renowned for its production and operation of the S-64 Aircrane helicopter, predominantly utilized in aerial firefighting and heavy-lift missions. Erickson maintains a worldwide presence with a fleet comprising 69 rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, including 20 S-64 models. Prior to 2014, it operated under the name Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated.
History
The origins of Erickson date back to 1969 when Jack Erickson leased a Sikorsky S-61 helicopter to explore its potential in logging applications. Subsequently, he procured three S-64 Skycrane helicopters from Sikorsky and established Erickson Air-Crane in 1971. The firm diversified its operations into power line construction and firefighting, pioneering advancements such as the anti-rotation device introduced in 1974, which enhanced load stability and operational efficiency during power line tower assembly.
In 1992, Erickson acquired the type certificate and manufacturing rights for the S-64 from Sikorsky, positioning itself as both the primary manufacturer and largest operator of the S-64 Aircrane. Since then, over 1,350 modifications have been incorporated to refine the helicopter’s design and functionality.
After being acquired by ZM Private Equity Fund in 2007, Erickson shifted its headquarters to Portland in 2009. Although an initial public offering was planned for 2010, it was postponed until April 2012 when Erickson commenced trading on NASDAQ, with ZM maintaining a majority ownership of 63%. In March 2013, Erickson expanded by purchasing Evergreen International Aviation’s helicopter division for $250 million and later engaged in discussions to acquire the aerial services unit of Brazil’s HRT Participações em Petroleo, specializing in oil and gas support.
The company underwent rebranding to Erickson Inc. in February 2014 and restructured into three distinct divisions: Commercial Aviation Services, Government Aviation Services, and Manufacturing and MRO.
Following the Evergreen acquisition amid difficult market conditions, Erickson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2016 to reorganize while continuing operations. The company successfully emerged from bankruptcy as a privately held entity in May 2017.
In August 2017, Doug Kitani—previously CEO of IAP Worldwide Services and with executive experience at Honeywell and General Electric—was appointed CEO and Director to lead Erickson’s government services segment.
Heliport
Erickson owns the Erickson Air-Crane Admin Offices Heliport (OG58), a private heliport measuring 130 by 130 feet.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Helicopter manufacturers of the United States
- Firefighting equipment
- Companies based in Portland, Oregon
- Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016
- Manufacturing companies established in 1971
- Helicopter operators
- Logging
- Central Point, Oregon
- Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq
- 1971 establishments in Oregon
- American companies established in 1971
- Privately held companies based in Oregon
- Aerial firefighting