WEST Perth-based manufacturing technologies commercialisation group, Quickstep Holdings Ltd, has signed a co-operation and development agreement with the world’s largest helicopter supplier, Eurocopter. The agreement will provide a framework for Quickstep to investigate, optimise and qualify the manufacture of composites parts for Eurocopter, and represents the first major outcome for the company since it announced its plans, in March this year, to establish a new testing and manufacturing facility in Germany. Subject to success with the initial optimisation phase, the agreement will provide the foundation for Quickstep to commence commercial production of aerospace components for a number of helicopter programs in 2008. Quickstep managing director Nick Noble said the agreement was a significant step towards entering the global aerospace parts manufacturing sector. “The collaboration will see the completion of a landmark test work program by Eurocopter which is expected to lead to either a direct manufacturing partnership...for the production of aerospace components, and/or Quickstep’s approval as a qualified manufacturing subcontractor to Eurocopter,” Mr Noble said.