Robinson Helicopter reached the milestone of producing 10,000 helicopters, when it delivered its R44 S/N 13217 on Nov. 10. The company celebrated the occasion at its Torrance factory.

The keys to the 10,000th helicopter were presented to Robinson's Brazilian dealer, Audi Helicopters. Audi has been a Robinson dealer for 25 years and is one of two Robinson dealers in Brazil. Foreign orders have consistently represented more than 50% of the company's total sales.

The helicopters are also popular among small and mid-size law enforcement agencies for patrol duties.

At the ceremony, founder Frank Robinson spoke about the company's humble beginnings. The company was founded in 1973 and the first Robinson helicopter was delivered in 1979. Robinson Helicopter now manufactures more civilian helicopters than any other helicopter manufacturer in the world.

Robinson thanked the City of Torrance stating that it was the city's unwavering support in the early years that convinced him to keep the company in Torrance.

Kurt Robinson, company president, also thanked employees for making "what we believe are the highest quality helicopters in the world." Robinson noted that based on statistics provided by the AIA (Aerospace Industries Association), Robinson has, since the early 1980s, produced more civil helicopters than all other U.S. manufacturers combined.

The company now produces 10 helicopters per week and Robinson predicts the company's total aircraft production for 2011 will more than double last year's production.