Robinson Helicopter Co. was founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, whose vision was to produce the world’s highest quality, most reliable helicopters in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. Robinson introduced its first helicopter, the 2-place piston powered R22 in 1979. In 1992 Robinson introduced the 4-place R44 helicopter (later designated the R44 Raven I). By September 2003, Robinson had produced 5,000 helicopters, including 390 in 2000, 328 in 2001 and 255 in 2002. Production rate 11 helicopters per week in 2003. Factory floor area 24,150 m² (260,000 sq ft). Workforce totals 820. Company is ISO 9001 certified.