Bell Commercial Business Unit Moves to Alliance

February 12, 2004

Fort Worth, TX - February 12, 2004 - Bell Helicopter Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh today announced the relocation of the Bell Commercial Business Unit worldwide Sales and Marketing offices and the Bell Training Academy to the facility formerly occupied by Gulfstream at Fort Worth Alliance Airport in the AllianceTexas development.

In making the announcement Mr. Redenbaugh said; "This move will further transform our Commercial Business Unit into an absolute premier world-class organization. Locating to this upscale facility provides more room, a better workflow, and more accurately reflects the current pride and future growth we expect at Bell Helicopter. In addition, there are plenty of lodging and restaurant facilities nearby to support our many customers from around the world that train with us."

From Hillwood Properties; "Bell Helicopter establishing its commercial worldwide sales and marketing offices at AllianceTexas is one of the most significant occurrences in the history of the development," said Ross Perot Jr. chairman of Hillwood. "Hillwood has a tremendous longtime relationship with Bell. We look forward to working with them to grow their commercial business at AllianceTexas."

The relocation, scheduled to begin within the next few weeks, will transfer 300 + people into the 160,897 square foot facility. Our plan is to be completely in place by second quarter 2004. This move includes the sales and marketing functions and the Bell Training Academy. The facility has 64,000+ square feet of office space, 82,000 square feet of hanger space and 15,000 square feet of warehousing space. In addition to the facility, Bell has acquired some property west of Interstate route 35W to support flight-training operations.

The facility is being leased from Hillwood Development on a 15-year agreement. Built in 1999, the building underwent a three million dollar improvement in 2002. It comes with 400 parking spaces.

In addition to Bell Helicopter Marketing and the Training Academy, the facility will also serve as the delivery center and training school for the BA609 when deliveries begin.

AllianceTexas is the 15,000-acre mixed-use development that surrounds Fort Worth Alliance Airport. Located 15 miles northwest of DFW Airport, AllianceTexas is home to 125 companies, including 52 Fortune 500/Global 500 firms. Hillwood, a Perot Company, is one of the country's largest real estate developers and investors.

Bell Helicopter Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., is a $1.6 billion, leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 7,500 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over 120 countries.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 43,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Quick Links

Connect with Textron IR

David Rosenberg, Vice President, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288

Kyle Williams, Manager, Investor Relations
(401) 457-2288

Email Alert


Enter your Email	*

Mailing Lists *



Enter the code shown above.
*