Fort Worth, TX - December 11, 2007 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), officials today announced that Kaydon Bearings Division has been selected for the prestigious Bell Premier Supplier Award. Their selection is recognition for their superior business processes and world class quality standards.
In order to qualify for the Premier status a supplier must meet numerous standards that include being AS9100 certified, delivering high-quality materials on a 98 percent frequency rate or higher, and score very high on a cross-functional inspection conducted on-site by a specialized Bell team.
The Bell Premier Supplier Award is another method Bell Helicopter is improving and increasing its ability to meet customer demand. Through this process Bell will identify and recognize suppliers that are contributing to the production of improved quality and quantity of Bell products.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. 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 Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.