Bell Helicopter has opened their new $20 million, 82,000 square foot repair and overhaul center recently when they received their first V-22 component from the U.S. Marine Corps. The primary function of the new facility is to support Bell aircraft currently operated by the U.S. military.

Many Bell aircraft, such as the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-1W Cobra, continue to see increased operations in combat environments and Bell's new repair and overhaul center is designed to better meet the needs of Department of Defense customers and provide America's men and women in uniform the safest, most reliable parts.

"This facility is dedicated to America's sons and daughters who are out there protecting our country day in and day out," said Mike Blake, Bell Helicopter's Chief Operations Officer and Chief Service Officer during the ceremony marking the arrival of the first parts to the facility.

U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel John Dantic, Assistant Program Manager for Logistics reflected on the facilities importance to the V-22 program. "The focus of the V-22 has transitioned from engineering to logistics.

The Osprey will be called upon at any given moment to support tomorrows' crises and the capability that Bell has created here today helps ensure we will be ready for that call."

This new facility shows the depth of cultural change at Bell Helicopter spearheaded by Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh. Bell's Repair & Overhaul Center that went from concept to reality in eight months, four months ahead of schedule, was designed using Textron Six Sigma, eliminating waste and streamlining tasks. 

"The capability afforded in this new facility will allow us to serve the increasing demands of our military customers," explained David Martin, Bell's Repair & Overhaul Center Director. "For example, main rotor blades that traveled more than 1.6 miles during the repair process now only travel approximately 300 feet, and overhead handling changes have been reduced from seven times during repair to just two."

And according to Martin, the opening of this new facility is just the beginning.

"With this opening, it may feel like we are finishing a project, but the truth is that we are just getting ready to come out of the gate," Martin said. "This facility is a tool that will support the troops on the frontlines, but will also help to manage our business in a more efficient way. It will allow Bell to provide superior service at reduced cost, and provide the long term support that our customers are looking for." 

The new repair and overhaul center will initially employ approximately 80 people, working on various rotor blades, gearboxes, transmissions, and drive train components. Additionally, the new facility will also be certified as a Federal Aviation Administration Repair Station.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.textron.com