Commercial Business Unit Moves to Alliance Airport

Bell Helicopter is looking for some elbow room. Chief Executive Officer Mike Redenbaugh announced Wednesday 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 (TX) Alliance Airport, located 15 miles northwest of the DFW Airport.

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."

The relocation, which includes the sales and marketing functions and the Bell Training Academy, is scheduled to begin within the next few weeks. The company will transfer 300 + people into the 160,897 square foot facility. Bell's plan is to be completely in place by second quarter 2004.

The new facility offers a lot more elbow room, as it 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.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.textron.com