Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced a major expansion during ground-breaking ceremonies at its Military Aircraft Assembly Center located at Amarillo’s Rick Husband International Airport.  In preparation for a ramp-up in production of both the H-1 helicopter program and the Bell Boeing V-22, an additional 176,000 sq. ft. of floor space will be constructed. This brings the total size of the Bell facility to 1,095,000 sq. ft. under roof.

The expansion, scheduled for completion in July 2009, is primarily driven by the Bell Boeing V-22 Multi-Year Production contract signed in March 2008. This contract provides 167 aircraft to the US Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations Command over a five year period, with an annual option for adding up to five additional aircraft.  The new space allotted from the expansion provides room to build the additional aircraft.

In prepared remarks, Bell Executive Vice President for Government Programs Bob Kenney noted, “In just a few short years we will go from manufacturing the 17 V-22’s we’ll deliver this year to over 40 Ospreys annually.  The Marines have been flying their MV-22’s in combat in Iraq for the past year. This plant expansion enables us to meet the urgent needs of our customers.”

Local civic and community leaders attending today’s ceremony included Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Amarillo Mayor Debra McCartt.

Approximately 1,000 employees and guests attended the outdoor ceremony. The work will be conducted by Western Builders of Amarillo.

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 a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, 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.