Bell Helicopter completes integration of six subsidiary companies

Bell Helicopter today announced that it has completed the integration of six of its support and service subsidiaries, officially merging them into Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

By combining its service organizations Bell Helicopter has restructured operations to provide customers with a comprehensive support solution- making it easier for them to do business with the company and increasing efficiencies.

"Providing mission solutions to our customers that are efficient and effective is a core focus for Bell Helicopter," said John L. Garrison, president and chief executive officer. "Integrating these sub brands and businesses allows us to offer our customers a more complete support and service solution - from the time they buy a new Bell Helicopter to the time they retire their fleet. Customers can expect to receive the same level of support and service they have grown to expect and deserve from Bell Helicopter."

This change also allows the company to build on Bell Helicopter's strong brand recognition, reduces confusion over existing brands and aids in growing Bell's global presence.

The operations affected by this activity are: Edwards & Associates, Inc and Aeronautical Accessories, Inc (Piney Flats, Tenn.); Rotor Blades, Inc (Broussard, La.); Acadian Composites (Lafayette, La.); Bell Aerospace Services, Inc (Bedford, Texas); and US Helicopter (Ozark, Ala.). All six of these organizations were wholly-owned subsidiaries of Bell Helicopter in 2010.

Five of the six companies will change both legal and brand names to Bell Helicopter. Bell will continue to offer parts and accessories under the Aeronautical Accessories brand. Bell Helicopter affiliates, McTurbine, Inc (Corpus Christi, Texas); SkyBOOKS, Inc (Jacksonville, Fla.); and Edwards Rotorcraft Solutions, Inc (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) are not part of the legal integration activity, but will be integrated as a service offering into Bell Helicopter's Customer Support and Services Organization.

"Combining our service operations enhances the value we bring to our customers," said R. Danny Maldonado, senior vice president customer support and chief services officer. "We can now offer Bell customers the advantages of a one-stop service experience that helps enable their mission productivity, reduces the cost of ownership and makes it easier for them to do business with Bell Helicopter," said Maldonado.

Bell Helicopter's combined customer support and service network has facilities in more than 13 geographical locations, employs more than 1,700 individuals and contributes more than one third of Bell Helicopter's annual revenue.

Bell's combined services organization includes:

•The world leader in Bell Helicopter completions

•The industry's leading helicopter training organization

•More than 120 independently owned and authorized customer service facilities

•Both domestic and international supply centers

•An industry leading turbine engine maintenance, repair and overhaul shop

•35 years of expertise in blade repair

•An airframe and component depot level overhaul center

•24 hour a day, seven day a week technical and product support

•And more than 2,700 state-of-the-art FAA/STC approved replacement parts and accessories

"Our business is successful when our customers are satisfied," said Garrison. "This effort is focused on improving our customers' satisfaction and doing what is right for them and supporting their mission."

Source: Bell Helicopter

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