Bell Helicopter Invests $230 Million in Texas HQ Upgrade

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has announced that Bell Helicopter, a Textron, Inc. company, will invest approximately $230 million in capital to revitalize its headquarters, which is located on State Highway 10 in Fort Worth, TX.  The project includes demolition of the current administrative building and construction of a new headquarters.  Upgrades to the corporate campus also include construction of an employee center, a parking garage and expanded parking options to enhance employee convenience and safety.

In addition to modernizing the corporate campus, Bell Helicopter will consolidate its North Texas facilities.  The Training Academy will move from Alliance Airport to the new corporate campus.  Additional operations currently conducted at a warehouse on State Highway 121 in Fort Worth and at a company plant in Roanoke, Texas, will transition to other corporate facilities in Fort Worth and Grand Prairie. The company’s Arlington plant will not be impacted by the consolidation or upgrades.

“The global aerospace industry is increasingly competitive.  To maintain and grow our leadership position, we must ensure that we have the most updated infrastructure and efficient space utilization,” said John L. Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter.  “Modernization of our campus and other planned improvements will help us streamline our operations and enhance our competitive advantages.  As a result, we will have the ability to attract and retain top talent, and provide our employees with a world-class facility.”

The revitalization and consolidation project will begin before the end of 2011; completion is anticipated in 2015.

“For 60 years, Bell Helicopter has been a cornerstone of our local economy and the North Texas aerospace industry,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.  “We are proud that Bell Helicopter calls Fort Worth home, and we want to do everything we can to keep those jobs here in our backyard. This investment makes Bell Helicopter a stronger company, and that makes Fort Worth a stronger city.”

“Tarrant County residents have greatly benefited from the presence of Bell Helicopter,” said G.K. Maenius, Tarrant County administrator.  “We are pleased to partner with the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce to support the revitalization efforts that will sustain this industry leader for many years to come.”

“With 6,700 highly skilled employees in North Texas, and a potential investment of over $1 billion over the next five years, the retention of this company is critical to the economic vitality of our region,” said David Berzina, executive vice president of economic development for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.  “Bell Helicopter’s decision to invest further in the company and our community reflects both Fort Worth’s position as a premier location in which to do business, and the continued strength of the local economy.”