McTurbine Becomes Part of Bell Helicopter

Released on Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Fort Worth, TX (January 8, 2007) -- Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT company), announced today that its industry-leading Customer Support and Service organization is even stronger now with the addition of McTurbine Inc., which was accomplished with the acquisition of United Industrial Corporation (UIC) by its parent Textron Inc. at the end of last year.

With the integration of McTurbine Inc., Bell will now add engine maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) capability to it's existing support and service portfolio, which is a key element to the company's service business growth plan launched in 2006.

Shane Eddy, senior vice president and chief services officer, calls the addition of McTurbine and its industry-leading engine MRO capability "an important step toward Bell's goal to be the premier vertical-lift fleet management organization."

Eddy continued, "This is an exciting time for McTurbine and Bell Helicopter. Bringing together this collection of talented people and industry leading performance will undoubtedly produce increased value for our customers and shareholders."

It also will ensure Bell maintains focus on existing customer needs while driving continuous improvement through development of lean best practices for the repair-and-overhaul value stream across Bell's service business.

McTurbine is located in Corpus Christi, Texas, and has about 100 employees. It is a Honeywell-authorized service center for both T-53 and T-55 helicopter engines.