Bell Helicopter plans to relocate several programs to optimize manufacturing capabilities across multiple facilities.
Effective immediately, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X final assembly in Lafayette, Louisiana, will relocate to the company’s Mirabel Assembly and Delivery Center in Canada. In addition, the Lafayette facility will receive the Bell 525 Relentless cabin subassembly, relocating from the facility in Amarillo, Texas, and the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle modification work will relocate from the facility in Ozark, Alabama. Neither move is expected to impact the certification of the Bell 525 or Bell 505.
“The relocation of these programs will enable the company to optimize its manufacturing footprint across multiple sites, while maximizing the core capabilities of each facility,” said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “Mirabel is a vital part of Bell Helicopter’s long-term growth strategy and this move confirms our commitment to our Mirabel workforce and infrastructure. We also remain committed to Louisiana, where we have received tremendous support from the state and local government.”
Bell Helicopter built the first three Bell 505 flight test vehicles at the Mirabel facility and is working closely with Transport Canada to achieve type certification and production certification in 2016. Bell Helicopter will then begin production and deliveries out of the Mirabel facility.
June 2, 2016
