Bell Announces New Helicopter Assembly Facility in La.

Gov. Bobby Jindal and Bell Helicopter CEO John Garrison announced Dec. 10, 2013, that the company will build its new SLS helicopter line at Lafayette Regional Airport, leading to the first modern-era aircraft assembly facility in Louisiana history. The project will create 115 new direct jobs averaging more than $55,000 per year, plus benefits, while Bell will invest $11.4 million in equipment and tooling. LED estimates the aerospace project will result in another 136 new, permanent indirect jobs, for a total of more than 250 new jobs in Acadiana. Bell Helicopter selected Louisiana for the new facility after a highly competitive site-selection process in which several states were seriously considered.

 

Bell Helicopter's production of the five-seat, single-engine, turbine helicopter will unveil a contemporary version of the aircraft pioneered by the company more than 50 years ago as the JetRanger. The SLS – or Short Light Single – will focus on safety, efficiency and reliability through the use of advanced technology, according to the manufacturer.

 

Gov. Jindal said, "Bell Helicopter ranks among the most well-known aerospace companies, and we are proud that Louisiana's world-class workforce, outstanding business climate and incomparable infrastructure combined to attract this exciting project to our state. Louisiana is a state with a long history in helicopter and aerospace production. Companies in our state include three of the largest civilian helicopter operators in the world, along with aerospace production from contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Today's announcement signals that Louisiana is ready to further expand its presence and leadership in the aerospace industry, creating quality career opportunities for our people for generations to come."

 

Bell Helicopter announced plans to re-enter the SLS market at the 2013 Paris Air Show in June. The SLS aircraft will feature a load capacity of 1,500 lb, a speed of 144mph, and a cruising range of more than 400mi. The SLS is designed to support a wide variety of operations and is aimed heavily at the export market. Target customer segments include utility, law enforcement, civilian flight training, and other applications.

 

"We considered several sites for this new facility, and Louisiana's proposal demonstrated the state's commitment to economic development. The state's established aerospace industry and exceptional workforce training programs were also key factors in our decision to make Louisiana a partner in expanding our manufacturing footprint," Garrison said.

 

LED began discussions with Bell Helicopter about a potential assembly facility in July, following a May visit with company officials in Fort Worth, Texas. The Lafayette Economic Development Authority, or LEDA, and the Lafayette Airport Commission also played key roles in landing the assembly facility. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered a competitive incentive package that includes performance-based grants of $4.0 million for lease support, $3.8 million for infrastructure and equipment, and $0.2 million to reimburse relocation expenses. Louisiana also will provide the comprehensive solutions of LED FastStart state workforce development program.

 

Bell Helicopter will lease space for its SLS assembly operation in a new 82,300ft², $26.3 million hangar facility at Lafayette Regional Airport that is being funded by the State of Louisiana. The new hangar facility will be owned by Lafayette Regional Airport and built on a 14.5-acre site there that is located adjacent to U.S. Highway 90. Construction will begin in the first half of 2014. Bell will begin hiring employees for the new facility by 2015, and assembly operations will start by 2016 following certification of the facility and the aircraft.

 

"As the first complete aircraft assembly plant in Louisiana, this project is significant not only for our city but the whole Acadiana area and our entire state," Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel said. "This is an opportunity for an entire industry to take note of what is going on in our state."

 

"Lafayette Regional Airport was selected in a competitive process and won the selection based upon many factors, such as airport compatibility, local economic strength, workforce availability, and a strong economic incentive package," said Matt Cruse, chairman of the Lafayette Airport Commission.

 

"LEDA has actively worked with various divisions of Bell since 2005," LEDA President and CEO Gregg Gothreaux said. "Along with a new Bell facility currently under construction in LEDA Industrial Park, today's announcement further demonstrates Bell's confidence in Lafayette, Acadiana, and Louisiana."

 

In addition to creating 115 new jobs at its SLS assembly facility, Bell Helicopter will maintain 63 existing jobs in the Lafayette area associated with two existing facilities involved with helicopter components and service operations.