Toray Composites enters into supply agreement with Bell Helicopter

Toray Composites (America), Inc. has entered into a Supply Agreement with Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, to supply carbon fiber prepreg materials for Bell Helicopter programs.

Initially, TCA will supply materials for the Bell 525 Relentless program. The Bell 525 Relentless is the world's first commercial fly-by-wire helicopter and is currently in flight test and certification process at the Bell Helicopter aircraft assembly site in Amarillo, Texas. TCA materials are being utilized in the fuselage and supporting structure.

"We have been working with Bell Helicopter for a few years to expand our collective opportunities. Bell Helicopter is critical in our rotorcraft expansion strategy and offers TCA a platform with which to build our technology portfolio," says Tim Kirk, Vice President of Sales for TCA.

"We are excited to formalize this relationship with an industry leader in carbon fiber composite materials," said Mike Loeffler, Vice President of Supply Chain for Bell Helicopter. "TCA is providing technology and value to Bell Helicopter that will lend to the success of the Bell 525 Relentless program."

TCA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toray Industries, Inc. (headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Akihiro Nikkaku), located in Tacoma, Wash., with headquarters in Tokyo. TCA manufactures industry-leading carbon fiber prepreg materials for aerospace, automotive, industrial, and sporting goods applications.