Bell Textron has officially opened a new facility in Wichita, Kansas, where the company will support multiple Bell programs and business areas, including engineering, supply chain, professional manufacturing and corporate services.

Bell held an opening ceremony at the facility with employees and executive leadership to commemorate the occasion. The company also celebrated Textron's partnerships throughout Kansas.

Earlier this year, Bell was selected as a finalist to pursue two critical U.S. Army modernisation programs. As a result, the company invested in this new office to support Bell's future growth plans. Bell has long term plans to grow the workforce and capabilities at the facility to help support major Bell programs during critical stages of development.

"We are thrilled to have Bell in Wichita," says Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple. "Bell adding a Wichita location will help us as we continue to work to attract jobs to Wichita and provide employment for our world-recognised engineering and aviation workforce."

"Bell is well known for its innovation which makes it a perfect fit for Wichita," says Andrew Nave, Executive Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Wichita Partnership. "Wichita is the air capital of the world and with resources like WSU's National Institute for Aviation Research and our extensive supply chain, our region is leading innovation in design, engineering, testing and manufacturing in aerospace and beyond."

"We want to thank the state of Kansas and the Wichita community for going above and beyond to support our business," said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO, Bell. "We are excited to establish the Bell name in Wichita."