Bell Helicopter to expand operations in Tennessee

Bell Helicopter Inc. has announced plans for a $10.1 million expansion of its facility in Piney Flats, Tenn., creating up to 125 new jobs. The company has purchased a 150,000-sq.-ft. building just west of its current facility, which will accommodate customization and completions of light and medium aircraft. The building also will house supporting back shops and shipping and receiving operations.

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, produces manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft for commercial and military applications, as well as tiltrotor aircraft. Founded in 1935 as Bell Aircraft Corp., the company was the first to obtain certification for a commercial helicopter.