Bell Helicopter [TXT] yesterday said it has begun construction for its new global headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.
Elected federal, state and local officials joined John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter, to commemorate the occasion at a groundbreaking ceremony.
Bell Helicopter plans to invest $230 million in new and upgraded facilities as part of a comprehensive revitalization effort.
The facility revitalization is to provide its more than 6,000 North Texas-based employees with a better, safer, more comfortable work environment, and to attract and retain the talented workforce needed to grow its business in Texas, the company said in a statement.
“Bell Helicopter has long been an important and valuable member of the Texas aerospace and aviation community, and we’re excited they have recommitted to keeping Texas the home of this dynamic and enduring endeavor,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) said. “Texas’ commitment to our strong, conservative fiscal principles, like low taxes, reasonable regulations, fair courts and a skilled workforce, keep companies like Bell Helicopter healthy and happy, and continue to attract employers and individuals alike to the Lone Star State.”
The revitalization effort is designed to consolidate more than 1.2 million square feet of excess space, reduce building maintenance costs and reduce 20 percent of the company’s waste and energy use by 2015. These changes are expected to improve coordination and collaboration, increase cost-competitiveness and are projected to save Bell Helicopter $19 million in annual operating expenses.
Bell Helicopter’s renovations and new construction follow the practices of LEED–an internationally recognized green building program. The company’s state-of-the-art employee center incorporates the use of natural lighting to save energy and efficient landscaping that requires 40 percent less water than traditional methods.
Bell Helicopter’s future headquarters will be home to administration, support functions, program offices, a customer center and an integrated training facility. The Bell Helicopter training facility, currently located at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, is moving to the new global headquarters to bring Bell Helicopter’s products closer to its people.