Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the official opening of the new Bell 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 the great Textron partnerships throughout Kansas.

“The new Bell facility in Wichita is a great addition to the Air Capital of the World and will continue Kansas’ leadership in aerospace manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). “I look forward to seeing Bell contribute to our strong aviation industry as a defense and commercial leader.”

“This amazing development is still more proof of the enormous potential and excellence of the aerospace industry in Wichita,” said David Toland, Secretary of Commerce, Kansas Department of Commerce. “Congratulations to Bell, Textron and Wichita on this historic partnership, which will propel Kansas aviation into an even brighter future.”

Earlier this year, Bell was selected as a finalist to pursue two critical U.S. Army modernization 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,” said 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-recognized engineering and aviation workforce.”

“Bell is well known for its innovation which makes it a perfect fit for Wichita,” said 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.”