Bell Helicopter to source parts from India’s Dynamatic Technologies

US aerospace major Bell Helicopter and its parent Textron Systems have announced the signing of a multi-million dollar deal with India's Dynamatic Technologies for supply of major airframe assemblies for Bell 407 GX and 407 GT helicopters.

The agreement which follows a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies in 2012 to mutually explore business opportunities for the production of Bell's model 407 airframe assemblies, is for a period of seven years with option to extend through the life of the product, Dynamatic Technologies said in a web site release.

Under the agreement, Dynamatic will be a single source supplier of major airframe assemblies for Bell.

''The agreement with Dynamatic represents a significant milestone in Bell Helicopter's global sourcing strategy and brings efficiencies to our manufacturing process for the Bell 407,'' Mike Loeffler, Bell Helicopter vice president, supply chain, said.

''Both companies remain engaged in identifying additional business opportunities to further build on Dynamatic's Premier supplier capabilities as Bell Helicopter looks to invest and expand operations in the region,'' an official statement here said.

Textron Systems, which already procures a range of items from India through several prime sourcing partnerships, said it is seeking new opportunities to expand its supply base in country.

India represents a significant growth opportunity for sales, operations, and the integrated supply chain, Loeffler said.

''We are pleased to continue our investment in India to build upon our existing capabilities in the region,'' he said.

Fort Worth, Texas-based Bell Helicopter has additional plants in Amarillo, Texas and Mirabel, Canada with key logistics supply and service centers in Europe, Canada, and Singapore as well as in the United States.

Dynamatic Technologies Limited also supplies Aft Pylon and Cargo Ramp assemblies for the Boeing Chinook CH-47F. In April 2013, Dynamatic won a contract from The Boeing Company through a competitive bidding process for the manufacture of Aft Pylon and Cargo Ramp Assemblies for 100 sets of Boeing's CH-47F Chinook Helicopter. The scope of work involves development of tooling, manufacture of details parts and final assemblies of the Aft Pylon and Cargo Ramp.