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HELICOPTER NEWS


states in the country for business climate according to several national publications, including area development, business facilities and site selection magazines. “As the first complete aircraft assembly plant in Louisiana,


this project is significant not only for our city, but the whole Acadiana area and our entire state,” said Lafayette City-Parish president Joey Durel. “I am thrilled to see that while we were competing for this company to come to Louisiana, and while we knew that we were competing against states that had done a stellar job in the aerospace industry in the past, that we were seen as being the most competitive location. Winning a world-class project from a company like Bell Helicopter is proof of that.” “Bell’s commitment to build a state-of-the-art


manufacturing facility and guarantee at least 115 full-time positions is a testament to the strength of the Lafayette economy,” said Matt Cruse, chairman of the Lafayette Airport Commission. “This deal is a true collaborative effort, and would not have been possible without the hard work of Governor Bobby Jindal and his administration and LEDA. The Lafayette Regional Airport was selected in a competitive process and won the selection based upon many factors, including airport compatibility, local economic strength, workforce availability, and a strong economic incentive package.”


LEDA president and CEO Gregg Gothreaux adds that


LEDA has actively worked with various divisions of Bell since 2005. “Along with a new Bell facility currently under construction in the LEDA Industrial Park, this announcement further demonstrates Bell’s confidence in Lafayette, Acadiana and Louisiana,” he says. “The fact that this will be the first aircraft final assembly plant in Louisiana in many generations emphasizes Bell’s commitment and belief that our community’s workforce will deliver a world-class product in a world-class manner. Bell will be a valuable addition to Acadiana’s thriving specialty and advanced manufacturing sector, an area we are concentrating on as a significant part of LEDA’s targeted industry strategy. Most of all, we appreciate the quality employment opportunities Bell will provide for our region’s experienced manufacturing workforce.” “This exciting investment by Bell takes the helicopter


industry presence in Acadiana to the next level with the addition of a state-of-the-art assembly facility,” said Jason El Koubi, president and CEO of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. “It also demonstrates the extraordinary opportunity we have to grow and diversify our regional economy and create jobs by working together. In addition to welcoming Bell to our community, I want to applaud Governor Jindal, LEDA and the Lafayette Regional Airport for winning this multi-state site selection process and securing new jobs and investment for the Lafayette area.”


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