FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Textron Inc. said Thursday its Bell Helicopter subsidiary will increase production of certain in-demand models and halt production of others.
Bell said it is experiencing ''tremendous demand'' for its 412, 407 and 429 commercial lines and will increase its production capacity. The company will stop making its 206B3, 427, 430 and 210 models.
Bell did not say how much it will increase capacity.
Data from a market review ''validated that the capabilities of our most popular models, along with our new product offerings, are well matched to meet market needs,'' Bob Fitzpatrick, senior vice president for marketing and sales, said in a statement. Bell Chief Executive Dick Millman said the company is ''fully booked'' for the 407 and 412 models through 2012.
Existing orders for the discontinued models will be met through 2010, and Bell will continue servicing the aircraft after it stops making them.
Shares of Textron, a conglomerate with operations in the aircraft, automotive, turf and finance sectors, fell $2.86, or 5.2 percent, to $51.80 in afternoon trading.
