AEDC makes deal with Bell to build Relentless plant in Amarillo

Amarillo.com: The Amarillo Economic Development Corp. board today approved a $4 million investment in a new facility to build Bell’s 525 Relentless helicopter, a project expected to create 100 jobs, officials said. Bell also will pump $22 million into the project, officials said, and construction on the 249,000 square foot facility is expected to begin later this year. The 16-seat aircraft, which will be built in Amarillo, will feature five rotor blades and room for two flight crew members. Bell CEO and President John L. Garrison said earlier this year the 525 Relentless is the world’s first super-medium transport copter, which was designed for the oil and gas business, search and rescue operations and emergency medical service transport.