Media Contact:
Textron Systems Public Relations
Ph: 978-657-2020
PublicRelations@systems.textron.com
Wilmington, Mass. –January 29, 2007 — Textron Systems, a
Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT) announced today it
has changed the name of its Wilmington, Massachusetts
operating unit to Textron Defense Systems. Other Textron
Systems operating units include HR Textron (Santa Clarita,
CA), Textron Marine & Land (New Orleans, LA), Lycoming
Engines (Williamsport, PA) and Overwatch, Tactical Operations
(Austin, Texas) and Overwatch, GeoSpatial Operations
(Sterling, VA).
Mark Catizone, general manager and
senior vice president, Textron Defense Systems, said,
"Our mission hasn't changed. The new name is actually
a return to a previous name established in 1985. With
the addition of 'defense' to our name, we can better
communicate and affirm our vision and mission to our
customers, shareholders and employees. Textron Defense
Systems has been committed to developing systems such
as precision smart weapons, networked sensor and munitions
systems, and airborne surveillance systems, that protect
and enable our customers to win."
Frank Tempesta, president of Textron
Systems, said, "Textron Systems' growth over the
past year in conjunction with our move to an operating
unit structure to better serve our customers, fueled
the need to create a stronger brand name for this business.
We are proud of the technologies and products that we've
developed including landmark weapon systems that do
not leave harmful unexploded ordnance on the battlefield."
For more than 50 years, Textron Defense
Systems has served the defense and aerospace industries.
Current DoD programs include Future Combat Systems Unattended
Ground Sensor systems, Intelligent Munition Systems,
Sensor Fuzed Weapon, Cobra Ball and the Joint High Powered
Solid State Laser.
Textron Systems Corporation ("Textron
Systems") provides innovative technology solutions
to meet the needs of the defense, homeland security
and aerospace communities. The company is known for
its precision smart weapons, surveillance systems, complex
intelligence and communications systems, aircraft control
systems, piston engines, specialty marine craft and
armored vehicles. Textron Systems is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is
wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information
is available at www.textronsystems.com.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.