Textron Systems, QuEST Global begin cooperation on SEZ in Belgaum

Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and QuEST Global, a leading provider of outsourced engineering services and manufacturing, today announced that the two companies are working together on the development of the QuEST Global Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

The SEZ, endorsed by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, covers 300 acres and is focused on Precision Engineering.  As a sector-specific economic zone, this area will provide build-to-suit requirements to companies seeking to establish businesses and manufacturing facilities in the region by providing a world-class infrastructure, particularly for the aerospace and defense, industrial and automotive industries.  Development of the SEZ, currently in Phase I, began in January 2009.

“With growing demands for state-of-the-art defense services and solutions, India is a key country in a region that is important to our international growth,” stated Frank Tempesta, President and CEO, Textron Systems.  “We look forward to partnering with the Indian Government, the Indian Armed Forces and QuEST in strengthening India’s defenses.”

“This relationship marks the beginning of the Aerospace & Defense industry’s development at the SEZ,” said Aravind Melligeri, Chairman and Co-founder, QuEST Global.  “This SEZ provides a platform for Foreign Direct Investments, products and services in support of the Indian defense industry.”

Under the terms and conditions of a Memorandum of Understanding, Textron Systems and QuEST Global will work together to develop the manufacturing capabilities within the SEZ.  

About QuEST Global
QuEST Global is a leading provider of outsourced engineering services and manufacturing. The company helps customers in the aerospace, power generation, oil & gas, civil structures, industrial products, and transportation verticals to cut product development costs, shorten lead times, extend capacity and maximize engineering resources availability by providing support across the complete product life cycle from design and modeling through analysis, prototyping, automation, data documentation, instrumentation and controls, embedded systems development, manufacturing support, vendor management, and in-house precision machining. Through our Global Product Development framework and our on-site/off-shore/on-shore models, we leverage our local presence and global reach to support globalization initiatives for our customers. QuEST Global employs over 1700 professionals and has delivery centers in India, USA, Italy, Japan, Germany, France and footprints in UK, Spain and China. More information is available at http://www.quest-global.com.

About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for over 50 years. Known for its precision smart weapons, intelligent battlefield systems, surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, aircraft control components, piston engines, armored vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems, Textron Systems includes AAI, HR Textron, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch Tactical Operations, Overwatch Geospatial Operations, Textron Defense Systems, and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com. 

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. (NYSE:  TXT) is a $14.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 28 countries with approximately 42,000 employees.  The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, 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 Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation.  More information is available at www.textron.com.