TRU Simulation + Training Expands Its East Coast ProFlight® Pilot Training Facility

September 22, 2016

$29.75 Million expansion expected to bring 100 new jobs to Pasco County, Florida

Lutz, Fla. (September 21, 2016)— TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has entered phase II of its expansion plan for its Pilot Training Center in Lutz, Florida located in Pasco County.  Phase II of the expansion will create approximately 100 jobs in TRU’s training business within four years and generate more than $29 million in capital investment.

Phase I was previously completed in 2015 when 15,000 square feet of existing space was converted into Training Center Operations. TRU Simulation + Training’s Tampa facility specializes in business and military simulator manufacturing as well as serving as an FAA-certified Part 142 OEM-supported Pilot Training Center for several Textron Aviation products.

“With this facility expansion, we are thrilled to expand our Textron Aviation training capabilities. Our relationship with our Textron affiliate allows a seamless customer training experience from initial aircraft purchase, to TRU’s initial type ratings through a life time of recurrency training and on-line learning.  TRU is the total training solution,” commented Ian Walsh, President and CEO of TRU Simulation + Training.

Expected to be completed by November 2016, the enlarged facility is designed to accommodate four additional flight simulators in order to diversify its ProFlight Pilot Training programs. The expansion will increase the facility by an additional 30,000 square feet in order to accommodate training classrooms, flight training devices and full flight simulators.

"This is exciting news for our local community,” said US Congressman Gus Bilirakis.  “I had the opportunity to visit TRU’s Training Center earlier this year; their operation is truly impressive. I am proud of the innovative work they are doing. This expansion will bring more jobs to our area and boost our economy, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this company and our community.”

“We are seeing multiple success stories like this from Pasco County’s growing tech and aerospace industries,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Kathryn Starkey.  “We are committed to helping companies, like TRU, continue to grow and create high-skilled, high-wage jobs in our county.”

"TRU's expansion in Pasco County is a testament to our highly-skilled workforce and our continued emphasis in growing our aerospace industry cluster," added Pasco EDC President/CEO Bill Cronin.

The Pasco Economic Development Council worked closely with County staff to coordinate site planning and expedited permitting.  In addition, they assisted with the referral of a local construction consultant to help the project move through the building process.

“TRU’s decision to expand its highly successful simulation business shows how Pasco County is a leader in economic development,” said Alex Glenn, President-Duke Energy Florida. “Duke Energy is honored to partner with the Pasco Economic Development Council and Pasco County to support the expansion of this globally-recognized simulation company, bringing high-skill jobs and significant capital investment to the area. We look forward to continuing to provide reliable energy to the company’s expanded operations.”

“Pasco County continues to be a great partner for TRU. We see the positive impact that our growth brings to the region’s economy,” commented David Smith, Vice President of TRU’s Training Centers.

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About TRU Simulation + Training
TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, delivers innovative, total aviation training solutions to the commercial and military markets while providing superior technical support and customer service. Headquartered in Goose Creek, S.C., the company is known for its high-fidelity training devices, pilot and maintenance training, military mission training, and aviation training services and support. More information is available at www.TRUSimulation.com.

About Textron, Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, 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, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Bad Boy Off Road, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

About Pasco Economic Development Council
Pasco EDC is the lead economic development organization dedicated to the overall growth and prosperity of Pasco County through the development of a sustainable and diversified economy.  Pasco EDC continues to be a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County. www.pascoedc.com