Textron Aviation Opens Bigger European Parts Warehouse

Textron Aviation has opened an expanded parts warehouse in Düsseldorf, Germany, that doubles its space there, the Wichita-based airframer announced this week. Following the expansion, its European Distribution Center comprises 22,000 sq ft and increases parts availability for Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker aircraft in the region to nearly 35,000 items, the company said.

“Our customers count on us to get them the parts they need as fast as possible,” said Brad Thress, Textron Aviation senior v-p of parts, programs, and flight operations. “Over the last three years, we’ve steadily increased the percentage of European part orders fulfilled directly from the Düsseldorf location. This warehouse expansion allows us to store more parts in Europe and ensures we’re ready to support our customers at any time.”

CEO Ron Draper previously told AIN the expansion follows requests from service customers who “want even more availability and faster response times.” It's also part of an effort to put a greater emphasis on supporting the company’s legacy Citation jet line. More than 1,800 jets and turboprops comprise Textron Aviation’s installed base in Europe, where it also operates a network of six service centers, five line stations, and a mobile service unit.

Expansion in Düsseldorf also follows a company-wide revamping of its parts operation that included the addition of about $100 million in inventory this year.