Company Overview

During World War II, Textron—then known as Atlantic Rayon Company—first made its name producing parachutes. After the war, the company manufactured lingerie, blouses, and other consumer products and began debating what to call itself. Senorita Creations eventually gave way to Textron, undoubtedly a more credible choice for a company engaged in aerospace and defense production. Today Textron consists of four divisions, with its two aircraft divisions, Cessna and Bell, bringing in 72 percent of total revenue. Minimal revenues are attributed to the finance division, which supports sales of products developed and produced by the other three divisions, and their industrial division, whose products include golf carts, turf equipment and hydraulic systems. In 2002, Textron expanded its helicopter parts and services division by acquiring a unit of Carbide Technologies. Bell and Cessna have enjoyed steadily increasing sales in recent years. Cessna is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of light and midsize business jets, utility turboprops, and single engine piston aircraft. More than half of the world’s aircraft are designed or built by Cessna.