Bell Helicopter has honored New Hampshire Ball Bearings' Astro Division for providing exceptional service and support during the past 12 months.

The Laconia-based Astro division received a Premier Supplier Award under Bell's new initiative to recognize and promote its highest-performing business partners.

Astro achieved high marks for its on-time delivery performance, consistently high product quality and streamlined manufacturing practices. Bell auditors were particularly impressed with the division's strong Six Sigma culture and Lean Manufacturing practices, and they applauded Astro's efforts to improve efficiency by utilizing advanced multiaxis machines and visual management systems and facilitating smooth shift transitions.

The Astro division's customer service personnel also received an excellent review from Bell.

"They are very prompt with returning calls and providing quotes, and are supportive of Bell's initiatives and flexible regarding our various demands," said Gail Knight, who is Bell's strategic commodity manager. "Overall, NHBB is a pleasure to deal with."

Astro's Sales Manager Gino Crecco suggested that Bell established very high standards for its award program.

"We are fortunate in that we possess a strong continuous improvement ethic," said Crecco. "We have implemented systems and procedures throughout the facility that enable us to perform at a higher level. It's great to be recognized for having enacted improvements that add increased value to the business partnership."

Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt-rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries. Bell is a part of Textron Inc., an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees.

New Hampshire Ball Bearings, a subsidiary of Minebea Co. Ltd., has been a leader in custom-designed, precision bearing manufacturing since 1946. NHBB's three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States produce a diverse range of quality, precision bearing products for customers in the commercial and military aerospace, medical/dental, computer and industrial markets.

The Astro Division is a leading domestic supplier of standard and custom designed spherical, rod end and loader slot bearings to the aerospace market. More than 400 employees work in the 177,000 square foot manufacturing space located in Laconia.