Heli-Mart Acquires $10 Million Helicopter Parts Inventory; Phoenix Heliparts Moves to Expanded Facility; California Aero Components Increases Availability of Parts to Become Major Contributor

Heli-Mart Inc. has increased its $14 million inventory to over $23 million, encompassing MD 500 helicopter major components and parts and placing it among the largest holders of MD 500 inventories in the world. In addition, Phoenix Heliparts, a member of the recently-formed Total Support Group, is an FAA 145 certified repair station, and has moved to a new 40,000 square foot location in Mesa, Arizona, more than doubling in size from its previous facility. The third member of the Total Support Group, California Aero Components (CAC), with a strong reputation for helicopter repair, overhaul, exchange and certification of critical components, is equipping to support the increase in demand from both Heli-Mart and Phoenix Heliparts.

Phoenix Heliparts president, Tina Cannon said, "By coordinating all three member companies to work exclusively for each client, we are able to ensure the best price, quality and efficiency of service available today for the '500' helicopter fleet. With more than 1500 '500s' operating globally, we are well-prepared to offer superior service. Heli-Mart has been an MD 500 Factory Authorized Service Center for 15 years and maintains very strong ties with the global population of MD 500s.

"The entire process is streamlined as we have direct access to all aspects of the repair, overhaul and modification of all variants of the 500. Aside from the OEM, our service capability and inventory is unmatched anywhere in the world," she added.

Heli-Mart stocks all 500 Series parts and components, as well as helicopter parts for most other helicopter OEMs. And Phoenix's newly occupied modification facilities adjacent to Heli-Mart's Mesa, Arizona facility, means the group will be able to shorten the time and cost associated with modifications, interiors, avionics and paint.

Cannon said, "Our growing international customer base of military, government, and civilian operators are attracted by our commitment to providing tailored completion packages in the shortest amount of time, and with the lowest possible cost. We see the increase in demand as evidence that our customers appreciate the extra effort we put in to meet and exceed their expectations."


Background Information:
Phoenix Heliparts is part of the MD 500 Total Support Group, which also includes Heli-Mart Inc., and California Aero Components. Together these companies offer a significant parts inventory for immediate shipment worldwide, overnight, and provide in-house-engineered STCs and international certificates. As an MD 500 authorized service center the group undertakes major completions projects, including the installation/ repair of avionics and paramilitary/ police equipment. The group's commitment to quality and unparalleled customer service sets it apart.

Phoenix Heliparts and the Total Support Group offers a new and unique option to the helicopter operator: By placing an order for a "green" fuselage of an MD 500 helicopter, a customer may have that fuselage customized and completed to a finished and certified helicopter that meets all specific operational requirements. This new concept is possible because the Total Support Group comprises three specialized companies acting as one, contributing synergistically to the helicopter's completion.