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CNI employees visit the Bell Military Aircraft Assembly Center in Amarillo, TX, where many CNI-manufactured products are used in military aircraft.

STILWELL, Oklahoma – After nearly 40 years of manufacturing products for Cherokee Nation Industries, production associate Lizzie Duvall finally witnessed how the products she manufactures are used in military aircraft when she and her co-workers toured the Bell Military Aircraft Assembly Center in Amarillo, Texas.

“I think this was a great opportunity for our employees to see the importance of the work we do in Stilwell,” said Bryan Collins, Chief Executive Officer of CNI. “These complex vessels are used in Iraq and Afghanistan to support the missions of the Department of Defense, and it is our products that make them operate.”

Cherokee Nation Industries manufactures electrical wire harnesses for Bell Helicopter’s V-22 transport aircraft. According to their Web site, Bell boasts this aircraft is the only dual-tilt rotor aircraft to date, allowing it to travel twice the speed, five times further, and more than twice as high as traditional helicopters.

“It makes me extremely proud, as a Cherokee, that we do this work right here in Stilwell,” said Duvall. “I think it was absolutely amazing and a good learning experience for those who went to Bell. It helps us realize the importance of our quality standards.”

CNI and its affiliated companies are wholly owned by the Cherokee Nation. CNI was established in 1969 to serve as the economic and workforce arm for the Cherokee Nation. This tribal corporation specializes in aerospace and defense manufacturing, telecommunications, construction, distribution and personnel services. For more information on Cherokee Nation Industries, visit the CNI web site.