Textron to separate Industrial to become pure-play aerospace, defence company
The Textron offers a portfolio that includes pushbacks, baggage tractors, belt loaders, deicers, ground power units, air starts and AC units, under the TUG, Douglas, Premier and Safeaero brands.
Textron said it plans to separate its industrial segment from the business to enhance its strategic and operational focus on aerospace and defence segment to drive long-term value for shareholders.
“This planned separation creates greater clarity and focus for both businesses,” said Lisa M. Atherton, CEO of Textron. “New Textron will move forward as a pure-play aerospace and defense company positioned for higher growth, while Industrial gains the independence to pursue strategies aligned with its distinct strengths—unlocking long term value for all stakeholders.”
The company said it is exploring both options including the sale of the industrial segment and tax-free separation into a standalone publicly-traded company.
The separation will make the new Textron into $12bn revenue company with $19bn in backlog.
The company will be anchored by its core franchises: in general aviation under the Cessna and Beechcraft brands and in military and commercial rotorcraft under the Bell brand.
The company’s industrial segment contributed $786m to the total revenue of $3.7bn in the first quarter of 2026. This accounts for 21% of the company’s total revenue.
Textron’s industrial segment manufacturers golf caddies, utility vehicles, airport machinery including pushbacks, tractors, deicers, ground power units etc, lawn mowers and battery enclosures, blow-molded fuel systems, selective catalytic reduction systems, clear vision systems, engine camshafts and plastic industrial packaging solutions.
The segment’s brands include E-Z-GO, Cushman, Textron GSE, Jacobsen and Kautex.
“We are confident this next chapter will enable Industrial to build on its strong foundation and deliver enhanced value for employees, customers, and shareholders,” said Atherton. “Throughout the separation process, we will remain focused on positioning our talented teams for long-term success.”
The company is targeting completion of the separation within 12 to 18 months.
Textron says, until the separation is executed, it will operate industrials segment in line with the current strategy. The company expects $3bn in 2026 revenues from the segment.
