Bombardier Aerospace to Establish Manufacturing Capability in Morocco
Bombardier Aerospace announced on October 16 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco for the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Morocco. The exact site location will be announced at a later date. Bombardier Aerospace intends to invest approximately $200 million US in equipment, buildings and start-up costs over the next eight years. Scheduled to be implemented in phases starting in 2012, Bombardier Aerospace’s new Moroccan facility will initially include sub-assembly capabilities for simple structures. The new facility is scheduled to start manufacturing in 2013. Details on the type of components to be manufactured will be finalized in the coming months.
By the end of 2020, employment at the Morocco facility is expected to reach 850 skilled and trained workers. Bombardier Aerospace anticipates that there will be no impact on its current workforce level at other sites as a result of this announcement.
“Globalization of our industry has opened up new markets and new opportunities,” said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “We have progressively extended our business presence around the world and we are continuing today to better serve our international customers.”
“Bombardier Aerospace is committed to a long-term relationship with the Moroccan Government to develop a world-class aerospace industry in the country,” added Mr. Hachey. “By establishing its own fully integrated manufacturing facility in Morocco, Bombardier Aerospace will serve as a catalyst for the aerospace industry in the country and will look for opportunities to share some of its knowledge and complex manufacturing processes.”
Bombardier Aerospace chose Morocco for a number of reasons: internationally competitive manufacturing costs, low shipping and transportation costs, proximity to Europe, and the commitment by the Moroccan Government to the development of the aerospace industry.
The announcement of this new manufacturing facility in Morocco was made during the Dubai Airshow 2011, where Bombardier is currently showcasing its broad spectrum of innovative products, technical expertise, and superior customer support and aircraft maintenance services. Held in the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Airshow, the world’s third largest airshow, places an emphasis on the Middle-East, Africa, Europe and India.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.7 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter@Bombardier.
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