State Official Says Bombardier Just Wouldn't Commit
New Mexico Economic Development
Secretary Rick Homans announced today that New Mexico has
officially withdrawn its bid to become the site for an aircraft
assembly plant for a new series of passenger jets planned by
Bombardier, a Canadian company based in Montreal. In a phone
conversation yesterday with Gov. Bill Richardson, Bombardier COO
Pierre Beaudoin asked New Mexico for additional time to issue a
decision, the latest in a series of delays by the company.
"While we appreciate the serious consideration Bombardier has
given New Mexico, we cannot in good conscience accept additional
delays in the process," said Homans. "We have come to agreement
with Bombardier on most important components of the deal and
believe any remaining issues could easily be resolved. However, to
delay any further at this point would not serve any constructive
purpose."
Homans also said the state is concerned about Bombardier's
negotiations with the Canadian and Quebec governments and the
unions representing aircraft workers.
"At this point, after many meetings and in-depth discussion, we
believe our offer should stand on its own and we're concerned it
could be used as leverage in the negotiations with other bidders,"
said Homans. "Our experience with Bombardier has been nothing but
positive. We wish the company success with this project, and look
forward to another opportunity to work with Bombardier in the
future."
Homans credited the coalition of New
Mexico organizations that came together to create the comprehensive
proposal that made New Mexico a top finalist for the project.
Homans said it was a "team effort" that included Gov. Richardson;
the New Mexico Economic Development Partnership, led by Jim Colson;
Mayor Martin Chavez and the city of Albuquerque; and Albuquerque
Economic Development, led by Gary Tonjes.
"We clearly demonstrated that New Mexico can compete globally
for major projects, and we're on the map," said Colson, president
and CEO of the New Mexico Economic Development Partnership.
In mid-2004 Bombardier began looking for a site for the final
assembly plant for a new passenger jet, the C-Series. New Mexico
beat out all other U.S. bidders to become a finalist for the plant
along with Montreal and Toronto, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. New
Mexico's offer has received worldwide attention and generated
additional interest in the state's efforts to recruit aircraft
manufacturing and maintenance companies.
"We're building a solid aviation and aerospace cluster, bringing
high-wage jobs and high-tech companies to New Mexico," said Homans.
"We'll continue to build on our success."