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New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Rick Homans announced today that New Mexico has officially withdrawn its bid to become the site for an aircraft assembly plant for a new series of passenger jets planned by Bombardier, a Canadian company based in Montreal.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."

FMI: www.edd.state.nm.us