Plans $200 Million Investment Over Eight Years
Bombardier Aerospace said Wednesday 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 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.