Will Handle Final Assembly And Testing For PurePower Engines

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced Monday it will establish a new aerospace center at Montréal-Mirabel International Airport for the final assembly and test of the new generation PW800 family of engines.

A total of $575.3 million will be invested in the Mirabel Aerospace Centre and Pratt & Whitney Canada’s other Quebec facilities over the next five years. This investment is expected to generate 565 jobs.

"The Government of Quebec’s decision to invest $141.9 million for infrastructure and equipment at Mirabel in support of P&WC’s overall investment reinforces its firm commitment to continued innovation and growth in the aerospace sector. I commend the Government of Quebec for its vision and leadership in propelling the high-value aerospace industry," said Alain M. Bellemare, president, P&WC, and executive vice president, Pratt & Whitney Group Strategy and Development.

At its new Mirabel Aerospace Centre, Pratt & Whitney Canada will conduct the final assembly and test of the PurePower PW810C, set to power the Cessna Citation Columbus large business jet. As announced in April 2008, the new facility will also be the global hub for Pratt & Whitney’s integrated flight test operations.

"The Pratt & Whitney Canada Mirabel Aerospace Centre will ensure we have ample capacity to meet the anticipated strong demand for the PW800 engines for years to come while supporting our growing flight test operations needs. The fact that the Bombardier CSeries will also be assembled at Mirabel was a major factor in the decision to also perform final assembly and test of the PW1524G for the Bombardier CSeries at the new P&WC Mirabel Aerospace Centre," said Bellemare.

Construction is expected to start in the coming months on a 300,000-square-foot facility and will open in the fall of 2009. The P&WC Mirabel Aerospace Centre will include two bays for the company’s Boeing B747SP test aircraft to support flight testing for the complete range of Pratt & Whitney engines, from turboprops to turbofans.

In addition, the Centre will incorporate state-of-the-art equipment and the most advanced manufacturing technologies and processes. This new facility will also apply best-in-class work practices and flexibility principles, which will allow the company to achieve a step change in the way it assembles and tests engines to meet customer expectations.

The PurePower PW800 engine takes advantage of the latest materials, aerodynamic and design technologies developed by the company. It incorporates advanced fan, compressor, turbine and low-emissions TALON combustion systems for exceptional fuel consumption, future thrust-growth capability and improved environmental friendliness.

First run of the engine is targeted for mid-2009.

FMI: www.pwc.ca