Press Releases

Mirabel, May 7, 2012 - Sam Hamad, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, is pleased to announce that the Québec government has granted Messier-Dowty a non-refundable financial contribution of $7.4 million through Investissement Québec. The landing gear manufacturer, located in Mirabel, is expanding its facilities so it can increase its production capacity.

"The Québec aerospace industry boasts a skilled workforce, a network of universities and research centres, and leading organizations that ensure collaboration among all industry players. This major project by Messier-Dowty shows that Québec has what it takes to attract foreign investment and ensure that the industry can grow," declared Sam Hamad.

The Messier-Dowty plant in Mirabel supplies structural landing gear parts for the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 programs. The manufacture of these parts will require investments that could reach $58 million. The plant will be enlarged, and major industrial equipment will be installed, including numerically controlled machines (machining centres, lathes and drills) and equipment for special processes.

"This project will enable us to meet the needs of the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 programs as they ramp up, acquire cutting-edge production technology that meets the latest environmental requirements, enhance our quality objectives and radically reduce our production cycles. We'd like to thank the Québec government for its support in this project, which will allow us to maintain our position as a centre of excellence within the Safran group and thereby ensure that the world's leading manufacturer of landing gear systems can grow here in Québec," said Stéphane Salvignol, General Manager of the Messier-Dowty plant in Mirabel. 

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty is a subsidiary of France-based Safran group, an international high-technology equipment manufacturer and leader in aerospace, defence and security, which employs some 60,000 people worldwide. In operation since 1991, the Mirabel plant specializes in the manufacture of very large main fittings, one of the seven components of landing gear systems. Once manufactured, these components are shipped to other Messier-Bugatti-Dowty plants for integration into the final product.

"Messier-Dowty's project will mean significant spinoffs for the city of Mirabel and the surrounding area as it will create up to 60 new jobs and help retain 235 others. It will also reinforce Québec's position as a world leader in the aerospace industry. Our government is committed to increasing the benefits of this major driver of economic development, and we will always be there to support companies that want to improve their performance, create jobs and capture new markets," asserted Sam Hamad.

About Investissement Québec

Investissement Québec's mission is to foster the growth of investment in Québec, thereby contributing to economic development and job creation in every region. The Corporation offers businesses a full range of financial solutions, including loans, loan guarantees and equity investments, to support them at all stages of their development. It is also responsible for administering tax measures and prospecting for foreign investment.

About Messier-Bugatti-Dowty

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (Safran group) is the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems. Its capabilities encompass the entire life cycle of its products, from design and manufacture to support, repair and overhaul. Messier-Bugatti-Dowty is a partner to 33 leading commercial, military, business and regional airframers and supports 22,000 aircraft making more than 35,000 landings every day. The company employs 6,250 people working in locations across Europe, North America and Asia.

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Source:

Harold Fortin

Press Officer

Office of the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region

Tel.: 418 691-5650

Information:

Investissement Québec

1 866 870-0437