GE opens $61.4M robotics R&D hub in Bromont, Que.

BROMONT, Que.—GE Aviation has opened a Global Robotics, Automation and Instrumentation R&D Centre at its engine plant in Bromont, Que.

The $61.4-million centre will develop advanced robotic processes, software applications and intellectual property that will be exported to GE Aviation facilities around the world. GE says it will create up to 60 skilled jobs.

The total investment includes $8 million from Investissement Quebec (IQ) and the Ministère des Finances et de l’Économie du Québec (MFEQ).

GE Aviation Bromont manufactures aircraft engine components, including the CFM56 engines for the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 aircraft, and GEnx engines for the Boeing 787 and Boeing 747-8.

The company says its Bromont facility is one of the most productive global sites operated by GE Aviation.

Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE, hosted Élaine Zakaïb, Minister for Industrial Policy and the Banque de développement économique du Québec to the official opening of the centre.

“Today’s opening is about increasing our speed of innovation and refocusing the way products are designed, manufactured and serviced for our customers in Canada and for global markets,” said Immelt

“It is essential for our government to support such promising projects, which are consolidating Québec’s reputation for excellence and enhancing its profile abroad,” said Minister Zakaïb.

GE Aviation and its joint venture company, CFM International, have more than 1,000 engines in service and on order from Canadian airlines. In addition to manufacturing engine components in Bromont, Quebec, GE Aviation manufactures complex engine hardware in Orillia, Ont., and has an engine testing and research and development centre in Winnipeg.

GE has operations across Canada, including major manufacturing facilities, over 150 sales and service locations, and more than 7,000 employees.