Aerospace firm Safran expands landing gear facility in Quebec
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
$58-million invested into addition to plant in Mirabel, Que., north of Montreal
MIRABEL, Que.—Aircraft landing and braking systems firm Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, otherwise known as Safran, has cut the ribbon on a new landing gear production facility at its plant north of Montreal.
Supplying landing gear for the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, A320, A330 and A380, the firm has seen a boost in demand in recent years that necessitated the expansion to its operations in Mirabel, Que., according to plant general manger Stéphane Salvignol.
The company received financial support from the Quebec and Canadian governments for the expansion and modernization program.
According to Safran, the provincial government awarded a non-refundable grant of $7.4-million for the project, while the federal government granted an interest-free loan of $3-million.
A total of about $58-million was invested into the addition to the plant.
“Our aerospace industry comprises world-class companies such as Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, who can count on our skilled labor, a network of recognized universities and research centres and the support of key organizations to coordinate the work of all stakeholders in this sector,” said Quebec Premier Pauline Marois, who was in attendance for the inauguration ceremony.
The plant, which currently employs 265 people, opened in 1991.
