Bombardier Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Morocco for the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the North African country.
Bombardier Aerospace intends to invest approximately $200 million in equipment, buildings and start-up costs over the next eight years.
The exact site location will be announced at a later date, the company said. It added that Morocco was chosen for its 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 new facility will initially include sub-assembly capabilities for simple structures. Scheduled to be implemented in phases starting in 2012, manufacturing is expected to commence 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 Moroccan facility is expected to reach 850 skilled and trained workers.
Commenting on the news, Guy C. Hachey, president and chief operating officer of Bombardier Aerospace, said: “Globalization of our industry has opened up new markets and new opportunities. We have progressively extended our business presence around the world and we are continuing today to better serve our international customers.”
He continued: “Bombardier Aerospace is committed to a long-term relationship with the Moroccan government to develop a world-class aerospace industry in the country. 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.”
Headquartered in Canada, Bombardier Inc is a manufacturer of transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31 2011 were $17.7 billion.
