Major Aerospace Announcement by the Government of Canada in the Wings of the International Paris Air Show

15 companies and one organization from the Quebec aerospace sector to share more than $11 million in funding for projects that will generate over $78 million in investment

| Source: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 17, 2015) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced, on the margins of the International Paris Air Show, the awarding of funding to 15 businesses and one organization from the Quebec aerospace sector.

This assistance is being granted in the form of 15 repayable and one non-repayable contributions totalling $11,595,742 through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP).

Quick facts

  • The businesses and organization receiving this financial support from the Government of Canada are: Messier-Dowty Inc., LISI Aerospace Canada Corp., Abipa Canada Inc., Alta Precision Inc., A.T.L.A.S. Aeronautik Inc., Optimum-Canada Inc., Verdun Anodizing Inc., Rapid Precision Industries Ltd, Loiretech Canada Inc., Libellule Images Inc., TechFab Inc., Avera Inc., 7893159 Canada Inc. (3DSemantix), SF Tech Inc., M1 Composites Technology Inc. and the Centre technologique en aérospatiale (C.T.A.).
  • The Quebec and Canadian aerospace sector is a source of pride for all Canadians and a symbol of the country's technological success. It has earned an international reputation for its advances and innovativeness and is a major supplier of quality jobs.
  • Canada's 700-some aerospace firms, of which more than 200 are Quebec-based (218), have developed know-how that allows them to measure up to the very best in terms of design and manufacturing. They generate total sales of $25.1 billion, 80% of it on export markets, and provide about 73,000 jobs.

Quote

"Supporting innovation and research and development is one of the pillars of the strategy the Government of Canada has put in place to create a high-performance economy that generates wealth and jobs. It is for this reason that we have decided, without hesitation, to lend our financial support to Quebec and Canadian aerospace companies that are helping to build our country's economic vitality."

Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

Related document

See the accompanying backgrounder for further details on these 16 projects.

Related link

For more information of the QEDP:

http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/programs/qedp/index.html

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Follow CED on Twitter @CanEconDev

BACKGROUNDER

Promoter Contribution / Investment / Project description
Messier-Dowty Inc. Repayable contribution of $2,000,000 on a total investment of $23,860,000 Established in 1984, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of the French group Safran Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, world leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of landing and braking systems for commercial and military aircraft. In Canada, the Safran Group owns manufacturing facilities in Mirabel as well as in Ajax, Ontario. On the cutting-edge of technology, the Canadian subsidiary is heavily engaged in innovation. The Messier-Bugatti-Dowty plant in Mirabel (MBD Mirabel) specializes in the production of large landing gear for aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. MBD Mirabel supplies to several major aircraft programs, including the Airbus A320, A330, A350 and A400M and the Boeing B787 Dreamliner. Today, the Mirabel plant, which has become a centre of excellence and a global reference for the manufacture of very large-dimension landing gear systems, employs nearly 300 people and conducts all of its sales on international markets.
The company's project involves expanding and increasing the productivity at the Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Mirabel plant through the acquisition of specialized equipment to manufacture landing gear for the new Boeing 787-10. Activities will include acquiring and installing the specialized manufacturing equipment and associated tools.
LISI Aerospace Canada Corp. Repayable contribution of $2,000,000 on a total investment of $21,083,421 Established in 2005, LISI Aerospace Corp. (LISI) is the Canadian subsidiary of the French LISI Group, a global leader in the design and manufacture of assembly components and fastening systems for the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors. Based in Dorval, LISI specializes in the manufacture of high-performance aerospace fasteners used to connect various aircraft components. LISI is a prime supplier for Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, Dassault, GEAE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, Safran, Eurocopter and many other world-class aerospace equipment manufacturers. Since its establishment, LISI has invested nearly $40M in its Montréal manufacturing plant (equipment, machinery). Today, the subsidiary employs 295 people and is accredited with ISO9001, AS9100, OHSAS18001 and NADCAP certification. In 2013, LISI recorded nearly $50M in sales (100% of it on international markets). The company's project is aimed at expanding and improving the productivity of its operations through the acquisition of specialized equipment for the manufacture of titanium parts for aircraft builders.
Abipa Canada Inc. Repayable contribution of $2,000,000 on a total investment of $6,394,000 Founded in 1982, Abipa Canada is a leader in the precision machining, mechanical assembly and kitting of specialty metal components for aircraft engines, landing gear and structural parts. Its products are supplied to an international clientele of major contractors and integrators in the aerospace industry, including Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, Siemens, Mitsubishi Canada, Héroux Devtek and Figeac Aero. Located in the Greater Montréal region, Abipa Canada is heavily integrated in its main customers' value chains. The company manufactures over 4,500 different parts using state-of-the-art digitally-controlled equipment such as automated multi-machine cells, multi-axis machining centres, and turn-mill and grinding centres. Abipa Canada has built a solid reputation for its excellent product quality, ability to meet delivery deadlines and flexibility in responding and adapting to customer needs. Exports account for 16% of the company's sales. The project involves improving productivity and expanding the enterprise through the acquisition and installation of technological equipment that will be integrated into automated production lines for the high-precision serial and one-off fabrication of complex machined parts made of hard metals like aluminium, steel, titanium and inconel (nickel-chromium alloy).
Alta Precision Inc. Repayable contribution of $1,100,000 on a total investment of $7,425,000 Founded in 1979, Alta Precision Inc. (Alta) is an innovative SME that continuously invests in R&D. The company specializes in the manufacture of critical metal landing gear components (pistons, cylinders, collars, braces and axles) for commercial and military aircraft. Alta's internal manufacturing capabilities include machining, surfacing, assembly and painting. A member of the "Aéro Montréal" industrial cluster with a MACH3 rating under the MACH Initiative, Alta has successfully forged alliances and partnerships over the years for the fabrication of high-precision, large-dimension parts demanding complex and exacting specifications. Alta's clients include such major players in the aerospace sector as Héroux-Devtek, Messier-Dowty, Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, the United States Air Force and CAE. The company's project is aimed at bolstering productivity and expanding the enterprise through the acquisition of manufacturing equipment for the development and fabrication of key landing gear components.
A.T.L.A.S. Aeronautik Inc. Repayable contribution of $930,000 on a total investment of $5,500,000 Formed in 2010, A.T.L.A.S. Aeronautik Inc. (ATLAS) is the product of the recent short-form merger of ATLAS and its three subsidiaries, firms that have been in operation for over 20 years. ATLAS is an aerospace subcontractor specializing in the high-precision machining of metal components for aircraft engines, landing gear and actuators, as well as in the fabrication and assembly of structural parts (spars, doors, flap controls). The company has a total of 199 employees working in its three manufacturing centres: two machining workshops in Granby and one large-scale machining centre for structural parts in Saint-Hubert. The firm is a certified subcontractor for Pratt & Whitney (its primary client) and also fabricates parts for several other major aerospace contractors (Boeing, Bombardier, etc.), with the large majority of its products ending up on international markets. The aim of the project is to improve the company's performance by increasing its productivity and production capabilities. This involves replacing all of the machinery at one of the Granby plants with nine highly-automated production cells for its nine families of products. The goal is to make the plant a world-class subcontractor eligible for Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) "Gold" certification. The activities to be carried out as part of this project will include making necessary improvements to the building (electricity, configuration, marking) and acquiring the equipment needed to set up the new production cells (machining centres, marking, cleaning and metrology equipment, outfitting of the cells, tooling and small equipment).
Centre technologique en aérospatiale (CTA) Non-repayable contribution of $668,000 on a total investment of $835,000 Created in 1993, the Centre technologique en aérospatiale (CTA) is a college centre for technology transfer (CCTT) affiliated with Édouard-Montpetit CEGEP. Located on the campus of the college's École nationale d'aérotechnique (ÉNA), the CTA is dedicated to helping the aerospace industry become more competitive by carrying out applied research, technical support and mentoring projects with industry. The centre's expertise is in the areas of high-performance machining, composite materials, metrology, avionics and aircraft operation, and it serves clients in three categories: aerospace SMEs with less than 200 employees (55% of its clientele), prime contractors and government agencies. In recent years, the CTA's industrial activities have grown as a result of its nearly 60-member team of highly-skilled technicians, engineers ÉNA teachers, experts and interns. The centre is recognized for its complementarity with other research and technology transfer stakeholders in the aerospace sector. The CTA's project involves acquiring specialized equipment to strengthen its technology transfer capabilities to businesses in order to better help them develop new products and processes and become more competitive. This equipment is for quality control, including dimensional inspection, surface finish analysis, ultrasound inspection of composite parts, fatigue analysis and the improvement of manufacturing processes for composite parts.
Affûtage d'outils de coupe Optimum Inc. (Optimum-Canada) Repayable contribution of $460,000 on a total investment of $1,215,500 Optimum-Canada ("Optimum"), founded in 1996 and employing 34 people at its Mercier plant, specializes in the manufacture and sharpening of industrial cutting tools, notably for such major aerospace contractors as GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Bombardier. The company is also active in the automotive, medical and defence sectors. ISO9001-certified, Optimum has been pursuing its growth by focusing on targeted strategic investments: in 2013, it went into partnership with Dimex, a company offering complementary products to their aerospace industry, and has recently completed a major plant expansion. The aim of this project is to increase productivity and expand the business through the acquisition of a nanocomposite coating centre that will allow Optimum to better satisfy the requirements of major aerospace contractors by reducing delivery times and improving product quality.
Verdun Anodizing Inc. Repayable contribution of $450,000 on a total investment of $7,500,000 Montréal-based Verdun Anodizing Inc. (AV) specializes in the surface finishing of aluminium parts. Located in the heart of the Canadian aerospace industry, the company mainly serves enterprises specializing in this sector (90% of its sales) as well as manufacturers in the transportation and architecture industries. AV does business with key aerospace players like Pratt & Whitney, Bombardier Aerospace, Boeing, Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, Messier-Dowty. The company's project involves raising its productivity and production capabilities through the acquisition of manufacturing equipment. This is part of a short-term strategic plan aimed at expanding VA's service offering and bolstering sales.
Rapid Precision Industries Ltd Repayable contribution of $419,000 on a total investment of $838,000 Rapid Precision Industries Ltd (RPI) is a Montréal SME founded in 1957 that specializes in the high-precision machining and fabrication of custom metal parts. In operation for over 50 years, the company has built up a major corporate clientele in the aerospace, transportation, commercial printing, pulp and paper and food sectors. It has become an important manufacturing centre serving many industries in Canada and the United States. RPI's project is aimed at improving its productivity and raising its production capabilities through the acquisition of manufacturing equipment. This is part of a medium-range strategic plan to expand the firm's service offering and increase its sales volume.
Loiretech Canada Inc. Repayable contribution of $350,000 on a total investment of $1,031,546 Loiretech Canada Inc. is a start-up specializing in the design and manufacture of large carbon moulds and tooling for the forming of composite parts made for the aerospace, transportation (large vehicles, trains) and energy (wind turbine) sectors. The product of a strategic alliance between Loiretech France (50% ownership) and the Composites VCI Group (50% ownership), the new Canadian enterprise will target the North American market. To start, its primary clients will be from the aerospace industry and include Bombardier Aerospace, Hutchinson Aerospace and Bell Helicopter. The aim of the project is to support the start-up of Loiretech Canada, an innovative enterprise resulting from a strategic partnership, which specializes in the design and manufacture of high value-added moulds and tooling for the aerospace, transportation and energy sectors. The activities will include acquiring and installing value-added processing equipment and setting up the plant.
Libellule Images Inc. Repayable contribution of $300,000 on a total investment of $950,000 Founded in 1993, Libellule Images Inc. has been known for over 20 years for the complete range of graphic solutions it offers its aerospace clients: design, installation plans, inventory support, manufacture of 99% of its products, specialty coatings, installation and removal of markings and interior and exterior identifications on all types of aircraft (planes and helicopters), creation of any kind of image (large-scale logos and decals) for aircraft livery and protective coatings against abrasion, corrosion and drag. Seven percent of the company's sales go to export, primarily to the United States, and its main clients are airline companies, aircraft maintenance and conversion businesses and manufacturers. Libellule Images benefits from VIP customer status with the multinational 3M and is AS9100- and WEConnect International-certified. It has been investing in R&D since 1998 and will be issued Supplemental Type Certificates for all of its products in 2015-2016. The company has 24 full-time employees. The aim of the project is to improve productivity and expand the business, which includes obtaining the certifications and patents necessary for the commercialization of its new products. The activities will consist of, among other things, implementing an ERP system, acquiring and installing manufacturing equipment and applying for the patents and certifications required to bring the new products developed by the firm to the North American market.
TechFab Inc. Repayable contribution of $300,000 on a total investment of $806,800 Founded in 1990, TechFab Inc., which employs 57 people at its east-end Montréal plant, specializes in the machining and tooling of industrial parts. Until 2010, when it was acquired by two new shareholders, the company mainly served the commercial sector. Since then, the enterprise has grown considerably by diversifying its client base and markets, notably through the manufacture of tooling and parts for such major aerospace contractors as Bombardier, Héroux-Devtek and GE Aviation. With its ISO AS9100C certification, TechFab is an approved manufacturer of aircraft parts and an authorized defence industry supplier under PWGSC's Controlled Goods Program. Resolutely turned toward global markets, the firm, which has just moved into a new 100,000 square-foot plant, is looking to pursue its growth by consolidating its position in aircraft parts manufacturing, in particular by developing the Mexican market, whose aerospace industry has been experiencing a 20% annual growth rate since 2002. The project involves raising TechFab's productivity and production capabilities through the acquisition of manufacturing equipment, including a multi-axis mill/turn centre and a digitally-controlled grinding machine.
Avera Inc. Repayable contribution of $225,000 on a total investment of $450,000 Established in 2005, Avera is an SME specializing in the design, manufacture and assembly of high-precision machined parts. Its products are sold in large part to aerospace industry players, including major contractors and international subcontractors located mainly in the Greater Montréal region, and the company is heavily integrated in this value chain. Avera's main clients include Bell Helicopter, L3, Bombardier, Mecachrome, STM, Turbomeca Canada and Michelin North America. Exports to the United States account for 28% of its turnover and the firm reinvests an average of 3.9% of its sales per year in R&D. The aim of the project is to improve productivity and expand the business through the acquisition of new computerized, automated and digitally-controlled manufacturing equipment for the 5-axis machining of high-precision parts.
7893159 Canada Inc.
(3DSemantix)		 Repayable contribution of $167,600 on a total investment of $335,200 Founded in 2011, 3DSemantix develops and sells 3DPartFinder, software solutions that help speed up product development and optimize productivity through the reuse of existing corporate assets. Relying on shape search technology and 3D model comparison, 3DPartFinder can help engineers designing parts or equipment quickly find similar components in major databases simply by entering a 3D sketch or existing 3D model of the part in the search field. This allows new parts to be designed and developed from existing models, thereby significantly reducing design time and costs. All employees involved in the development of the product can also use the shape as a search key to help them obtain better information matches than they would normally get from using a keyword search. This software, which is sold to manufacturing companies, notably in the aerospace and automotive industries, is derived from technology developed at the École de technologie supérieure (ETS) and is the fruit of over 10 years of research conducted in collaboration with enterprises like Bombardier. 3Dsemantix has launched commercialization of its innovative product, with over 60% of its sales going for export. The company's project centres on the commercialization of its innovative products on target markets, namely Germany, France, the United States, China and Japan.
SF Tech Inc. Repayable contribution of $160,000 on a total investment of $375,000 Founded in 2005, SF Tech is a machining company located in Terrebonne, in the Regional County Municipality of Les Moulins. The firm specializes in multi-axis hard metal machining, the manufacture of mid-sized complex parts made from hardened steel, exotic alloys and nonferrous metals and the assembly of aerospace subassemblies. Producing landing gear components, aerostructural components and engine parts, among other things, SF Tech supplies prime contractors, equipment manufacturers and subcontractors in the aerospace industry, particularly for military planes, commercial aircraft and business jets. The company employs 40 people and conducts all of its sales in Canada, although it is part of the value chain of such major aerospace contractors as Héroux-Devtek, Mecaer and RTI International Metals. The aim of the project is to improve productivity and expand the business through the acquisition of manufacturing equipment for aerospace parts, including a coordinate measuring machine to calculate the dimension of components, a cylinder barrel finishing machine and computer numeric control equipment for tool presetting.
M1 Composites Technology Inc. Repayable contribution of $66,142 on a total investment of $132,284 Established in 2012, M1 Composites (M1) is a start-up specializing in the manufacture and repair of advanced composite components. Offering a scope of services ranging from design, development, engineering and fabrication to testing, airworthiness and repair, the company supplies major aerospace contractors, particularly in the commercial aviation and defence sectors. Its clients are major international contractors and subcontractors located primarily in the Greater Montréal region. M1's composite products are made from polymer resin, carbon fiber and epoxy, creating parts that are lighter in weight, more resistant, have a longer life span and are more tolerant to damage than comparable products made of steel, aluminium, plastic or concrete, thereby resulting in greater fuel and energy savings. Currently, 100% of M1's sales are domestic and come from major aerospace contractors located in the Greater Montréal area. The company is heavily integrated in this value chain. The aim of M1's project is to raise productivity and expand its business through the acquisition of manufacturing equipment that will help optimize the company's production line by improving the inspection and quality control of composite parts intended for airline carriers.

Summary

Total number of projects: 16

Total contribution from Canada Economic Development: $11,595,742

Total investment generated by these projects: $78,731, 751

Contact Information:

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
514-283-8818
media@dec-ced.gc.ca

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
514-496-1282
vincent.rabault@miga-maig.gc.ca