WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, Oct 25, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The Honourabl e Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, today visited Bristol Aerospace, an operating division of Magellan Aerospace Limited, in Winnipeg, to celebrate the opening of the company's Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre. This new facility will house the production line for composite and metallic parts and assemble the horizontal tail structures for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
"The opening of this facility is a great example of the real, tangible benefits that are being realized as a result of the government's commitment to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program," said Minister Fantino. "Canadian firms, including B ristol Aerospace, currently hold approximately $370 million in signed contracts related to the F-35 aircraft, and these are long- term, high-quality opportunities."
The Minister offered congratulations to Bristol Aerospace and its employees at the 13,000-square-metre facility for which Prime Minister Stephen Harper broke ground just one year ago. The Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre is part of an over-$120-million project to invest in technology and capabilities at this location that includes a $43.4-million investment by the Government of Canada through the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative. The work related to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program at this facility could increase employment at the company by up to 100 people over time.
Magellan Aerospace Limited is one of Canada's key contributors to the F-35 global supply chain. Bristol Aerospace's main contribution to the F-35 program is the production of horizontal tails for the F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing model of F-35 that Canada plans to acquire for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Bristol Aerospace is one of approximately 65 Canadian companies benefitting from Canada's commitment to the F-35 program.
Magellan Aerospace Limited is one of the world's most integrated aerospace industry suppliers. Magellan designs, engineers, and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure components and assemblies for aerospace markets, advanced products for military and space markets and complementary specialty products.
For more information on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, please visit the National Defence website ( www.forces.gc.ca/site/pri/2/pro-pro/ngfc-eng.asp ).
