Following the decision by Bombardier to formally launch the company’s new CSeries family of aircraft, the Minister said: “This is the largest ever single investment in Northern Ireland by any company.
"It is a tribute to Bombardier Belfast, with its culture of innovation, strong skills base and high quality production methods, that it has been selected to design and manufacture the wings for the CSeries. Undoubtedly, the expertise in advanced design and innovative composite materials which Bombardier has developed in Belfast has been instrumental to today’s decision.
“Securing this long-term investment is the culmination of several years work by Ministers and Invest Northern Ireland. It is the largest single project secured by Invest NI. The investment will see Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast further strengthen its globally recognised reputation for innovation and quality in aviation design and manufacturing.”
Bombardier Aerospace will invest £519.4m in Belfast to support the design and manufacture of the wings for the 110 – 130 seat CSeries family of aircraft. In addition, the company is currently bidding for a further work package for the nacelles which could increase the total investment to £563.2m.
The Minister continued “The CSeries is a twenty year project, with the potential to sustain over 1,100 jobs at the company’s local operation over the peak production period. Participation in the programme will further enhance the standing of the Northern Ireland aerospace sector as a whole and will offer significant opportunities for the UK and local supply chain over the lifetime of the Project.
The Minister concluded: “I would also like to acknowledge the crucial role of my predecessor and current Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, in helping to secure this major investment for Northern Ireland. Minister Dodds recognises the importance of the aerospace sector to the local economy as a whole and has worked hard to ensure that Belfast was the most attractive proposition for Bombardier.”
Notes to Editors
- Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast is investing a total of £519.4 million in the design and manufacture of wings for the CSeries family of aircraft, which will sustain 824 jobs over the peak production period.
- The company is also seeking to secure the work package for the nacelles for the CSeries which, if successful, would sustain a further 315 jobs over the peak production period. The nacelles work package would result in a further £43.8 million investment in Belfast.
- In agreement with Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, (DBERR), Government has offered total assistance to the investment of a maximum of £155 million. This includes a maximum of £130 million, (Northern Ireland contribution of £78 million) of repayable Launch Investment for the CSeries, and up to £25 million Selective Financial Assistance.
- Assistance to the project is subject to EC approval.
- For media enquiries please contact DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
