The investment will cover a range of technologically advanced aircraft development projects and incorporates over £50million for the manufacture of major components for the new CRJ1000 regional aircraft, including the fuselage, nacelle and flight control surfaces. Invest Northern Ireland has offered almost £10million towards the overall £70 million investment.
President and Chief Operating Officer of Bombardier Aerospace Pierre Beaudoin confirmed the investment as he addressed the opening reception of the US-NI investment conference taking place this week.
Speaking at the Wednesday evening reception Minister Dodds, welcomed the announcement: “I commend Bombardier Aerospace on making this significant commitment to its Northern Ireland operation. This investment, supported by Invest NI, will underpin over 1,000 jobs into the future and will help to sustain, and grow, the productivity and global competitiveness of the local aerospace sector as a whole, one of Northern Ireland’s biggest private sector employers.
“As the oldest aerospace region in the world, Northern Ireland has a strong aviation heritage and, consequently, a highly skilled and motivated workforce in the sector. These attributes, coupled with a commitment to innovation and efficient work practices, play a significant role in helping to secure this kind of re-investment from a major international company like Bombardier and are indicative of the standard of local manufacturing operations.”
The Minister added: “The CRJ1000 will cater for the growing demand for regional aircraft in North America, Europe and Asia and will help to strengthen Bombardier’s position in these markets. I wish the company every success with this venture and look forward to seeing the positive effect it will have on Northern Ireland’s economy as a whole.”
Notes to Editors:
Invest NI has offered £9,700,000 towards investments totalling £70million by Bombardier Aerospace.
