The Manitoba government is investing $17 million in the province’s aerospace sector through Magellan Aerospace to create highly skilled jobs, increase investment in the province and maximize trade relationships.
“By working together with Magellan, we are showcasing Manitoba as a leader in the aerospace sector and creating good high-paying jobs for Manitobans,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We’re growing the economy and securing the future of Manitoba as an aerospace hub.”
The $17-million investment includes an $8-million grant and a $9-million loan to be repaid over 12 years. The funds will be used to complete transformational projects including establishing an advanced state-of-the-art machining centre, support ongoing collaboration with Red River College (RRC) Polytech and establishing a new test environment that will support new space product development, noted the premier.
“Strong relationships and partnerships are two of the pillars of our business,” said Ron Drepaul, general manager, Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg. “We deeply value the collaboration and support we’ve received from the province as well as our longstanding partnership with Red River College Polytech. This investment not only secures the jobs of our highly skilled technicians but also positions us for growth and improves productivity, enabling us to hire additional staff, deliver cutting-edge products and services, and foster the development of our future workforce.”
“The adoption of advanced technology through this project will help Magellan to create jobs and continue to be highly competitive in the aerospace industry,” said Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses. “Their success is Manitoba’s success, as we strengthen our leadership in this important sector.”
This agreement will create 64 new highly skilled jobs for Manitobans. The investment will also benefit 150 students per year through integrated learning opportunities, noted the minister.
“RRC Polytech is here to help industry partners, like Magellan Aerospace, grow Manitoba’s aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors,” said Fred Meier, president and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Today’s announcement reinforces Magellan’s commitment to working with us toward these goals and supporting our learners’ success. Together, we’ll immerse our students in experiences – in the classroom, in applied research, in the workplace – that ensure they’re career ready. Through this investment we’ll introduce them to emerging technologies and provide Magellan and others with highly skilled graduates.”
“This investment will create more highly skilled jobs and provide growth and productivity opportunities into the future,” said Michelle Neyron, plant chair, Unifor Local 3005. “This is great news for our members.”
Magellan Aerospace Corporation is a global enterprise providing integrated products to the aerospace industry worldwide. Magellan’s two aerospace manufacturing facilities in Winnipeg and Stonewall have 95 years of expertise in the manufacture and assembly of complex aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies for aircraft and engine original equipment manufacturers (OEM) worldwide. Magellan applies its engineering expertise to the design and development of proprietary products including satellite buses, propulsion products and the wire strike protection system.
