São Paulo – Bombardier Aerospace, a Canadian aircraft manufacturing company, will open a plant in Morocco, at a cost of US$ 200 million. This Wednesday (16th), a memorandum of understanding was signed by the company and the Arab country’s government, according to a statement issued by Bombardier.
The unit will start being implemented in 2012 and the total investment, which will include the purchase of equipment and buildings, among other initial costs, will be made over a eight-year period. The plant is expected to begin operating in 2013.
Bombardier claims that it has chosen Morocco due to competitive production costs, low shipping and transport costs, proximity to Europe and the local government’s commitment to developing its aerospace industry.
“Globalization of our industry has opened up new markets and opportunities,” said Guy C. Hachey, president and CEO of Bombardier Aerospace, on announcing the investment. “Bombardier Aerospace is committed to a long-term relationship with the Moroccan government to develop a world-class aerospace industry in the country,” said Hachey.
The company’s plans include hiring 850 people in Morocco by 2020, including skilled and trained workers. The company claims there will be no impact – or reduction – on the labour force at its other units.
Bombardier manufactures commercial aircraft, private jets, railway systems and other equipment. In the fiscal year ended January this year, the company posted revenues of US$ 17.7 billion.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
