Oct 11 2010
Magellan Aerospace was honoured to host a visit from The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, at its Bristol Aerospace division in Winnipeg yesterday.
The Prime Minister joined Magellan in welcoming a group of international and Canadian dignitaries to celebrate the initiation of the new Advanced Composite Manufacturing Facility being constructed in Winnipeg in support of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.
At the event, Magellan Aerospace Chairman of the Board, Mr. Murray Edwards, gave special thanks and recognition for the support of the Federal Government, the other major funding partners, customers, and stakeholders in this major new undertaking.
The launch customer for the new Center is BAE Systems in the United Kingdom, who awarded Magellan a contract to produce the JSF F-35 Lightning II horizontal tail components. The $22 million dollar, 13,000 square meter facility will be equipped with advanced technology for the manufacture of complex fabrications and assemblies.
Mr. Edwards said, "We are delighted to have this opportunity today to recognize the federal government's contribution to this program, whose actions have helped ensure Canadian companies are confident and competitive leaders in the global aerospace market. The government's investment and commitment to the program since it began in 1997 is truly commendable." Since that initial participation in the Concept Demonstration Phase until today, Canada has garnered unprecedented opportunities in this strategic long-term program to build the F-35 Lightning II aircraft for Canada and eight other partner nations.
Magellan's President and CEO, Mr. Jim Butyniec said, "Together, the government, Magellan and our fellow Canadian companies have systemically invested in technology and knowledge growth over the past decade. Step by step we have grown together on the threshold of full scale production, ready to meet the state-of-the art manufacturing processes required for this program. This new facility being constructed in Winnipeg is a celebration of over a decade of nurturing this strategic opportunity", he concluded.
Magellan celebrated the unparalleled international government and industrial partnership of the Joint Strike Fighter program, and the success of the many relationships that have been forged to make this expansion a reality.