Messier-Bugatti-Dowty inaugurates new production unit in Mirabel, Canada

MIRABEL, QC, April 22, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ – Alain Sauret, Chairman and CEO of Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (Safran), today inaugurated the company’s new landing gear production facility at its plant in Mirabel, near Montreal. The 300-attendee ceremony was officiated by Pauline Marois, Premier of Quebec. Today’s inauguration represents the culmination of more than a year of construction, and total investments of C$58 million.

“I would like to join all the employees at Mirabel to say how proud we are to inaugurate this new unit featuring state-of-the-art technologies and environmental specifications,” said Alain Sauret. “Our new facility will enable us to strengthen our quality objectives and drastically reduce production lead times.”

The Premier of Quebec, Pauline Marois, emphasized Messier-Bugatti-Dowty’s major contribution, not only to the region and the city of Mirabel, but also to the entire industrial community of Quebec. She said, “Our aerospace industry comprises world-class companies such as Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, who can count on our skilled labor, a network of recognized universities and research centers, and the support of key organizations to coordinate the work of all stakeholders in this sector. I would like to thank Safran for choosing Quebec to develop its business.”

The company has received significant support from the Quebec government for its expansion and modernization program, through the Quebec Ministry of Finance and the Economy and from Investissement Québec, which allocated a non-refundable grant of C$7.4 million. The Canadian government, via Canada Economic Development, granted an interest-free C$3 million loan. According to Alain Sauret, “The presence of key players in the greater Montreal area, and the support of the Quebec and federal governments were both critical factors in our decision to expand the Mirabel plant.”

The progressive increase in production rates has brought impetus to significant investments within the plant. Two new machining lines are now being installed, along with major industrial machinery and equipment, including numerical control (NC) machine tools and systems for special processes. According to Stéphane Salvignol, General Manager of the Mirabel plant, “We supply structural landing gear parts for the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, as well as for the Airbus A320, A330 and A380. This expansion has become necessary to meet the growing needs of our customers. All the employees at Mirabel are very honored by the trust placed in our capabilities, and we are looking forward to meeting our current challenges of reducing lead times and improving productivity.”