Press release
CSeries Launch Proves
that Montreal Can Compete
Montréal, July 13, 2008 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes Bombardier's announcement that it will be going ahead with the new line of CSeries regional jets and that it has selected Mirabel, north of Montréal, for the aircraft's final assembly. The rear fuselage and cockpit will be designed and manufactured in the St. Laurent plant.
For the Board of Trade, this announcement is proof positive that Montréal has what it takes to hold its own in the fiercely competitive aeronautical industry. First, with its CSeries, Bombardier is offering its clients a highly innovative and environmentally friendly aircraft that will give this Montréal company an edge over the other major players on the international scene, said Board of Trade chief executive Isabelle Hudon.
Second, by choosing Mirabel as the site for the aircraft's final assembly and the St. Laurent facility for its design and manufacture, Bombardier is confirming the City's competitiveness in the aerospace industry. Thanks to, among other things, worker mobility, the governments and Bombardier's management, Mirabel and the metropolitan region were able to provide the aircraft maker with a business environment and a pool of workers and trainers that will help make the CSeries a success. In this regard, I think it shows that competition is a great way to bring out the best in us and that when we play the game, we have what it takes to come out ahead, added Isabelle Hudon.
Today's announcement is especially important when you consider the close ties between the prime contractors and the some 250 subcontractors and service suppliers in Quebec's aerospace industry, 150 of which are located in the metropolitan region. The launch of the CSeries by a major order giver will help drive the business of many SMES across the entire area, concluded Ms. Hudon.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Julie Gosselin
Advisor, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4047
jgosselin@ccmm.qc.ca