Manitoba receives $10M in funding for aerospace growth

October 10, 2018 – The Canadian and Manitoba governments have announced $10 million in funding for four projects to promote innovation, training and growth in Manitoba’s aerospace industry. 

Manitoba has the third largest aerospace cluster in Canada with more than 50 aerospace firms either headquartered in the province or acting as major centres of operation, where they provide over 4,600 jobs.

The Composites Innovation Centre will receive $1.8 million to establish a collaborative space at Red River College’s Smart Factory for development of advanced aerospace composite products and processes. It will also receive an additional $1.6 million to administer and deliver the Manitoba Aerospace Fund, aimed at supporting product commercialization, process innovation and business development activities of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Manitoba aerospace sector.

Magellan Aerospace Limited will receive $5 million to introduce enhanced aerospace design, production and technologies to the Manitoba aerospace industry.

West Canitest R&D Inc. will receive $1.6 million to expand the range of engine testing capabilities of GE Aviation Test, Research and Development Centre.

“Our government’s investment in the Canadian aerospace industry builds on our ambitious plan to turn Canada’s economic strengths into global successes,” says Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development and the minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. “These projects support a key economic cluster in Manitoba and across Western Canada that will continue to create the good middle-class jobs of tomorrow.”

Scott Johnston, MLA for St. James, on behalf of Manitoba’s Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen, says, “Manitoba’s aerospace sector is globally competitive and a significant part of our provincial economy. We continue to support the sector’s development of a cutting-edge workforce and are pleased to have identified these projects as priorities in building the next generation of advanced manufacturing expertise here in Manitoba.” 

The investment will create approximately 70 jobs and grow the regional economy through expanded global sales.