News Story Details

July 23, 2010
PEI Targets the World’s Largest Aerospace Players at Farnborough

July 23, 2010, London – Prince Edward Island’s growing defence and aerospace sector pitched industry giants at the Farnborough Airshow with a strategy of “value-for-money”, innovative solutions and personal service.



“We have the technical know-how and we understand that not every project requires 300 employees,” said Andrew Hall, president of the Aerospace Association of Prince Edward Island. “PEI companies can also team up to deliver on larger jobs, so nothing is excluded.”



Aerospace is the fastest-growing sector in PEI, employing 900 people in nine companies with sales of $355 million in 2009, a 24 percent increase over 2007 sales. That’s why Hall said it is important for PEI to have a presence at Farnborough.



Hall anticipates growth in the aircraft and ground systems area and new opportunities to service the defence industry. “We’re working closely with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to identify new opportunities,” Hall added.



PEI’s industry is set to expand as other Canadian companies set up shop. Allen Dillon, executive vice president for Blue Drop Performance Learning, said he is planning to expand into the province soon with a focus on providing online courses for aerospace professionals.



Hall runs Marand Engineering, a 10-person Charlottetown-based company specialising in the engineering design and manufacturing of precision sheet metal and machined components, assemblies and equipment for the aerospace and defence and light rail marketplace.



Marand is one of a number of companies in Atlantic Canada that have been able to successful compete for projects made possible by the Government of Canada’s Industrial Regional Benefits policy. Marand has won one bid involving BAE Systems in Sweden and is working with General Dynamics on several prospective projects.



“The future looks bright,” said Hall, not only for Marand but for PEI’s aerospace industry. “Most of this isn’t immediate work. It is getting to know a circle of friends. If they have a problem, we give them a solution or we pass them onto someone else who can.”



Did you know?:

• Aerospace is the fourth largest industry in Prince Edward Island after agriculture, aquaculture and tourism. Aerospace is one the Island’s fastest growing industries.


• Marand (Charlottetown) designed and built containers to ship cannons for the Canadian Navy frigate midlife refit program to BAE in Sweden for refurbishment, then back to Canada


• Almost 30 percent of PEI’s international exports are in the aerospace sector.
  
   

Source:  http://mediaroom.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/mediaroom/farnborough2010/blog.shtml

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