From the Ground Up

Technological Expertise

Manitoba's aerospace manufacturers have a worldwide reputation for quality. The local sector is noted for its safety and performance records as well as the quality of its pilot training programs. Manitoba aerospace companies can attribute success to:

Continuous investment in research, development and proprietary products
A commercial and export-oriented market force
Close proximity to the United States
A highly-skilled workforce
Supportive government programs
Education and training

Manitoba's high tech work is backed by government and community commitment to aerospace. The province's Industrial Research Chair, Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Co-ordinating Committee, and the Small Business Supplier Development Project all exemplify this commitment.

Industrial Research Chair

Funded under a four-party agreement, an Industrial Research Chair has been established to conduct aerospace research and training at the University of Manitoba. Focused on metallic and intermetallic bonding and composite polymers, the program aims to meet the needs of Manitoba's aerospace manufacturers.

Human Resources Co-ordination

A government and industry supported committee, the Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Co-ordinating Committee (MAHRCC) helps develop a world-class workforce in Manitoba. Partnering with secondary and post-secondary institutions, MAHRCC assists industry and educational institutions to develop and deliver training for existing and prospective employees in Manitoba.

Local Supplier Development

The Supplier Development Project was developed to expand the capabilities of existing companies and draw new business to the province. World-class aerospace companies (Boeing Canada Technology and Bristol Aerospace) serve as mentors for this project and are key to the success of the initiative. They provide guidance to allow the smaller Manitoba businesses to move up the aerospace value-added chain by winning increasingly sophisticated work packages from aerospace Tier 1 and 2 companies.

These programs strengthen Manitoba's aerospace sector and provide new opportunities for businesses located here.

Manitoba's aerospace sector has a depth of expertise, with products and services including:

Metallurgical and Composite Processes
E-Beam composite curing
Specialty coatings

Manufacturing
Aerospace components
Precision CNC machining
Metal fabrication
Launch vehicles
Space satellites
Composites
Exotic metal components

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
Engines
Propeller and rotors
Airframe
Aircraft
Components
Accessories

Aerospace Services
Simulation/training
Testing
Consulting

Composite Manufacturing
Manitoba is a centre for composite manufacturing in western Canada. Manitoba companies' capabilities include: the design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of structural composite components for commercial aircraft. Winnipeg is home to Boeing Canada Technology, the largest composite aircraft component manufacturer in North America. Since 1998 Bristol Aerospace has been manufacturing composite components under contract to Boeing. Acsion Industries in Pinawa, Manitoba has perfected the application of electron beam technology for curing composites and is applying this revolutionary new technology to the most advanced aircraft development projects in the world. Aveos's Winnipeg overhaul facility is engaged in composite repair of aircraft components on a daily basis.