Bombardier’s new world-class manufacturing facility on track for completion in 2023

Officials at Bombardier say construction is on target for the company’s new state-of-the-art Global Manufacturing Centre in Mississauga, set to be completed by 2023.

The 770,000-square-foot facility at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is expected to enhance operations to build the company’s global business jets, including the industry flagship Global 7500 aircraft.

Bombardier plans to manufacture the jets while working to ensure the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Some of the building’s environmentally-responsible features include reducing energy consumption by nearly 60 per cent, by focusing on natural and efficient lighting and using newer heating methods to lower greenhouse gas emissions by more than half.

The company’s $400-million investment will also allow 2,000 Bombardier employees currently employed at the Downsview facility — built in the 1960s — to be transitioned to the new manufacturing hub.

Jerry Dias, Unifor’s national president and a former Bombardier employee, says this facility will give people a sense of job security as the world comes on the other side of the pandemic.

The last two years have had a crippling effect for the aerospace industry, with economic activity down about 20 per cent overall.

“Today really is about establishing a framework for a bright future for the aerospace industry here in the province of Ontario,” Dias explains.

On Tuesday, Bombardier officials reiterated the company’s commitment to continue to grow in the province long-term.

“We are extremely proud of the people who have been producing our best-in-class business jets for decades here in Ontario. And with the rising demand for large-cabin, long-range aircraft, we are looking forward to providing our teams with a new, state-of-the-art work environment,” Bombardier’s CEO Éric Martel says.

The CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority Deborah Flint called the facility “symbolic” since only a few places in the world have that capacity and capability to build aircraft.

“For Pearson airport this is the largest standalone structure that’s been built at the airport in 20 years,” Flint says.

Bombardier also confirmed it will continue to create educational and job opportunities for future generations of aerospace talent in the GTA, particularly through its partnership with Centennial College.

Martel also took the opportunity to voice his appreciation for some of Bombardier’s local partnerships.

“I want to thank the City of Mississauga and the Regional Municipality of Peel, as well as our partners at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for making us feel truly welcome in our future new home here in Mississauga.”