How is Bombardier Growing its North American Manufacturing?

Aviation and aerospace component manufacturer Bombardier is investing US$72m in a new 126,000 sq ft manufacturing centre in Dorval, Canada.

The centre has been part-funded by a US$25m repayable loan from Investissement Québec’s ESSOR programme – a deal announced by Canada’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Christine Fréchette.

The new centre will complement Bombardier’s existing facilities, with the goal of further increasing production capacity and productivity. Opening is scheduled before the end of 2027.

According to Bombardier, its state-of-the-art centre in Dorval marks a “significant milestone” in its growth strategy.

Located near the Challenger manufacturing centre and the Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre, it will expand Bombardier’s industrial footprint and strengthen its production capabilities.

Bombardier says: “The project is part of the company’s long-term strategy to boost productivity as it responds to growing demand for its business aircraft.

“This new facility, set to open before the end of 2027, is expected to create skilled job opportunities.”

David Murray, EVP, Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Excellence System, says: “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to support Bombardier’s growth and build the infrastructure we need to maximise our productivity.

“As we expand our manufacturing capacity, we’re positioning ourselves to keep up with global demand and solidify our position at the top of the business aviation industry.”

He adds: ““We also want to acknowledge the effectiveness of Investissement Québec’s programs for supporting business growth.

“The ESSOR programme, which will finance part of our expansion through a repayable loan, supports Bombardier’s global growth objectives while creating quality jobs in the province of Quebec.”

Canadian Government support

To support the strategic initiative, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region, Christine Fréchette, was in attendance to announce the loan, managed by the government.

The programme was created to help promote Quebec’s competitive manufacturing sector and economic vitality.

Christine says: “By supporting the expansion of Bombardier, a world‑class prime contractor, our government is generating significant economic benefits for the entire Quebec supply chain and for the aerospace cluster.

“This investment will also lead to the creation of hundreds of highly skilled, well‑paid jobs, while strengthening Quebec’s expertise.”

She adds: “Thanks to its know‑how and its capacity for innovation, Bombardier is helping to consolidate Quebec’s global position in this strategic sector and I am very proud to support this homegrown company.”

Contributing to Canada

The announcement is the latest in a series of major economic contributions by Bombardier to Quebec and Canada.

A PwC study commissioned by Bombardier found that it contributed a total of US$5.3bn to Canada’s GDP in 2024 and sustained nearly 50,000 jobs across the country.

In Quebec, Bombardier creates 10,000 direct jobs and is a direct source for over 31% of aerospace employment.

About Bombardier

Bombardier's website says: “We design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people, businesses, governments and military forces.

“That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.”

It says the company is “committed to pioneering the future of aviation – innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable”.

Bombardier says it is passionate about delivering unrivalled craftsmanship and care. 

Its customers operate a fleet of more than 5,200 aircraft, supported by a network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries.

Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the US and Mexico.