Prince Edward Island’s aerospace sector is expanding with the launch of Vector Aerospace Engine Services - Atlantic (Vector Atlantic), formerly known as Atlantic Turbines Inc.
The Government of Prince Edward Island is committing up to $500,000 to assist with employee recruitment and training.
The newly branded Vector Aerospace is in the process of hiring up to 50 additional employees at its main facility at Slemon Park, Summerside, PEI. This growth is a result of the company obtaining new contracts for maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Premier Robert Ghiz welcomes news of the expansion and says aerospace is one of the key sectors in the Government’s economic development strategy, Island Prosperity: A Focus For Change.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to supporting innovative growth sectors as a means of moving our economy forward and creating jobs for all Islanders,” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “Aerospace continues to be a success story in our province as it employs more than 850 people. Today’s announcement moves us closer to our goal of employing 1,200 people in the sector by 2012.”
Minister Richard Brown said the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning will continue to work closely with industry leaders and post secondary schools to ensure companies have access to a highly-skilled workforce.
“Vector Aerospace, through Atlantic Turbines International, has earned a solid reputation as one of the most successful aerospace companies in our province,” said Minister Brown. “Our Government is proud to partner with industry leaders to create jobs for Islanders and ensure continued economic growth. The Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning is also committed to developing programs and training initiatives to ensure companies have access to a highly-skilled labour force.”
Vector Aerospace Corporation is an independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overall services to commercial and military customers for various types of gas turbine engines, components and helicopter structures from facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Africa.
“We are very pleased to re-introduce ourselves as Vector Atlantic to PEI and the aerospace community,” said Mr. Brian Thompson, president of Vector Atlantic. “This new brand is a further sign of our international growth. We recently were appointed by Pratt & Whitney Canada as the Designated Overhaul Facility for their 307 and 308 turbofan engines which power high-end corporate jets. This significant achievement, coupled with our success in growing our existing business, means our outstanding team of professionals is getting bigger. Strong partnerships with government is a tremendous asset in making our growth achievable.”
Aerospace is quickly becoming one of Prince Edward Island’s fastest-growing industries, providing a diverse range of equipment repair, electronics, interiors and engineering services to clients around the world. The industry employs approximately 850 skilled workers and accounts for 25 percent of international exports for the province. PEI aerospace companies have annual sales of approximately $287 million.