AlliedSignal Aerospatiale Canada Inc. is expanding its Summerside operation with an investment of $2.6 million. The expansion will result in the creation of 32 new jobs according to an announcement made today by Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs; Joe McGuire, MP for Egmont on behalf of the Honourable Fred J. Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development; and Jim Close, President, AlliedSignal Aerospatiale Canada Inc.
AlliedSignal operates a repair and overhaul facility in Summerside for gas turbine engine fuel controls and related accessories such as fuel nozzles, electronic engine controls, engine harnesses, hydraulic pumps and overspeed governors. Electrical and electronic harnesses are also manufactured at the Slemon Park facility, which was established in 1991.
Assistance for this expansion was provided through a $865,000 repayable contribution from ACOA, $305,000 in non-repayable support from the Transitional Jobs Fund of Human Resources Development Canada, and a $451,000 non-repayable contribution from Enterprise PEI.
"The aerospace industry offers new employment opportunities for Prince Edward Island," said Premier Binns. "Companies such as AlliedSignal are proving that by offering a quality level of service and excellent workmanship, we can compete in the global economy."
AlliedSignal is expanding its core repair and overhaul business by adding new product lines in support of the Pratt and Whitney PT6 and AlliedSignal TPE 331 turboprop engines.
"Jobs which result from this expansion are good news for this community," said Mr. McGuire. "The aerospace industry is fast-growing and has the potential to become a leading employer of trained Island workers over the next few years."
"Our operation here in Prince Edward Island is a great example of government and industry working together to benefit the community and strengthen the region's economy, while helping private industry to offer innovative products and services," said Jim Close. "This expansion will further enhance the great reputation of the AlliedSignal team at Slemon Park for providing competitive, high-quality, and responsive service to Regional and General Aviation operators across the continent and beyond."
Part of the Government of Canada contribution is the Transitional Jobs Fund (TJF), which promotes economic growth and employment in areas of high unemployment. The TJF is designed to encourage partnership initiatives with other levels of government, the private sector and community groups.
Since the closure of Canadian Forces Base Summerside in 1992, federal and provincial governments have invested in the development of Slemon Park as a business park and supported several independent businesses operating in that location.