Atlantic Turbines International (ATI) officially launched its new JT15D business jet engine repair and overhaul program today at its world class facility at Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Key to implementing this new program was the construction of a new 30,000 pound thrust test cell which was officially opened today by the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. The new $6.2 million test cell, constructed by the Prince Edward Island government, will be operated by ATI under a lease arrangement.
Over the next five years, this expansion will create up to 60 new jobs within the company.
"Historically, investments made with ATI have provided great return in terms of sales and employment. This is why the provincial government is a proud and confident partner in this project," said Minister Currie. "This test cell is the only one of its kind east of Montreal and will, no doubt, open the door to even more opportunities for ATI and Prince Edward Island's aerospace industry."
This new cell will enable ATI to provide on-site testing for its newest engine line, the JT15D, a Pratt & Whitney Canada manufactured engine used on corporate jets such as the Cessna Citation, the Raytheon Beechjet and is capable of servicing a number of potentially new lines.
"We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the governments of Prince Edward Island and Canada to bring this new and strategic capability to our facility in Slemon Park. ATI has and will offer to its worldwide customer base, the technology and expertise that we have been known for and that assures us a leading position amongst our peers in the industry," said Max Parsons, vice-president and chief financial officer, Vector Aerospace Corporation. "As always, the outstanding performance of our employees has allowed us to maintain a superior standard of excellence in the industry and create demand for our services in a new product line. With the capability of this test cell, we are providing for continued competition for expansion into newer and larger jet engines over the coming years and, once again, we are proving the positive results that can be achieved through private and public partnering."
Joe McGuire, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister for Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) commented, "Over the past ten years, Atlantic Turbines has been innovative and growth oriented in the highly competitive aerospace industry. This latest expansion will help ATI to remain an industry leader in the future."
Atlantic Turbines has shown steady growth over the years with annual sales of more than $90 million - most of which are export-based. Its markets include the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Similarly, Prince Edward Island's aerospace industry continues to grow at a rate of 20 per cent each year, topping $150 million in 2001.
For the expansion project, the Department of Development and Technology, through Prince Edward Island Business Development, will forgive $1.2 million of the test cell costs, based on job creation. The Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, a co-managed agreement by HRDC and the provincial Department of Development and Technology is contributing $1 million to the project and ACOA is providing a $500,000 repayable loan through its Business Development Program.
For more information, contact John MacDougall, Atlantic Turbines International, (902) 436-1333.