A major expansion for Atlantic Turbines International (ATI) was announced today by its parent company, Vector Aerospace, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island. The expansion will accommodate ATI's new licence from Pratt & Whitney Canada for the JT15D engine. The expansion, over the next five years, will enable ATI to compete for additional licences in the repair and overhaul of turbofan engines and create up to 60 new jobs at its Slemon Park facility.
Unlike ATI's two existing licences, the PW100 series and PT6A turboprop engines, the JT15D is a thrust engine used primarily in the business jet market. A key element of the expansion is the construction of a $6.1 million test cell required for the thrust engine. The new 7,200 square foot test cell will not only accommodate the JT15D engine, but all thrust engines up to 30,000 lb, giving ATI the capability to service both smaller and larger-sized commercial regional jet engines with up to 100 seats.
"This expansion is a cornerstone for our push into the business and regional jet markets, the fastest growing segment of the commercial aerospace industry," said Mark Dobbin, Chairman and CEO of ATI parent company Vector Aerospace Corporation. "The fact that ATI and Vector continue to grow and prosper during the difficult economic times facing this industry is testament to the successful results made possible by fostering relationships developed through partnering with both the Federal and Provincial governments."
Since its inception in 1992, ATI has established itself in the global aerospace industry. Year after year, it continues to build its reputation for quality work, excellent customer service and the fastest repair and overhaul turnaround times in the industry. In 2000, ATI serviced its 2,000th engine.
"Atlantic Turbines continues to provide year-round employment for 220 people, and this expansion will create new jobs and give employees even greater confidence in the company's long-term commitment to Prince Edward Island," said Joe McGuire, Member of Parliament for Egmont on behalf of the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
Atlantic Turbines has shown steady growth over the years with annual sales of more than $80 million - all of which are export-based. Its markets include the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.
"ATI has played a key role in developing PEI's aerospace industry, and the provincial government is proud to be a strategic partner in the investment and growth of this company," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The test cell required for this expansion is the only one of its kind east of Montreal. By purchasing this test cell, the provincial government is not only opening up new opportunities for ATI, but is also illustrating our commitment to increasing employment opportunities for Islanders, as well as diversifying and growing our economy."
For the expansion project, ACOA is providing a $500,000 repayable loan through its Business Development Program. The Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, a co-managed agreement by Human Resources Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology is contributing $1 million. Also, the Department of Development and Technology, through Prince Edward Island Business Development, is purchasing the new test cell which it will lease to ATI. Based on the creation of 60 new jobs, the Province will forgive $1.2 million of the test cell costs.