Atlantic Turbines International Inc. has completed a $4.9 million expansion which is expected to result in the addition of at least 25 employees. The 20,000 square foot addition was officially opened today by the Honourable John Manley, Minister of Industry and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, and John MacDougall, President of Atlantic Turbines International Inc.
"Atlantic Turbines' expansion provides new employment opportunities for Prince Edward Islanders in the aerospace industry," said Minister Manley. "Over the past few years the aerospace industry has become a significant sector on the Island and across Canada, and it is very encouraging to see its continued growth with expansions such as this one."
Atlantic Turbines International Inc. is a repair and overhaul facility for Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW100 series of gas turbine aircraft engines. The company is licensed to offer repair and overhaul services on a worldwide basis to commercial airline operators whose fleets include aircraft powered by the PW100 series engines.
"Atlantic Turbines has built a strong reputation for quality service and top response times, which is so critical in the aerospace industry," said Minister MacKinnon. "This expansion demonstrates that Prince Edward Island enterprises are more than able to successfully compete in world markets on the basis of turnaround time, quality, workmanship and price."
The company expanded its operations in response to an increase in market demand. Further to leasing an additional 20,000 square feet of space, the company performed leasehold improvements, purchased additional tooling, and a Pratt & Whitney series 127 turbine engine, and expanded the capacity of their engine test cell.
"Atlantic Turbines is the world leader in the repair and overhaul of the PW100 engine because of the dedication and hard work of our employees," said Mr. MacDougall. "This expansion is a compliment to our employees."
Assistance for the expansion of operations at Atlantic Turbines was provided through a $1,000,000 repayable contribution from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and a provincial investment of $794,000. Human Resources Development Canada provided $195,000 through its Transitional Jobs Fund, which is designed to encourage partnership initiatives with other levels of government, the private sector and community groups. Atlantic Turbines invested $2,967,000 toward the total cost of the $4,956,000 expansion.
Transitional Jobs Fund projects are subject to consultations with the government of the province or territory in which the activity takes place, regardless of its financial participation.