A $1.5 million expansion of operations at Wiebel Aerospace (1995) Inc. will create 24 new jobs in Slemon Park, Summerside. The expansion was announced today by Joe McGuire, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Fred J. Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Honourable Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism and Lindo Lapegna, President of Wiebel Aerospace.
Wiebel Aerospace manufactures hydraulic assemblies, landing gear components and other high precision machined parts for the aerospace industry.
"The aerospace industry is becoming an important part of the Island economy," said Mr. McGuire. "Expansions such as this one offer new employment opportunities for Island workers trained in aerospace technology which in turn creates the environment for high quality service from companies such as Wiebel."
Wiebel is expanding existing operations by investing in additional machinery, equipment, tools and fixtures. The new equipment will give Wiebel a precision manufacturing capability not available elsewhere in Atlantic Canada.
In addition to acquiring new equipment, Wiebel will be hiring new employees. Tool and die makers, machinists, operators, junior engineers, quality inspectors, administrators, storemen and a customer service representative will be added to the Summerside operation.
"This expansion by Wiebel provides long-term sustainable employment to PEI and provides Wiebel with the ability to compete on a global basis," said Honourable MacAleer. "The aerospace industry is growing and is providing new opportunities for skilled workers in PEI."
The aerospace industry is in a period of expansion with major manufacturers launching new aircraft. This is creating opportunities for Wiebel and other aerospace-related industries. Wiebel recently secured a contract with the Boeing Company to supply machined aluminum wing structure components for the 777 aircraft program over a three year period.
"We're very pleased with the Boeing contract," said Mr. Lapegna. "It says a lot about the quality of work that comes out of our facility in Slemon Park - a level of quality for which we have to thank our dedicated and skilled workforce."
Assistance for the expansion of operations at Wiebel Aerospace (1995) Inc. is being provided through a $774,500 repayable contribution from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and a $400,000 repayable investment from Enterprise PEI to the parent company, Testori Americas Corporation.