Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has revealed its intention to inject millions of dollars into expanding its operations in the United States. The Montreal-based company announced on Friday its plan to create 800 new job opportunities in Kansas, Texas, Indiana, and Connecticut, with 500 positions currently open for recruitment.
In the initial phase of this investment initiative, Bombardier is set to allocate approximately $270 million US towards developing infrastructure. The company’s President and CEO highlighted the significance of the American market as a crucial component of their growth strategy.
Eric Martel, the company’s leader, expressed optimism about the future, citing positive discussions with the U.S. administration. He emphasized the commitment to supporting the highly skilled aerospace workforce and fostering a conducive environment for further direct investments to bolster the company’s presence in the U.S.
This announcement follows a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump, where he acknowledged Bombardier’s investment plan in three of the mentioned states, projecting the creation of numerous job opportunities. Trump credited Sen. Roger Marshal of Kansas and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for their roles in facilitating the deal.
Trump previously issued a warning to Bombardier during the U.S.-Canada trade tension, stipulating that the company needed to manufacture in the U.S. to continue selling in the country. However, with Bombardier already operating a facility in Kansas and employing around 3,500 individuals in the U.S., Trump later rescinded this threat during a rally in Wichita, Kansas.
Furthermore, Bombardier recently unveiled its North American Learning Center in Wichita to provide training for newly hired aircraft technicians. This facility represents a portion of the $270 million US investment, as confirmed by a Bombardier spokesperson to CBC News via email.