Bombardier to Establish Moroccan Facility

"The selection of Nouaceur as the site for our fully integrated manufacturing facility is an important first step in the successful establishment of Bombardier Aerospace in Morocco," says Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "The site met our stringent requirements and high standards and we look forward to the start of the construction and production of the first Moroccan-built Bombardier aircraft components.

"We are committed to our long-term relationship with the Moroccan Government to develop a world-class aerospace industry and to serve as a catalyst for this industry in the country," added Mr. Hachey.

"We are proud of the confidence shown by Bombardier, the launch customer of the Midparc Casablanca Free Zone, a new integrated industrial platform linked to the industrial development plan and dedicated to aerospace, defense and on-board electronic safety industries," said Benbrahim El Andaloussi, Midparc President, the Moroccan company responsible for the development of this free zone and affiliated with Midparc Investment.

Bombardier Aerospace intends to invest approximately $200 million US in equipment, buildings and start-up costs over the next eight years. Construction of the facility will take place in phases starting in 2012. Capabilities at the new plant, which will complement Bombardier Aerospace's existing manufacturing sites, will initially include sub-assembly for simple structures. Details on the type of components to be manufactured are being finalized.

By the end of 2020, employment at the Morocco facility is expected to reach approximately 850 trained employees.

The Midparc Casablanca Free Zone was selected because of its proximity to Casablanca, in western Morocco, a city which offers quality industrial and educational infrastructures, including the Institut des Metiers de l'Aeronautique (IMA).The Mohammed V International Airport in also located in Nouaceur.

Bombardier Aerospace selected Morocco for a number of reasons, including the internationally competitive manufacturing costs, low shipping and transportation costs and proximity to Europe.