Manitoba offers $17M for aerospace projects, training and a testing centre

The Manitoba government is spending $17 million in a bid to create more aerospace jobs and training opportunities.

The money includes an $8-million grant and a $9-million loan, to be repaid over 12 years, to Magellan Aerospace.

Premier Wab Kinew says some of the money will be used to set up a state-of-the-art machining centre and a new testing environment, and 64 new jobs are expected overall.

“Given everything that’s going on federally, given all the importance that were putting on the trade relationship with the USA right now, I think that this investment it just checks so many boxes,” said Kinew.

Trade with the United States has been top of mind for the province recently. While the premier couldn’t confirm if Magellan’s products could be directly impacted by possible tariffs, he outlined the importance of growing Manitoba’s economy to strengthen trade relationships down south.

“We are a trusted ally, and a trusted trading partner to the United States of America.  And we can hold that up ahead of any other jurisdiction in the world.  And I think those are the things that we need to be pointing to as Manitobans, that say, hey, we’re growing our economy here locally, and its in the best interest of the American audience to keep doing business with us as well too,” said Kinew.

Money will also go to train students at Red River College Polytech.

“Our job is to prepare students for the ever changing world of work, and one of the best ways to do this, is ensuring that students have access to emerging technologies, state of the art technologies, and then gain the knowledge and the experience to operate them while they learn,” said Fred Meier, ceo of RRC Polytechnic.

Magellan has two manufacturing facilities in the Winnipeg area, and general manager Ron Drepaul says the government investment will allow the company to hire additional staff and deliver cutting-edge products.

Drepaul says the money will also help the business become more efficient, making it more competitive on the international stage.

–With files from The Canadian Press