$15M for Quebec’s aerospace supply chain

MONTREAL: A group of Québec aerospace companies have launched an initiative that will bring together and strengthen all the links in the industry’s supply chain to improve global performance.

The MACH initiative, a $15 million dollar public-private collaboration over five years initially involving 70 suppliers, will help Québec aerospace firms better position themselves for participation in future aircraft programs, and ensure the supply chain remains competitive.

“Québec’s aerospace industry has been mobilizing to stay competitive and maintain its global position, and has decided to quickly address the supply chain challenges,” said Gilles Labbé, chairman of Aéro Montreal, the province’s aerospace cluster, and CEO of components manufacturer Héroux-Devtek.

MACH will offer companies financial support, make in-kind contributions, and offer them methodologies, tools and training programs to increase their capabilities in key business processes.

SMEs will be paired with OEMs that will help them attain global supplier certification based on a five-level “maturity” scale.

Strategies and projects will also be offered to close what organizers describe as the gap in Quebec's ability to further integration capabilities in its supply chain.

Eight OEMs will participate in the first phase of the MACH initiative: Bombardier Aéronautique, Pratt & Whitney Canada, CAE inc., Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Héroux-Devtek inc., L-3 Communications MAS, Sonaca Montréal and Mecachrome.

Funding includes $3 million from the province and almost $1 million from the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail.

Aéro Montréal is a think tank that brings together all the major decision makers in Québec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, associations and unions.