THUNDER BAY – Bombardier’s 1,300 workers in Thunder Bay joined a celebration with Bombardier CEO Pierre Beaudoin, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, and other distinguished guests as the company’s more than 6,200 Ontario employees gathered in its manufacturing facilities in Toronto, North Bay, Kingston and Thunder Bay.
Together, they celebrated Bombardier’s 20-year presence in Ontario.
Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of planes and trains and only rail manufacturer in Canada.
“In 1992, during a global economic downturn, Bombardier acquired the de Havilland Canada aerospace plant, and the Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC) in Thunder Bay and Kingston,” said Mr. Beaudoin. “Bombardier invested in the facilities and employees in Ontario, believing that they had what it takes to help us become a world-class maker of planes and trains. Today I am proud that our employees in Ontario contribute more than $2.7 billion to the Ontario economy, and generate more than $650 million of business for nearly 300 Ontario-based suppliers.”
“The Thunder Bay community is proud of the achievements of Bombardier and the dedicated workers at the Thunder Bay plant on this important milestone,” said Keith Hobbs, Mayor of Thunder Bay. “They have made impressive contributions to Thunder Bay’s vibrant economy for the last 20 years and up to 100 years with the plant’s driving force in the manufacturing industry.”
“In Thunder Bay, our employees are proud to make a difference in Ontarians’ lives. Every day, 1.5 million riders are using Bombardier’s vehicles for their commute. We at Bombardier are celebrating our 20-year presence in Ontario as we invest in the continued evolution of mobility, making sustainable transportation always more efficient for travelers“, added René Lalande, Vice-president, Bombardier Transportation, Thunder Bay Business Unit.