BOMBARDIER
Bombardier today announced it is investing approximately $50 million in Wichita as part of its commitment to growing the site’s capabilities and positioning it for future growth.(1) The Learning Center represents one component of Bombardier’s broader investment in Wichita. Inaugurated today, the new North American Learning Center reinforces the company’s commitment to developing talent, enhancing capabilities and supporting the long-term growth of its Kansas operations. A ceremony was held on site with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Lieutenant Governor David Toland, Bombardier senior leaders and industry stakeholders.
The Learning Center is Bombardier’s first dedicated in-house skills development center for newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics from across America, helping build the skilled workforce needed to support the company’s growing service and support network, enhancing long-term care and convenience for customers. The program will foster continuous learning and provide employees with a strong foundation for their careers at Bombardier.
The approximately $50 million investment brings together investments in people, infrastructure and capabilities to strengthen the Wichita site for the future. In addition to the new Learning Center, the investment includes the recently expanded Wheel and Tire Shop, which combines state-of-the-art equipment with advanced employee training to expand Bombardier’s Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) capabilities, enhancing quality, efficiency and safety.
“Wichita has long been an important part of Bombardier’s story, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity for the site. Our approximately $50 million investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations. This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while position the site for continued growth” said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services.
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Bombardier’s new $50 million investment underscores the enduring strength of the partnership between Bombardier and Kansas, and one that I expect will continue long into our shared future.”
With ten service and manufacturing facilities across America, including an upcoming service center in Fort Wayne, Indiana,(1) approximately 3,500 employees and a supplier spend of $2.5 billion across America, Bombardier continues to invest in the people, infrastructure and capabilities that support its customers. Wichita remains an important part of that footprint, with recent investments positioning the site to continue evolving alongside Bombardier’s services business and the needs of its customers.