January 25, 2012
Delta, British Columbia
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), capped off a successful Metro Vancouver visit by touring Delta-based Avcorp Industries yesterday.
Avcorp was sub-contracted to build Outboard Wings for the new generation of F-35 stealth fighters. This week, the first set of plane wings were being prepared for final assembly at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Forth Worth, Texas.
“Occasions like this provide us with a valuable opportunity to witness the excellent work of Western Canada’s vibrant and growing aerospace sector,” said Minister Yelich. “Our Government continues to support economic development opportunities that will ensure jobs and growth for residents, businesses and organizations like this in Delta.”
While at Avcorp, Minister Yelich met with President and CEO Mark van Rooij and stopped to talk with employees. “Avcorp’s success is an excellent example of western Canadian aerospace innovation at its best,” she stated.
Avcorp designs and builds major airframe structures for some of the world’s leading aircraft companies. With more than 50 years of experience, 483 skilled employees and 354,000 square feet of facilities, Avcorp offers integrated composite and metallic aircraft structures to aircraft manufacturers, a major advantage in the pursuit of contracts for new aircraft designs, which require lower-cost, lighter weight, stronger, and more reliable structures.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
For additional information, (media only) contact:
Jerra Byrne
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Jerra.Byrne@wd-deo.gc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca
