Vector Aerospace Announces Investment in New Canadian Turboprop Test Cell

Vector Aerospace Corporation (www.vectoraerospace.com), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce that it is investing in the addition of a new engine test cell at its Summerside facility in Prince Edward Island, Canada through a financing partnership with provincial and federal governments.

This new multimillion dollar test cell, which will be capable of supporting turboprop engines producing up to 5,000 shaft horsepower, will join three existing test stands at Summerside, two dedicated to turboprops and one to turbofans. The new cell will expand Vector’s local test capacity on the turboprop engines series, thus minimizing turn-around times (TATs) for its customers and allowing further market share growth.

“We are very pleased to announce this latest investment in our world-class Summerside facility,” said Jeff Poirier, President of Vector’s Engine Services – Atlantic division. “The addition of this computer-controlled test cell demonstrates our dedication to our customers around the world. This investment also reinforces our long-term commitment to the Summerside facility and our local workforce, as a major employer here on Prince Edward Island.”

As a further demonstration of its long-term commitment to PEI, Vector has also announced a lease extension on its Summerside facility with Slemon Park Corporation. Vector has provided world-class engine MRO services at the facility – a former Canadian Forces Base – since 1992, and today employs over 440 skilled workers at the location. Vector’s presence on PEI generates valuable revenue for the local economy through its workforce and supply chain, and the company also works closely with local higher education establishments, including Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island.

Commenting on the lease extension, Jeff Poirier said: “Today’s announcement underscores both the importance of the Summerside facility to Vector Aerospace, and our commitment to the local community. Our facility here in the ‘Birthplace of Confederation’ has set the standard in terms of process excellence and lean manufacturing, and we are pleased to confirm our long-term commitment to both our global customer base and our local workforce.”

Vector Aerospace holds approvals from some of the world's leading turbine engine, airframe and avionics OEMs. Powerplants supported include a wide range of turboshafts, turboprops and turbofans from General Electric, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca. Vector Aerospace also provides support for a wide range of airframes from Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Boeing and Sikorsky, its capabilities including major inspections and dynamic component overhaul, and offers full-service avionics capability, including aircraft rewiring, mission equipment installation and glass cockpit upgrades.