The MSB Group is investing $2.7m to meet the aviation industry’s post-pandemic needs. The money will go towards modernising the company’s operations and increasing its offering. This will include the development of a new product line using cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The investment secures 40 existing positions and will create about 15 new jobs.
The company said that with this investment, it is favourably positioned as a supplier of aircraft interior components for in-service business jets. The company intends to acquire technologies that will enable it to step up the maintenance and upgrade of aircraft that are already in service, in a timely manner.
“Business aviation operations appear to be resuming more quickly than global aviation activity, which is leading us to increase our service offering,” said Mario Sévigny, co-founder and executive vice president of the MSB Group. “We are looking to efficiently support customers wishing to upgrade the cabin of their aircraft already in service. Our Boucherville plant is the hub of our North American manufacturing operations, and we are very happy to continue investing in Québec.”
MSB intends to produce certain components, such as its custom dish racks, using 3D printing and data compiled through AI. In addition to stepping up the production process, this development will enable more flexibility in product design.
To support its operations, MSB will be creating 15 mechanical assembler, machinist, methods agent and programmer positions over the next two years.
The expansion was made possible through a $1.5m loan from the Government of Québec through the ESSOR programme, managed by Investissement Québec, and a repayable contribution of $500,000 from Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions (CED). The company was assisted in its efforts by Montréal International and Investissement Québec International.
“Aerospace is part of the strategic sectors that our government is relying on for a successful economic recovery in Québec and to maintain our region’s leadership,” said Lucie Lecours, Minister for the Economy. “We are proud to support this MSB Group expansion and upgrading project, which will contribute to reinforcing the supply chain in Québec in the business aviation industry.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister Responsible for Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions, said she was thrilled by the project. “Innovation can play a key role in improving the lives of Canadians, who are continuously faced with global trends marked by disruption and change – even more so in today’s world,” said Joly. “Our government, which granted a repayable contribution of $500,000, is determined to support innovative Canadian companies such as the MSB Group, a key partner in the aeronautics industry. Its contribution is undeniable to the industry, and this project will effectively meet the needs of an industry that has been hard hit by the pandemic.”
“The MSB Group is a tangible example of an aviation sector company that succeeded in adapting its services to the many challenges created by the pandemic,” said Stéphane Paquet, president and CEO, Montréal International. “With some 36,000 jobs, aerospace continues to be a strategic industry with know-how that has enabled Greater Montréal to stand out internationally and that is now focusing on innovative and dynamic players such as MSB for its economic recovery.”
“By choosing to reinvest in Québec, the MSB Group is helping leverage our expertise in aerospace, both here and around the world,” said Hubert Bolduc, president of Investissement Québec international. “Our team is proud to be a stakeholder in this expansion project and will continue its efforts to encourage reinvestments by subsidiaries of foreign companies in key sectors for sustainable economic development.”
“The City of Boucherville is thrilled with the MSB Group’s expansion project in the municipality, which will maintain and create new jobs with stimulating professional challenges,” said Boucherville Mayor Jean Martel. “With this investment, the company is contributing to the quality of life of the region’s population by enabling residents to grow professionally without having to venture too far from home. This is fully in line with the municipality’s primary mission, which is to preserve and improve the quality of life of its residents, in keeping with its ability to pay.”
The MSB Group is a subsidiary of Sogeclair, a company based in Toulouse, France, that designs, develops and manufactures industrial products and solutions for the business aviation industry.
