MONTREAL

Three European aerospace firms to set up in Montreal, create nearly 200 jobs

The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, April 23, 2013 12:18PM EDT

Bombardier unveils its CSeries flight test vehicle Thursday, March 7, 2013 in Mirabel, Que. Bombardier expect its first flight test by the end of June of this year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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MONTREAL--Three European aerospace engineering and design companies are setting up or expanding their presence in Montreal, creating nearly 200 jobs over three years.

The Austrian, French and German companies said Tuesday they were attracted to the city because of the availability of trained workers and their ability to work with large locally based manufacturing companies such as Bombardier.

German company PFW plans to move its Seattle-based aerospace tube and duct systems business to Montreal, while Austrian firm FACC Solutions, which specializes in the manufacture of composite components on aircraft, will open an engineering office to complement its existing work on business aircraft interiors.

Meanwhile, LGM of France plans to invest more than $2 million over three years to develop its business in Canada. The company specializes in risk management and testing in the aerospace and railway industries.

Quebec Industrial Policy Minister Elaine Zakaib told an aerospace conference Tuesday that the announcement confirms the province's advantages in the aerospace sector which employs more than 42,000 workers.

The province has earmarked $6 million over three years to support about 30 small and medium-sized companies in the aerospace and fashion industries.