PARIS, 1 July 2007. Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, has awarded contracts totaling $12.7 million to six companies on the island of Ireland. Contracts, valued at just under $10 million over a three-year period, have been signed with five existing Northern Ireland-based suppliers. The companies, confirmed as John Huddleston Engineering, Greyabbey; Dontaur Engineering Ltd., Ballymena; J.W. Kane Precision Engineering Ltd., Portadown; Moyola Precision Engineering, Castledawson; and Maydown Precision Engineering Ltd., Londonderry, will supply components for the Bombardier Q400, CRJ700/900, Learjet 45, and Challenger 300 aircraft programs.

EireComposites, based in Galway, Ireland, becomes a new supplier and will provide carbon-fibre components for Bombardier's Global Express and nacelle programs. This contract is worth $2.7 million over a five-year period.

"These contracts represent a significant step in Bombardier's ongoing commitment to encourage the development of a competitive supply base throughout Ireland," Michael Ryan, vice president, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, says. "Along with our links to universities and R&D programs, contracts with suppliers on the island of Ireland which now total approximately $67 million per annum are an important part of our contribution to the island economy. We look forward to building these relationships which will play an important role in the success of Bombardier's programs going forward."