Airbus opens new helicopter distribution centre in Niagara Falls

An investment by a big company has added a new Airbus Helicopter Distribution Centre in Niagara Falls, which opened Thursday.

The new facility will allow the existing manufacturing hub in Fort Erie to expand its services.

A ribbon-cutting was held Thursday in Niagara Falls to inaugurate the new 21,000 square-foot helicopter distribution centre.

“This will be where all the incoming material comes and then if will actually be distributed to our customers to support their vital missions as well as support our operations down the road in Fort Erie, where we customize complete aircraft,” said Dwayne Charette, the president of Airbus Helicopters Canada.

CHCH News was not permitted to record any footage within the warehouse, but the facility will house helicopter parts for distribution.

Airbus has a huge presence worldwide with over 180 locations.

It’s also been a company that has been in Fort Erie for over 40 years, sustaining over 300 skilled jobs in the region.

The new distribution centre is expected to add about 15 new jobs locally, and will help a Fort Erie plant boost its production.

The company makes helicopters for emergency services, like fighting wild fires, police aerial patrol and the Royal Canadian Air Force, and for other sectors as well.

“We have something to offer everyone,” said Tony Baldinelli, the MP for Niagara Falls. “Commercial, civil defence, we have it all.”

Baldinelli says the opening of the distribution centre in the region is a very positive sign, during these uncertain economic times in Canada.

“It’s a show of confidence, not only in their capabilities, but also in terms of the potential for employment here in Niagara,” said Balidnelli. “The talent is here, the people are here, the facility and the space was here and you know what, you are critically close to the U.S. border. In terms of a supply chain, it’s a hugely important location.”

The president of Airbus Helicopters Canada says the company is deepening its roots in Niagara because tough economic times or not, the helicopters are essential.

“Canada has the second largest helicopter fleet in the world,” said Charette. “We have over 860 aircrafts [that] we service every year. We have 220 customers and they are still flying, and there’s critical missions that happen and we’re not stopping.”

WATCH MORE: St. Lawrence Seaway reports increases in cargo as part of season’s strong start