April 4, 2008
IMP Aerospace, a division of I.M.P. Group International Inc., has been awarded a major installation contract from the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). IMP will be contracted to carry out a series of major aircraft structural upgrades on six (6) Norwegian P-3 military aircraft. The work will be conducted over a four-year period beginning in 2009 and is expected to create up to 100 new jobs. As part of the preparations for this work, IMP will leverage the expertise of Lockheed Martin (LM), the original aircraft manufacturer, through a technical support subcontract. The resulting strategic relationship will deliver a low risk, technically robust solution, which draws upon the experience of both companies.
Earlier this year, the Canadian government's announced the purchase of seventeen Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Canadian Forces. The Canadian governments Industrial Benefits program, which is a standard requirement associated with major procurement contracts, provides that an equivalent dollar amount value be directed to Canadian industry. The Lockheed Martin / IMP partnership helped IMP secure the new contract and will partially satisfy Lockheed Martin’s regional industrial benefits obligations to Canada.
The P-3 Aircraft Structural Life Extension Program or “ASLEP” is a major structural upgrade, designed by LM, which includes the replacement of the wings and horizontal stabilizers. Under a separate contract, LM will design and manufacture the ASLEP structural replacement kits that will be installed by IMP at the company’s facilities located at the Stanfield International Airport in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The ASLEP upgrades are designed to reduce operational support and associated costs while significantly increasing the structural life and operational availability of the P-3 aircraft fleet.
As one of only three (3) approved Lockheed Martin P-3 Service Centers worldwide, IMP Aerospace is uniquely positioned to provide similar installation support to other international operators located throughout the world. There are approximately 450 P-3s flying today in fifteen countries, including Canada. The role of the P-3 has evolved significantly over the years to include reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering.
"This award signifies the first opportunity of what we anticipate to be a very successful long term business venture. This important contract with the RNoAF is exciting news for IMP and our Nova Scotia aerospace industry. For over 40 years we have invested heavily in building a world recognized centre of excellence for in-service support, including maintenance, engineering and avionics,” stated David Gossen, Executive Vice President and COO of IMP Aerospace. “Working closely with Lockheed Martin for many years has been an advantage,” said Gossen. “Canada has already announced that at least 10 of the current fleet of 18 CP-140 Auroras will also be upgraded with new wings and stabilizers and the export market opportunities are very strong,” confirmed Gossen.
About IMP Aerospace
IMP Aerospace is a division of IMP Group International Inc., a privately held diversified group of companies with more than 3000 employees worldwide with business units in aerospace, aviation, marine, airline, information technology, healthcare and real estate. IMP Aerospace’s core competencies include engineering support, fleet management, repair/overhaul and manufacturing. IMP Aerospace provides complete in service support for Canada’s fleet of CH-149 Cormorant helicopters, as well as major maintenance and engineering support for the CH-124/H-3 Seaking helicopter, Canada’s fleet of CP-140 (P-3) Auroras, and numerous international customers.
About IMP Group International, Inc.
I.M.P. Group International Inc. is focused on global, sustainable growth, with 3,500 experienced people delivering service, quality and value to customers across diverse sectors, such as aerospace, aviation, airline, healthcare, industrial marine, information technology, hospitality and property development.
For further information contact:
David Gossen, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of IMP Aerospace
I.M.P. Group International Inc.
impaerospace.com
(902) 873-2250