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Bombardier NI operations sold to Spirit AeroSystems Bombardier NI operations sold to Spirit AeroSystems
(32 minutes later)
Bombardier's Northern Ireland operations have been sold to the US firm Spirit AeroSystems.Bombardier's Northern Ireland operations have been sold to the US firm Spirit AeroSystems.
The Canadian firm put the factories up for sale in May as part of a reorganisation of its business.The Canadian firm put the factories up for sale in May as part of a reorganisation of its business.
The aerospace manufacturer employs about 3,600 people in Northern Ireland.The aerospace manufacturer employs about 3,600 people in Northern Ireland.
Spirit, which is based in Wichita, Kansas, is a major supplier to Airbus and Boeing. Earlier this year Spirit's chief executive said the firm wanted to do more work for Airbus.Spirit, which is based in Wichita, Kansas, is a major supplier to Airbus and Boeing. Earlier this year Spirit's chief executive said the firm wanted to do more work for Airbus.
Buying Bombardier's Northern Ireland operation is part of that strategy.Buying Bombardier's Northern Ireland operation is part of that strategy.
The wings for the Airbus A220 are made at Bombardier Belfast's plant and it also supplies other Airbus parts, particularly engine covers.The wings for the Airbus A220 are made at Bombardier Belfast's plant and it also supplies other Airbus parts, particularly engine covers.
Spirit is also buying a Bombardier factory is Morocco and a repair facility in the US.Spirit is also buying a Bombardier factory is Morocco and a repair facility in the US.
A bigger position in the supply chain? Analysis: A strategic purchase for Spirit
Bombardier has been selling off its commercial aerospace assets to focus on trains and business jets: This is the final part of that. The Bombardier workforce in Northern Ireland has suffered years of cuts and uncertainty.
Spirit was originally set up as a spin-out of aerospace company Boeing. At one point the Canadian firm was on the brink of insolvency.
Boeing is still its biggest customer but part of Spirit's strategic plan is to lessen its dependence on Boeing. A new owner for the Belfast operations should bring some stability for the workforce and a long-term focus for the business.
Earlier this year, Spirit said it wanted to supply more to Airbus, increase its fabrication facilities and to get more military work. This is a strategic purchase for Spirit - it sees Belfast as a key part of its plan to do more work with Airbus.
Now that a deal has been done with Bombardier, it ticks two of those boxes and gives them a much bigger position in the Airbus supply chain. The trade unions are happy that the business has gone to a trade buyer rather than a private equity fund.
Michael Ryan, Bombardier's chief operating officer of aerostructures, said employees would be updated about how the deal impacts them in due course.
He added: "We are delighted that Spirit, a global, tier-one aerostructure manufacturer and supplier, has recognised our unique offering and growth potential."
The Unite union said: "It is a sale that offers hope for a positive future for Bombardier workers in Northern Ireland and their colleagues in the supply chain."
Bombardier, which is based in Montreal, has more than 68,000 employees in 28 countries.Bombardier, which is based in Montreal, has more than 68,000 employees in 28 countries.
It employs about 3,600 people across several locations in Northern Ireland - east Belfast, Newtownabbey, Dunmurry and Newtownards.It employs about 3,600 people across several locations in Northern Ireland - east Belfast, Newtownabbey, Dunmurry and Newtownards.
The Belfast factory builds wings for Airbus and is the largest hi-tech manufacturer in Northern Ireland.The Belfast factory builds wings for Airbus and is the largest hi-tech manufacturer in Northern Ireland.