L-3 MAS announced today the launch of its Aerostructures and Aircraft Services Center of Excellence. This new unit offers turnkey solutions in aircraft component design, systems integration, prototyping, manufacturing, test and certification, as well as repair and overhaul services. Leveraging unique on-aircraft robotic solutions in the MRO sector, L-3 MAS is now positioned to become a key Tier 1 structural supplier for OEMs.

The Aerostructures and Aircraft Services Center of Excellence at L-3 MAS is staffed by a highly skilled, dedicated multidisciplinary team focused on program management, engineering, product development, integrated supply chain management, manufacturing and assembly. The Center of Excellence also offers an array of engineering services, including airworthiness and certification capabilities that support complex aircraft modernization solutions for both military and commercial platforms.

"The creation of the aerostructures unit is a direct result of the work we perform for our commercial and military customers and the numerous contracts we have received in the areas of aerostructure engineering and manufacturing over the last two years," said Sylvain Bédard, president of L-3 MAS. "Our successes in this new sector were built on L-3 MAS' reputation over the past 25 years in providing outstanding support to the Canadian Forces on the CF-18 in-service support and structural integrity program."

"L-3 MAS has become a true one-stop shop for aerostructures work, winning the trust of many OEMs, such as Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney Canada, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman and Bombardier," continued Marc-André Duranceau, recently appointed vice president of Aerostrucures and Aircraft Services at L-3 MAS. "I am confident the new unit will serve as a worldwide resource for highly advanced aerostructures work."

With 20 years of experience in the aerospace sector, Mr. Duranceau has held numerous senior leadership positions within Bombardier Aerospace, recently leading the business transformation of the Airbus Sub-Contract Business Unit, Tooling, Spare Parts and Experimental facilities. He also played a key role in the restructuring of the spare parts supply and distribution network for all Bombardier products as director of inventory planning, material logistics and supply base management.