Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) today officially inaugurated the company's new Mirabel Aerospace Centre located at Montreal-Mirabel International Airport in Quebec, Canada. The grand opening marks the completion of Pratt & Whitney Canada's state-of-the-art assembly and test facility for the company's next generation of jet engines. Pratt & Whitney Canada is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX).

"Pratt & Whitney Canada's Mirabel Aerospace Centre, and the game-changing engines that will be assembled here, demonstrate United Technologies' commitment to investing in advanced technology and next-generation manufacturing capability," said Louis Chênevert, Chairman and CEO of United Technologies Corp., who attended the opening. "This facility has been made possible by company leadership and the Quebec and Canada governments who had the vision and courage to build a world-class aerospace centre here in Mirabel."

P&WC's Mirabel Aerospace Centre – an assembly and test facility featuring advanced manufacturing technologies – is now open and ready for production. At the facility, P&WC will assemble and test the PurePower® PW1524G for the Bombardier CSeries aircraft and the advanced PurePower® PW800 family of engines for the next generation of large business jets.

Pratt & Whitney Canada launched its global hub for flight test operations in the new world-class Mirabel Aerospace Centre in October 2010.

"Our collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada will help spur innovation and encourage long-term growth in Quebec, while creating jobs and bringing economic benefits to the province. Aerospace is a key contributor to Quebec's economy, with more than 40,000 people ensuring its success. Our position as a global aerospace leader lies in the success of companies like Pratt & Whitney Canada who continue to invest in the province," said Jean Charest, Premier of Quebec.

"Two and a half years ago, Pratt & Whitney Canada shared its vision for a unique aerospace centre featuring a revolutionary manufacturing facility and state-of-the art equipment to assemble and test engines on the ground and in the air," said John Saabas, P&WC President. "Today, thanks to the passion, resolve and hard work of the P&WC team, our partners and the Governments of Quebec and Canada, the vision is a reality."

A 300,000-square-foot facility, the Mirabel Aerospace Centre represents a $360-million investment. Approximately 300 people will be employed at the facility within 5 years.