ABB CANADA partners on bid for $2 billion Close Combat Vehicle Program

Federal decisions impact upon local economies in Canada

QUÉBEC, Oct. 15, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - ABB is partnering with BAE System and Saab in a competitive bid for the Department of National Defence (DND) $2 billion Close Combat Vehicle (CCV) program. The Canadian Army requires high survival medium weight vehicles for future missions. The bid includes a total of 108 vehicles along with an option for the purchase of an additional 30 vehicles.

A significant portion of the vehicle will be manufactured in Canada through the government's Indus­trial Regional Bene­fits (IRB) program. IRB policy requires business activity in the Canadian economy equal to 100 per cent of the contract value.

Saab has named ABB Analytical to source, supply and produce an electro-optic control system. This program will have important impact on the local economy, creating about 50 jobs for ABB and sub-contractors located in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario as well as extend economic value across Canada.

"The Saab model ensures job maintenance for engineering and technical staff as well as the creation of new jobs. Producing in Canada will provide stability to the site and will allow ABB Analytical Measurements to increase its contribution to the local aerospace sector in the province of Quebec, Canada," confirmed Marc-André Soucy, director of the Remote Sensing Industry at ABB Analytical Measurements. In order to be ready for the start of the program, Saab has already transferred its technology to ABB creating opportunities, for the Canadian industry into major worldwide procurement programs.

"The $2 billion IRB program requires 100 per cent Canadian content, and some 50 Canadian Companies from coast to coast are expected to be part of the BAE Systems team and technology transfer during acquisition and the In-service Support phase delivers a significant number of high quality jobs for Canada." declares Mikael Segerman (Lt Col), Sales Director Canada, BAE Systems Hägglunds.

For ABB and its Canadian partners, this project represents an important springboard for future expansion of existing capacity as well as collateral benefits for other markets. As a key industrial partner to SAAB, ABB long-term benefits arising from expanded capabilities and introduction to new business areas has a direct impact on its local community.

Founded in 1973, the ABB Measurement Products facility in Quebec City employs more than 200 employees. The company designs, manufactures and markets high-performance spectrometers, and is an optical systems integrator and a leader in the space and defense markets. The ABB Group of companies (www.abb.com) operates in some 100 countries and employs approximately 140,000 people. In Canada, ABB employs more than 5,000 people from coast to coast.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers' changing needs.

SOURCE: ABB Analytical Measurements

ABB inc.
ABB Analytical - Measurement Products
Marc-Andre Soucy, Director of Remote Sensing Industry
Tel: [phone], ext: 343
[email protected] 

Saab Press Centre
[phone],
[email protected]