Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Inc is renowned for its Global and Challenger families of business jets. In a bold move to streamline its production facilities, Bombardier has joined forces with local firm NEUF architect(e)s to create a cutting-edge assembly center in Toronto. Spanning an impressive 750,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility now serves as the primary location for the final assembly of Bombardier’s Global 7500 and Global Express long-range aircraft.
Located at Toronto Pearson International Airport, this new campus replaces Bombardier’s former facility at Downsview Airport, underscoring the company’s dedication to advancing manufacturing capabilities in the face of industry challenges. Inspired by the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare complexes, the design of the campus seamlessly integrates vast manufacturing hangars with modern office and administrative spaces.
Graham Kelly, Bombardier’s Vice President of Operations for Global Aircraft, aptly describes the aircraft manufacturing process as a venture comparable in complexity to a major building project. To streamline production, NEUF has created two structures within the campus: a flight test hangar and a larger Aero-Structural Facility (ASF). This integration allows for seamless assembly and testing, ensuring a clear line of sight throughout the manufacturing process.
The scale of operations within the facility is vast, ranging from meticulous handiwork to the utilization of robotic systems and automated equipment. Overcoming the challenge of safely and efficiently maneuvering wing assemblies and fuselages within the space is a testament to the expertise involved. Additionally, the facility adheres to strict climate control measures, maintaining a minimal energy footprint while prioritizing fire safety.
The complexity of blending industrial architecture, precision manufacturing, and conventional workspace design is evident in the extensive list of sub-contractors and consultees involved in the project. Bombardier’s new assembly center in Toronto exemplifies their dedication to innovation and excellence in the aviation industry.
NEUF’s primary objective was to optimize Bombardier’s operations by customizing the new facilities to accommodate the ever-changing manufacturing environment, while also ensuring that future enhancements could be implemented seamlessly. According to Lilia Koleva, a partner architect at NEUF, aerospace design goes beyond the mere physical structure. It entails crafting a workspace that effectively facilitates Bombardier’s workflow, caters to its workforce, and upholds the meticulous attention to detail invested in each aircraft produced.