Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The Canadian aerospace industry generates a significant amount of revenue and jobs. In order to sustain long-term competitiveness on a global scale in the 21st century, Canadian aerospace companies must maintain a steady stream of innovative, high quality products that are designed and developed at a low cost and reduced time to market. Innovative solutions are required to manufacture aerospace products more efficiently than ever before. Lean manufacturing techniques can lead to higher performances at lower costs. Lean manufacturing, rooted in the automotive industry, has been successfully applied to many industries, including aerospace.However, most efforts are still in their infancy here in Canada. This project focuses on developing lean techniques for the aerospace industry, despite the fact that they are characterized by lower volumes and higher product variety. The main philosophy in lean is to increase value by eliminating waste. Successful implementation of lean value streams requires stability in man, machine, products and processes. With major challenges ahead, much research is required to quickly find effective solutions to maintain and improve Canada's position in the world of aerospace. Bombardier Aerospace and Bell Helicopter propose to join forces with Concordia University, École de technologie superieure (ÉTS), and Ecole Polytechnique, with the support of CRIAQ, to conduct research that will focus on current and future challenges faced by the aerospace industry in becoming lean in their operations. The expected outcomes of the research program include the development of tools and techniques to design, implement, support, sustain, and continuously improve aerospace operations.