LIST GMBH (also known as F/LIST), an Austrian high-end business jet interior manufacturer, yesterday officially inaugurated the new 59,000-square-foot production facility of F. LIST CANADA CORP. in the Greater Montréal area and announced plans to hire up to 100 specialists within the next two years.
“Investing in Canada is very important to our company’s future growth and success in aerospace,” said Mrs. Katharina List-Nagl, Chief Executive Officer of F. LIST GMBH, during a ceremony held at the new plant on Boulevard des Rossignols in Laval.
“F/LIST has a long and successful history in Canada, working very closely with Bombardier and other partners in the region. It made great business sense to set up our centre of Canadian operations here in Laval, where we are so close to so many great aerospace businesses and opportunities.”
The Laval facility, which is the first manufacturing plant F/LIST has opened outside of Austria, represents an investment of more than CAN$20 million for the company, including CAN$10 million by the end of 2018.
It provides high-quality wood veneers for business and executive jet interiors, finishing and assembling of interior components, refurbishment of interiors, and product and customer support. The facility also houses a showroom and a veneer selection area as part of its designation as F/LIST’s Veneer Competence Centre for flame retardant wood veneers, key components of its interior finishing business.
“We will be serving not only the thriving local market in Canada, but across North America with our quality workmanship and F/LIST spirit,” said Mr. Sean Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of F. LIST CANADA CORP.
“We are committed to building and growing our presence here, having already invested millions of dollars in specialized production equipment, and recruiting top local talent.” Current positions available include cabinetmakers and veneer specialists, production managers and quality assurance experts
Mr. Yves Robillard, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, said, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development: “Today’s inauguration is great news for Canada. F/LIST’s decision to set up in the Greater Montréal area reaffirms the strategic positioning of Québec’s aerospace industry.
It also demonstrates that Québec and Canada have strategic assets to attract international companies, including a highly-qualified workforce and solid, structured business networks. I am proud to see F/LIST’s first plant outside of Austria open here in Laval. Its arrival will generate significant economic spinoffs that will benefit the citizens of the region.”
“By setting up here in Laval, the Austrian manufacturer F/LIST is clearly demonstrating that Québec is a good place for private investment. The recognized expertise of our aerospace industry has also played a major role in attracting this company.
This new plant will generate significant spin-offs for Québec. With such initiatives, Québec will undoubtedly strengthen its position as the world leader in the aerospace industry,” said Mr. Jean Habel, Member of the Québec National Assembly for Sainte-Rose and Parliamentary Assistant to Québec’s Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change on behalf of Mrs. Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy.