Boeing commits $36 Million CAD to Aerospace Manufacturing R&D in Winnipeg
Press Release
Funding to strengthen Boeing's composite aerospace manufacturing and research capabilities at its Winnipeg facility
R&D projects include process automation and collaborative robotics
WINNIPEG, Manitoba – April 17, 2026 – Today, Boeing announced a $36 million CAD commitment to advance composite aerospace manufacturing research and development (R&D) projects at its Winnipeg facility. Some of the projects will be in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). This initiative is part of the Government of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB), which selected the CP8A Poseidon aircraft as its Multi-Mission Aircraft.
"We are pleased to strengthen our commitment to our Winnipeg team and innovation in aerospace manufacturing in the province,” said Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada. “Boeing’s Winnipeg site, the country’s largest aerospace composite manufacturing facility, has been a key contributor to Canada’s aviation sector for over 50 years and this initiative reflects our dedication to the local economy and positions us to meet the growing demand for our airplanes."
The funding will be directed to various R&D projects focused on enhancing composite fabrication capabilities, including the development of automated processes and collaborative robotics over a 10-year period. Currently, Boeing Winnipeg produces hundreds of parts and assemblies for all in-production Boeing commercial airplanes as well as defence derivatives such as the P-8 Poseidon and the E-7 Wedgetail.
“The National Research Council of Canada brings deep expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing to initiatives that reinforce Canada’s leadership in aerospace innovation,” said Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada. “Our Winnipeg Advanced Manufacturing facility is a hub for collaboration between industry, government and academia to drive the development of technologies that strengthen the sector, support national priorities, and contribute to Canada’s prosperity."
The CP8A ITB program is bringing significant economic benefits to Canadian organizations, with more than 80 suppliers across the country supporting production. Each of the more than 170 P-8 aircraft in operation globally contains approximately $11 million CAD worth of Canadian content, contributing to over $2 billion CAD in contracts with Canadian companies. Additionally, the CP8A ITB Program is supporting approximately 3,000 jobs and adding $358 million to Canada’s economy annually over the next decade. Team Canada Poseidon, which includes key partners like StandardAero, CAE and GE Aviation Canada, forms the backbone of this initiative.
“Canada’s ITB Policy is delivering real economic results. Aerospace manufacturing’s partnership with Boeing will boost research and development capacity, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Investments like this reinforce Canada’s industrial strength and position our companies for long-term success.”
Boeing has successfully completed over $15.5 billion CAD in ITB programs in the last 40 years, with significant investments announced recently across Canada. In June 2025, Boeing Winnipeg opened a new LEED-certified freezer building, doubling storage capacity and improving operational efficiency to meet future production demands. The facility is a testament to Boeing’s commitment to the community and its long-standing presence in Winnipeg.
“Manitoba’s aerospace sector is a cornerstone of our advanced manufacturing economy, and today’s announcement underscores the strength of the talent and innovation found here in Winnipeg,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “Boeing’s long-term investment will help expand cutting edge research, create opportunities for local suppliers, and support the highly skilled jobs that drive growth in our province. Manitoba is proud to work with companies like Boeing to assist with the development of new and innovative technologies that will shape the future of global aerospace.”
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A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
I pray Boeing’s quality control issues have been resolved and the CP-8A enters service quickly.