An Abbotsford company won its first international military customer after signing an agreement with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).
Cascade Aerospace will be modernizing two Mexican Air Force C130K Hercules aircraft, including a maintenance program, upgrade to the avionics system and other modifications.
The company will also provide operational and technical training for military personnel at the Abbotsford facility.
According to Cascade spokesperson Kim Tamminga, the contract will boost the local company's international profile.
"We have been working with the Mexican military for about a year," she said.
The country has a "very thorough" review process, and Cascade edged about four or five other companies for the contract, she added.
“The foundational skills and knowledge developed through our C130 fleet management program for Canada has given us the capability to leverage our services into the international market,” says Ben Boehm, Cascade’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer. “Our program management, engineering and aircraft modification skills will enable us to enhance the operational capability of the aircraft, to meet the varied needs of the Mexican Air Force. Working in conjunction with CCC, we are able to take advantage of the government to government contracting model, which de-risks the program for all parties."
The CCC is a federal Crown corporation that acts as Canada's international contracting and procurement agency. The entity reports to Parliament via the Minister of International Trade. CCC acts as the prime contractor for foreign governments who wish to contract with Canadian companies.