The MSB Group, a Montreal, Canada-headquartered subsidiary of the French firm Sogeclair, which specialises in custom services and products in the business aviation industry, has received investment of $2.7 million that will enable it to increase its offering and modernise its operations to meet the post-pandemic needs of the aviation industry. This investment comes with around 15 new jobs and secures 40 existing positions at the company.

MSB intends to improve the productivity of its services and develop a new line of products using innovative manufacturing technologies.

With this investment, MSB is favourably positioned as a supplier of aircraft interior components for business jets already in service. The company intends to acquire technologies that will enable it to step up the maintenance and upgrading of aircraft that are already in service, in a timely manner.

“Business aviation operations appear to be resuming more quickly than global aviation activity, which is leading us to increase our service offering,” says Mario Sévigny, co-founder and executive VP of the MSB Group. “We are looking to efficiently support customers wishing to upgrade the cabin of their aircraft already in service. Our Boucherville plant is the hub of our North American manufacturing operations, and we are very happy to continue investing in Québec.”

MSB intends to produce certain components such as its custom dish racks using 3D printing and data compiled through artificial intelligence. In addition to stepping up the production process, this cutting-edge development will provide more flexibility to product design.

To support its operations, MSB will be creating 15 mechanical assembler, machinist, methods agent and programmer positions over the next two years.

This expansion was made possible through a $1.5-million loan from the Government of Québec through the ESSOR programme, managed by Investissement Québec, and a repayable contribution of $500,000 from Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions (CED). The company was assisted in its efforts by Montréal International and Investissement Québec International.

“Aerospace is part of the strategic sectors that our government is relying on for a successful economic recovery in Québec and to maintain our region's leadership,” states Lucie Lecours, Minister for the Economy. “We are proud to support this MSB Group expansion and upgrading project, which will contribute to reinforcing the supply chain in Québec in the business aviation industry.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister Responsible for Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions, says she is thrilled by the project. “Innovation can play a key role in improving the lives of Canadians,” she says, “who are continuously faced with global trends marked by disruption and change, even more so in today's world. Our government, which granted a repayable contribution of $500,000, is determined to support innovative Canadian companies such as the MSB Group, a key partner in the aeronautics industry. Its contribution to the industry is undeniable, and this project will effectively meet the needs of an industry that has been hard hit by the pandemic.”

“The MSB Group is a tangible example of an aviation sector company that succeeded in adapting its services to the many challenges created by the pandemic,” says Stéphane Paquet, president and CEO, Montréal International. “With some 36,000 jobs, aerospace continues to be a strategic industry with know-how that has enabled greater Montréal to stand out internationally and that is now focusing on innovative and dynamic players such as MSB for its economic recovery,” he explains.

Boucherville Mayor Jean Martel concludes: “The City of Boucherville is thrilled with the MSB Group's expansion project in the municipality, which will maintain and create new jobs with stimulating professional challenges. With this investment, the company is contributing to the quality of life of the region's population by enabling residents to grow professionally without having to venture too far from home. This is fully in line with the municipality's primary mission, which is to preserve and improve the quality of life of its residents, in keeping with its ability to pay.”

A subsidiary of Sogeclair, a company based in Toulouse, France, The MSB Group designs, develops and manufactures innovative industrial products and high value-added solutions for the business aviation industry.