Bombardier Transportation: An Economic Driver for Our City
With its unique expertise in building the most advanced rail and mass transit cars in the world, the Thunder Bay manufacturing facility is vital to Bombardier Transportation’s global success and the community.
Bombardier’s designated Aluminum Centre of Expertise, the 475,000 square-foot Thunder Bay plant employs 700 people building lightweight rail and mass transit cars. Bombardier’s popular BiLevel commuter cars are used in in 14 North American cities. In Toronto, two-level green and white GO trains provide commuters with a convenient way to get to and from work every day.
Growing with Thunder Bay
Opened as Canadian Car and Foundry in 1912, the Thunder Bay facility used its expertise in aluminum to produce lightweight aircraft from 1937 to 1959. Over 7,000 people were employed during World War II. Production switched to transit buses from 1947 to 1959 before refocusing on subway cars, streetcars and commuter rail cars. Acquired by Bombardier in 1992, the facility has since designed and built over 1,400 transit cars that are used in cities around the world.
Along with the Automated Rapid Transit cars that the Thunder Bay facility is building for use in Korea, Bombardier is building the newest generation of Toronto subway trains. Dubbed the “Toronto Rocket”, the 39 new trains allow commuters to safely walk from one car to the next while in transit. The faster, safer cars will feature an array of technological advancements developed right here in Thunder Bay.
People make the difference
Bombardier’s Thunder Bay employees have an exceptional safety record with no time lost due to more efficient with significant employee efforts to improve quality. The new robotic welding of subway trucks further streamlines production.
Bombardier’s Thunder Bay facility continues to rely on the initiative and solid work ethic for which city residents are known. Design, supply and building capacity are determined at the plant, by people who continually demonstrate that they know how to get the job done. Indeed, home-grown skills and values are what have made Bombardier Transportation one of the most important passenger rail car producers in the world.
