The global aircraft manufacturing market is estimated to grow from just over $400 billion in 2023 to more than $641 billion by the end of 2033. Aircraft manufacturers are increasingly integrating new technologies into their aircraft – everything from data analytics to tools that improve passenger experience.

In 2021, Canadian jet manufacturer Bombardier announced a new facility designed to handle the final assembly of its global aircraft and to elevate its aircraft and assembly processes. The transition from Bombardier’s Downsview, Ontario, plant to its new Global Manufacturing Centre at the Toronto Pearson International Airport followed a private investment of approximately $400 million.

According to Bombardier, the new facility is expected to reduce energy consumption by nearly 60% by “focusing on natural and more efficient lighting elements, and newer heating methods and updated processing systems will lower greenhouse gas emissions by more than half.” The construction of the new 770,000 square-foot facility truly represents Bombardier’s commitment to sustainability.

Coinciding with Bombardier’s goal to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, insulated metal panels (IMPs) were a strong choice for the building's envelope construction. NEUF architect(e)s designed the facility, with project installation completed by Bothwell-Accurate.

NEUF architect(e)s used more than 200,000 square feet of Kingspan KS Mini Micro-Rib and Kingspan K-Roc HF panels for the facility. K-Roc HF panels offer superior fire protection in sensitive environments. KS Series panels provide unique aesthetics through a wide range of profiles. The Bombardier project utilized Kingspan’s KS Mini Micro-Rib profile, creating an attractive linear appearance with subtle shadows. It's the versatility and aesthetic flexibility that makes IMPs such a good choice for projects like this. They're available in a with a vast range of profiles and colors, and can be oriented horizontally or vertically, allowing architects ample design flexibility.

IMPs are a single component system that can help accelerate speed of build, creating efficiency in construction that leads to labor and cost savings.

Above all, IMPs provide strong thermal barriers by creating airtight and watertight continuous insulation seals. This leads to increased thermal efficiency versus traditional wall assembly materials for the same wall thickness. Kingspan’s IMPs offer R-values of up to R-8.0 per inch, which helps to reduce heat loss or heat gain, and therefore, reduce a facility’s energy consumption.

Today, the Bombardier Global Manufacturing Centre provides employment to roughly 2,000 highly skilled workers, helping to propel the aircraft manufacturing industry to new heights.

“We are extremely proud of the people who have been producing our best-in-class business jets for decades here in Ontario, and with the rising demand for large-cabin, long-range aircraft, we are looking forward to providing our teams with a new, state-of-the-art work environment,” said Éric Martel, Bombardier president and CEO, when the facility was announced.