IMPrint Issue 9 - IMP Group

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL UPDATE - 2011
Submitted By: D. A. Gossen
As 2011 comes to a close it is time to take stock of our accomplishments and look to the future. All three operations, Aerospace, Avionics and
Aerostructures completed successful years, delivering quality products and services to our customers.
In July, we delivered the first of the re-winged P3 aircraft to the Norwegian Air Force under the Aircraft Life Extension Program (ASLEP), with the
second aircraft due for delivery within the next month. On the Canadian CP140 Aurora program, we completed the timely delivery of the first IMP
Block III Aurora Incremental Modernization Program (AIMP) aircraft in August. The first re-winged CP140 under the ASLEP is scheduled to be
delivered within the next month. The CH149 Cormorant Aircraft Sampling Inspection (ASI) program continues to move forward and is uncovering
a significant amount of survey findings and materiel challenges. The Rotary Wing team has focussed their efforts on resolving the myriad of
challenges, bringing forth innovative solutions. The Aerospace team has rallied around all three programs with a superior level of effort, including
evenings and weekends, to deliver these valuable assets to the military operational community. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and are
recognized by our customers.
The CH124 Sea King program completed another successful year, delivering several periodics along with supporting a number of modifications
and operations on the Wings with mobile repair parties. Given the current circumstances, we expect to be providing this level of support to the
CH124 fleet until 2015 and beyond.
Support to CH149 Cormorant operations continues to surpass expectations as the CSH team at the Main Operating Bases and the HIA location
tackles numerous challenges in support of day-to-day operations. We continue to achieve success in resolving complex technical and materiel
issues to make advances in improving CH149 fleet availability for operations. Your efforts have been central to that success.
Our Avionics operations at Hammonds Plains exceeded expectations, making significant progress on the space programs while continuing to
deliver reliable results on the wire harness and R&O lines. Our customers continue to be very pleased with the quality of the product. Recently
the Avionics division won a contract to provide expanded avionics support to the CH124 Sea King fleet at 12 Wing Shearwater, another positive
vote of confidence from our customer.
In Amherst, the Aerostructures Division just celebrated 20 years of operations under the IMP umbrella. Dave Pearson and the Aerostructures
team continue to work hard at meeting our customer’s needs, resulting in continuous growth in the division. Over the 20 years as part of the IMP
group, the workforce has grown from 112 to 357, which is a testament to the dedication of all the Amherst employees.
A number of recent initiatives continue to be vigorously pursued and are demonstrating positive results. The Employee Engagement surveys
continue to be a valuable tool in pointing out the areas within Aerospace that require attention. I believe communications within Aerospace have
improved as a result of a number of town halls on the hangar floor, and the creation of our IMPrint newsletter. The management training program
continues, and is having great success at preparing our front line managers for the challenges ahead. The Continuous Improvement department
is committed to working, with your participation, to improve co-ordination among the various departments. Positive efforts in this area are allowing
us to achieve greater results together rather than as individual departments. Another recent example is the completion of the Hangar
Rationalization Program, which has optimized program efficiency. I recognize there is much more to be accomplished, and we all need to remain
focused in these critical areas.
On the business development front, we continue to pursue new opportunities both at home and
abroad. Proposals are currently being prepared in support of the Canadian CH147 Chinook program
here at the Halifax location and for maintenance support of the CT114 Tudor fleet at 8 Wing Trenton.
In addition, we have submitted a proposal for the modification of the Sea King replacement aircraft
(Cyclone), and continue to dialogue with Sikorsky for on-going support to this program. In the
meantime, we continue to pursue the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue program. Discussions have
been initiated with many countries, including the German defence agency, regarding the re-winging
and life extension of their P3 fleets of aircraft. We have also initiated marketing efforts to seek out
new business in support of the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy. In addition to our
manufacturing capabilities, there are many other competencies within our Engineering, Materiel and
Planning departments that are directly transferable to these customers. We are optimistic that these
efforts will materialize into new business opportunities. In addition, both the Avionics and
Aerostructures Divisions are pursuing a number of opportunities, both domestic and international.
I am confident that these initiatives will prove to be successful.
In closing, we have had many accomplishments over the past year and are well positioned for
success in 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your efforts and
David Gossen, President IMP Aerospace
dedication. I look forward to working together with you in 2012.
LAST OF THE “FAIREY AVIATION”
IMP EMPLOYEES RETIRES
Submitted By: Tony Lindley
John Wayne Summers (Bubba), retired from IMP after more than
40 years of service stretching from May 18, 1971 to November 25,
2011. Wayne is the last of the Fairey Aviation personnel hired by
IMP Aerospace. Wayne was an Airframe Technician in #8 Building
employed in the component shop and has been a great co-worker,
a knowledgeable tradesman and a good friend to many past and
present workers. Wayne is one of a few to reach a 40 year
milestone at IMP; we will all dearly miss him. Wayne, please have
a healthy and happy retirement, you deserve it
From your IMP family.