Bombardier’s Strategic Manufacturing Transition: From Los Angeles to Moorpark

Bombardier Inc., a leading Canadian aerospace manufacturer, has recently completed a pivotal operational shift by relocating its Los Angeles-based component manufacturing activities to a new, expanded facility in Moorpark, California. This move not only signifies a substantial investment in the company’s U.S. manufacturing footprint but also underscores its commitment to advanced aerospace production in Southern California. The transition was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 20, 2025, officially opening the 46,000 square-foot Moorpark plant dedicated to producing critical components for Bombardier’s flagship Global 7500 and Global 8000 business jets.

This facility expansion reflects larger trends in aerospace manufacturing: consolidation for operational efficiency, strategic proximity to key markets, and leveraging regional concentrations of skilled labor. As the aerospace sector continues to evolve, Bombardier’s decision highlights the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking investment in maintaining competitiveness within a rapidly changing industry landscape.

The Moorpark move is not merely a logistical change but a strategic milestone. It represents Bombardier’s broader ambitions for U.S. expansion, ongoing innovation, and a strengthened commitment to supporting the region’s economic ecosystem. This article explores the background, implications, and future outlook of this significant transition.

Corporate Background and Strategic Context

Bombardier Inc. is headquartered in Montreal and boasts a rich legacy dating back to 1942, when Joseph-Armand Bombardier founded the company to market his snowmobiles. Over the subsequent decades, Bombardier diversified into public transport vehicles and commercial jets, at one point operating in 27 countries and employing more than 70,000 workers. However, the costly CSeries aircraft program in the 2010s brought the company to the brink of bankruptcy, prompting a major restructuring and a return to its core business: manufacturing business jets.

This strategic refocus has paid dividends. In 2024, Bombardier reported $8.7 billion in total revenues, an 8% year-over-year increase, outpacing company guidance. The company delivered 146 aircraft in 2024, up from 138 in 2023, and maintained a healthy backlog of $14.4 billion by the end of the year. Notably, Bombardier’s Services business achieved $2.04 billion in revenue, reaching a key long-term target ahead of schedule. These results demonstrate the resilience of Bombardier’s business model and provide a strong foundation for investments such as the Moorpark facility.

Bombardier’s product portfolio is anchored by its Global and Challenger series of business jets. The Global 7500, with a range of 7,700 nautical miles and a four-zone cabin, and the upcoming Global 8000, set to be the fastest civilian aircraft since Concorde at Mach 0.94, represent the pinnacle of the company’s engineering achievements. The Moorpark facility’s focus on producing critical components for these aircraft aligns with Bombardier’s strategy of maintaining technological leadership in the ultra-long-range business jet segment.

Facility Details and Manufacturing Capabilities

The Moorpark facility, spanning nearly 46,000 square feet, marks a substantial upgrade from Bombardier’s previous Los Angeles-area site, which was acquired in 2022. The new location employs 30 people and is purpose-built to support the production of key components for the Global 7500 and Global 8000 jets. The modern facility is designed to foster collaboration, efficiency, and high-quality output, qualities essential for advanced aerospace manufacturing.

David Murray, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, IT, and Operational Excellence, emphasized the strategic rationale: “The relocation of our component manufacturing facility was an important move that not only secures our long-term presence in California but also expands our manufacturing footprint in the United States.” The Moorpark plant integrates seamlessly into Bombardier’s global manufacturing network, which includes sites in Quebec, Texas, and Mexico, all contributing to the production of major structural components for Bombardier’s aircraft.

The facility’s location in Ventura County offers logistical advantages, with proximity to major airports and transportation infrastructure, as well as access to Southern California’s deep pool of aerospace talent. The region’s longstanding role as an aerospace hub, supporting over 100,000 direct jobs in the sector, provides Bombardier with a robust ecosystem of suppliers, technicians, and engineers.

“With Bombardier’s new facility, Moorpark is stepping onto the global stage as a hub for advanced manufacturing. This investment brings cutting-edge innovation, high-quality jobs, and lasting economic growth that will resonate across the region.”

, John Bandek, Economic Development Manager, City of Moorpark

The Moorpark facility’s advanced production environment is instrumental in supporting the ramp-up of the Global 8000 program. Manufacturing of this new jet began across multiple Bombardier sites in 2024, with the first production aircraft undergoing final assembly in the Greater Toronto Area and components supplied from Moorpark. This distributed manufacturing model enables Bombardier to leverage specialized capabilities across its network while maintaining stringent quality and delivery standards.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The transition to Moorpark goes beyond operational efficiency, it is a strategic investment in Bombardier’s long-term U.S. presence. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by local officials and company leadership, highlighted the facility’s local economic significance. Janice Parvin, Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, noted that Bombardier’s investment “reaffirms the State of California as a key player in the aerospace sector.”

The facility’s establishment aligns with Bombardier’s broader U.S. services expansion, announced in July 2025, which will see multi-phase, multi-site growth across its U.S. support network. This expansion is expected to generate new high-skill jobs and support Bombardier’s growing customer base in North America, the largest market for business aviation globally.

For Moorpark and Ventura County, the facility represents high-quality job creation and positions the region as a center for advanced aerospace manufacturing. The partnership between Bombardier and local stakeholders is expected to deliver lasting economic benefits, including indirect opportunities for local suppliers and service providers.

Industry Context and Market Dynamics

California’s aerospace sector is a major economic engine, with the state’s aircraft industry generating $38.9 billion in total economic impact and supporting roughly 140,000 direct employees. The established supply chain and skilled workforce in the region provide significant advantages for companies like Bombardier seeking to expand or modernize their manufacturing operations.

The business jet market is robust and growing. In 2024, the global market was valued at $46.51 billion and is projected to reach $67.68 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual rate of nearly 5%. North America, and particularly the United States, dominates this market, accounting for nearly 45% of global sales. The private aircraft segment is also on an upward trajectory, expected to reach $80.8 billion by 2034.

Recent data indicates strong demand for business aviation services. In early 2025, global private jet activity rose by 8% year-over-year, with the U.S. leading this growth. California and Texas have been standout markets, reinforcing the strategic logic of Bombardier’s investment in the region. The competitive landscape in ultra-long-range jets includes rivals such as the Gulfstream G700 and Dassault Falcon 10X, making manufacturing efficiency and quality critical for maintaining market leadership.

“The California aircraft industry creates $38.9 billion in total economic impact from a base revenue of $16.6 billion, supporting approximately 140,000 direct employees and creating a total of 221,000 jobs across all industries.”

, California Aerospace Industry Report

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Excellence

Bombardier’s manufacturing strategy is shaped by ongoing supply chain challenges and the need for operational resilience. The company has expanded its supplier support teams, increased on-site training, and implemented digital tools to monitor and mitigate risks across its global network. Chief Procurement Officer Shauna Gamble has highlighted the evolving challenges, including labor, material, and geopolitical issues, and the importance of proactive risk management.

Industry-wide, aerospace manufacturing lead times remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, and production ramp-up rates are challenging as demand outpaces supply. Bombardier’s distributed manufacturing model, spanning facilities in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, enables flexibility and resilience, helping the company meet delivery targets even amid supply chain disruptions.

Technological innovation is central to Bombardier’s approach. The company’s digitalization initiatives provide real-time supply chain visibility, while advanced risk monitoring tools help anticipate and address potential disruptions. These capabilities are vital for ensuring the quality and timely delivery of components produced at the Moorpark facility.

Conclusion

Bombardier’s relocation of its Los Angeles-based manufacturing operations to Moorpark is a strategic move that strengthens its U.S. presence and supports the production of its most advanced business jets. The new 46,000 square-foot facility underscores Bombardier’s confidence in the business aviation market and its commitment to manufacturing excellence, workforce development, and regional economic growth.

Looking ahead, this transition positions Bombardier to capitalize on favorable market dynamics, maintain its leadership in ultra-long-range business jets, and support continued innovation in aerospace manufacturing. As the company expands its U.S. services and manufacturing footprint, the Moorpark facility will play a critical role in sustaining growth and meeting the evolving needs of Bombardier’s global customer base.

FAQ

Q: What does the new Moorpark facility produce?
A: The facility manufactures critical components for Bombardier’s Global 7500 and Global 8000 business jets.

Q: How many people work at the Moorpark facility?
A: The facility currently employs 30 people.

Q: Why did Bombardier move its operations from Los Angeles to Moorpark?
A: The move allows for expanded manufacturing capacity, operational efficiency, and access to Southern California’s skilled aerospace workforce.

Q: What is the significance of the Global 8000 aircraft?
A: The Global 8000 will be the fastest business jet and fastest civilian aircraft since Concorde, with a top speed of Mach 0.94 and a range of 8,000 nautical miles.

Q: How does the facility benefit the local economy?
A: The facility creates high-quality jobs, supports local suppliers, and positions Moorpark as a hub for advanced aerospace manufacturing.

Sources: Bombardier