A start-up company born in London, Ont., in the early 2000's has now become partners with a global defence aviation company.
Davwire was founded in 2003 with their first client being Diamond Aircraft, who are still clients 21 years later. Originally created to become a build to print electrical and mechanical assembly firm but has since expanded to the aerospace defence industry.
“Over the past 10 years we have been primarily working in the defence industry with some commercial aviation in there as well,” says Mark MacKenzie, President and CEO of Davwire. “The sheer size of this contract brings us into both the defense and commercial aviation industries.”
Last month, De Havilland Canada reached a contract agreement with the European Commission to provide them with aircrafts for firefighting endeavours. It is expected that after production ramps up, nine new aircrafts will be built per year. Over time, it’s expected for this number to hit closer to 100 to 125 aircrafts per year.
Davwire has been asked to supply these models, the Canadair 515, with the electrical components needed to be functional, bringing this once small London-based start-up some global recognition.
“I think they liked that we have a strong background in aviation manufacturing and have experience with that model,” says MacKenzie. “We collaborated with Bombardier, so we are very familiar with that form of aircraft. [De Havilland] knew that we would do what it takes to have the startup of the production line succeed.”
In 2009, Davwire entered a bid for a similar production role, but were denied due to financial factors, but never lost contact with De Havilland. 12 years later, there wasn’t any hesitation to bring the company on board to supply the electrical work.
“We continued to support their after-life aircrafts and work with Bombardier,” says MacKenzie. “Our reputation is first and foremost. It takes many years to get an opportunity like this.”
Production likely won’t begin for Davwire until the end of the summer, but discussions are already underway and preliminary steps have begun. Davwire was called in to supply De Havilland with its electrical system, which generally accounts for 60 to 75 per cent of the aircraft.
“It’s very hard to manage something logistically, so the contract includes after life support etcetera,” says MacKenzie.
Testing will begin shortly, with De Havilland already having began to make some of the required parts. This phase of production generally takes a lot of work, including the quality assurance aspects that need to be satisfied.
“Trucks have started coming to our facilities with parts and equipment from the previous model to assess and upgrade or replace if necessary,” says MacKenzie. “This testing will already be starting next week. The next phase beginning now and into spring and early summer will be getting production up to speed and ready to go.”
“I’m proud of the fact we’ve got the company to this point, some of our original employees are still working for us. It’s been running for 21 years and will be for at least another 20 more.”
