ASCO Aerospace Canada, a subsidiary of Montana Aerospace, is based in Delta, British Columbia and specializes in high-speed machining of large and complex aerostructure components. The company manufactures parts from aluminum, steel and titanium for all F-35 variants worldwide.
ASCO Canada has participated in the global F-35 program since 2010 and employs 140 people across Canada, including 50 dedicated to the fighter program. The team produces major structural elements such as main bulkheads, engine mounts and longerons for the aircraft.
According to Lockheed Martin, involvement in the F-35 program has helped ASCO Canada establish itself within the defense sector. The company says the work has also generated high-skilled employment and broader economic effects within the community.
“Long-term partnerships like the one we have with Lockheed Martin bring new opportunities and job security for employees,” said Kevin Russell, vice president and general manager at ASCO Aerospace Canada. “The stability of the defence market helps offset the more volatile commercial market. These relationships are also important to the success of the industry, as manufacturing of complex aerospace parts is not a quick process and it takes time and investment to develop technology like this.”
Lockheed Martin noted that F-35 suppliers are recognized globally as leaders in their fields, and Canadian participation expands opportunities across the wider defense industry. Support for the F-35 has enabled ASCO’s British Columbia facility and Montana Aerospace to invest in innovation, new technologies and advanced machining processes that also benefit other contracts.
As production and sustainment of more than 3,600 F-35 aircraft continue in the coming decades, the program is expected to generate more than CAD$15.5 billion in economic value for Canadian industry through 2058. As a partner nation, Canada’s suppliers will remain eligible to compete for additional production and sustainment work supporting the global fleet.
For ASCO Canada, continued participation in the program offers further opportunities as Canada prepares to operate its future fleet of fighters. The company stated it is proud to support the country’s next generation of combat aircraft while contributing to the broader F-35 enterprise.
Source: Lockheed Martin Canada.
