Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier announced that it will invest $270 million in the United States and create hundreds of new jobs, including in key swing states, after President Donald Trump threatened the Canadian company.
Company personnel said in a Friday news release that it is recruiting for 500 jobs and plans to create another 300 positions across the U.S. Texas will account for half of those 300 new jobs, according to Bombardier. It will also hire in Kansas, Indiana, and Connecticut.
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The investment improves the company’s standing with Trump, who said earlier this year amid a trade war with Canada that it would no longer be allowed to sell in the U.S. He later backed off that threat, in part because of the influence of Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), whose state is home to the U.S. headquarters of Bombardier, one of the world’s top producers of business jets.
“Based on our constructive conversations with the U.S. administration, we see a bright path forward for our highly skilled aerospace workers as well as a positive environment for Bombardier to continue pursuing direct investments to grow our American footprint,” Bombardier President and CEO Eric Martel said in a statement.
Trump applauded the investment in a Thursday night post on social media. He credited Marshall, who is up for reelection in November, with helping secure the new U.S. investment and jobs.
“Senator Marshall, together with Attorney General Ken Paxton of Texas, has done an incredible job in getting this Deal done,” Trump said. “They are STRONG Fighters for American Workers, and LOVE their States and our Country!”
Notably, Paxton is also in a crucial Senate election against Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico.
Trump’s initial statements about Bombardier, which came last month, rankled the 1,500 employees at the Kansas headquarters.
“NO MORE SELLING BOMBARDIER IN THE UNITED STATES!” Trump declared. “Their products aren’t good enough! Over 50% of their revenue comes from the United States — They live off American Buyers, American Companies, American Airports, and American Service — All while Canada blocks our GREAT American Banks, and Companies, throughout the U.S.A.”
At the time, Trump said the company would have to build in the U.S. if it wants access to U.S. markets.
Trump also mentioned the U.S.-based Gulfstream, which is Bombardier’s biggest competitor.
“They even blocked Gulfstream Aerospace from doing business in Canada — Completely unjust and unfair!” Trump continued. “That Era is OVER! If they want our Market, they must build here, and stop treating America like a ‘piggybank.’ BUY AMERICAN. FLY ON AMERICAN AIRLINERS. ENJOY AMERICAN LIQUOR AND BEVERAGES. SAIL ON LAKE AMERICA. AMERICA FIRST!”
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The two companies have been in competition for decades in the private jet space.
Both Marshall and Paxton are in tight Senate races. A RealClearPolitics aggregate of polls shows Marshall with a slight edge over his challenger, while Talarico is polling 1.8 percentage points higher than Paxton in the Lone Star State.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
