For more than 60 years, IMP Aerospace & Defence has offered their customers and partners a broad range of services including turnkey in-service support, maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO), engineering solutions, and technical services. The company continues to be a trusted and reliable partner for the services that they provide and remains focused on growth, innovation and continuous improvement.

IMP

BY JOETEY ATTARIWALA

“Across all four of the domains in which we operate — air, land, sea and space — the goal of the over 2,300 IMP Aerospace & Defence team members is to continually delight our customers through our commitment to providing high quality goods and innovative services, delivered on time and on budget,” said David Gossen, President and Chief Operating Officer.

3D PRINTING

One groundbreaking innovation in the aerospace industry is the incorporation of additive manufacturing due to a need to create intricate replacement components. Case in point: CP-140 Asset Managers were reporting higher numbers of obsolescence issues with plastic structures on the Aurora fleet. Some vendors stopped supplying certain parts, which led to longer wait times and increased prices on the existing components. Creating new manufacturing lines for the limited quantities necessary for the fleet proved to be too costly to be practical, and 3D printing was identified as a possible solution. IMP developed an internal design and manufacturing process to adapt the new 3D printing technology to meet DND’s strict airworthiness requirements.

Within a year, IMP had gone from receiving their first 3D printer to having the first 3D printed part certified for the RCAF.  While this was originally developed for the CP-140 Aurora fleet, IMP is now using 3D printing technology for other projects, including printing parts for electronic systems. IMP also utilizes 3D scanning technology to streamline repair to damaged parts. “The 3D scanner can make a model of a part in seconds, with exact measurements, to assess potential damage so we can find a solution to fix things quicker and less expensively,” said Clark Bain, Senior Vice President, Strategic Development for IMP Aerospace & Defence.\

EXPANDING C-130 CUSTOMER BASE

A key area of focus at IMP Aerospace & Defence is on expanding its C-130 customer base around the world. With a strategic focus on entering new markets, the company continues to provide C-130 services from both its East and West coast locations, delivering support to its growing global clientele. “By leveraging our world-class innovation and experience, IMP Aerospace & Defence is well-positioned to provide comprehensive solutions to customers in key regions, including the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific,” says Rick Burt, Vice President of Business Development. “We are excited to grow into new markets and connect with new partners around the globe.”

In addition to its expertise with the C-130 aircraft, IMP Aerospace & Defence has been recognized as a leader in aviation innovation with the announcement of its membership in Boeing’s Team Poseidon. This collaboration will result in the establishment of a state-of-the-art post-production modification line in Halifax, dedicated to upgrading Canada’s P-8 aircraft. By developing this modification line, IMP Aerospace & Defence will not only bolster the operational capabilities of Canada’s P-8 fleet, but it also underscores its long history as a centre of excellence for maritime rotary and fixed wing aircraft. This initiative reflects the company’s dedication to fostering strong industry partnerships, driving technological excellence, and contributing to Canada’s economy and national security.

SPACE

IMP Aerospace & Defence also operates beyond traditional aerospace and defence sectors in the continuously evolving space industry. The company recently established its advanced space manufacturing capabilities for the prestigious Lunar Gateway project, collaborating with MDA to contribute to this critical initiative aimed at supporting sustainable human presence on and around the Moon. Previously, IMP’s Electronic Systems operating unit successfully designed and manufactured intricate wire harnesses for the Fine Guidance System of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) — a groundbreaking achievement in space exploration. The JWST now serves as a testament to human ingenuity, unlocking the mysteries of the universe with the help of IMP’s precise engineering. As IMP Aerospace & Defence continues to build on this impressive track record, the company looks forward to working alongside valued partners and customers to push the boundaries of innovation in space design, manufacturing and technology.

Achieving growth and turning innovative ideas into reality requires a strong and capable workforce. Recognizing this, IMP Aerospace & Defence launched the IMP Academy’s Aircraft Maintenance Apprenticeship program in 2024. Operating out of Enfield, NS, and Abbotsford, BC, this transformative initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of skilled Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. The program offers a unique, tuition-free, four-year ‘earn as you learn’ model, providing apprentices with hands-on experience, mentorship from industry leaders, and the opportunity to build a fulfilling career in the aviation industry. By eliminating financial barriers and offering real-world training, IMP Academy is not only addressing the growing workforce shortage but also empowering individuals to take their first steps toward a rewarding profession. Through this apprenticeship program, IMP Aerospace & Defence is reaffirming its commitment to investing in people and strengthening the talent pipeline for Canada’s aviation sector.

GREEN INITIATIVES

IMP Aerospace & Defence is proactively addressing climate change by reducing its carbon footprint through innovative green initiatives. Recently, the company upgraded the lighting in their 47,000-square-foot facility in Halifax which is dedicated to manufacturing aircraft components. By substituting over 60 antiquated fluorescent fixtures with cutting-edge LED alternatives, they have achieved a 65% decrease in energy consumption. This initiative not only slashed their carbon emissions but also enriched the work environment for their technicians, fostering a more sustainable and efficient workspace.

The IMP Aerospace & Defence IT department has also teamed up with the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA), a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing electronic waste by recycling and repurposing used electronics. This partnership has already made a significant impact, with IMP Aerospace donating old IT equipment that would otherwise have ended up as eWaste. “As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we continue to explore eco-friendly and security conscious practices that align with our vision for a sustainable future,” said Bain.

The future of IMP Aerospace & Defence looks very promising as the company continues to innovate and expand. IMP’s focus on broadening its expertise, securing key contracts, and entering new markets will ensure that it remains a leader in the aerospace and defence industry in Canada and elsewhere, which is critically important as Canadian industry understands that it must diversify and forge new partnerships in 2025 and onwards.

Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Senior Staff Writer