Bombardier has fired two bosses, including the head of its train division, in an attempt to finally deliver on its contract to make streetcars for Toronto and other Canadian cities. It hopes to have many cars delivered by the end of 2016, or about half the number that should already have been on the streets. The company seems to have moved manufacturing of frames and other parts for the cars to a plant in Pocatiere, Quebec from its hapless factory in Mexico.
WAREHOUSE FULL OF JUNK
Union representatives in Thunder Bay, where the vehicles are assembled, say they have a warehouse full of parts from Mexico that are not much better than junk. There are six rapid transit systems across Canada waiting for Bombardier cars. Let’s hope they’ve got it right. “Bombardier is on to its seventh project manager in Thunder Bay,” Andy Byford, chief general manager of the TTC says, noting the firm has also changed president (for the Americas). “I met the new guy. I was impressed with him.” Still, Byford adds, “this is intensely frustrating. It’s breaking my heart.”
