Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/604104
10 MAGELLAN AEROSPACE, WINNIPEG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY FOR 85 YEARS, EMPLOYING GENERATIONS OF MANITOBANS IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY. Maureen Habington, an engineering administrative assistant who has been with Magellan for three months now, is also a third generation employee at Magellan. She was drawn to the company initially because of her father, who is also employed by Magellan in Winnipeg. "When I was young, my dad travelled a lot for work, so he would tell us stories about the places he went, and show us on the globe where he went. It always intrigued me that he was able to travel to such exotic (in my child's mind) locations." Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg, a division of Magellan Aerospace Limited, manufactures complex aeroengine components and advanced aerostructure assemblies, as well as proprietary products for clients in the commercial aerospace, defence and space sectors. It has two satellite locations — one in Ottawa and another 20 minutes north of Winnipeg, and employs about 700 people. "My grandfather also worked here for years," said Habington. "When I first started at Magellan, people would approach me with stories about my grandfather. These were really nice to hear, and I also think it says a lot about Magellan that people who used to work with my grandfather are still working here. There are not many companies where people stay for as long as they do here." John Davies, Senior Process Specialist, 31 years at Magellan Aerospace, agrees. "There are three of us in the department who all started working here at Magellan within six months of each other, and have now been here for over 30 years. The variety of wor k and what Magellan Aerospace does keeps me here. As a process specialist, I am involved in virtually everything that Magellan manufactures." "My son, Drew, is now employed at Magellan part-time, while he finishes his apprenticeship and schooling. I brought him to work with me for 'Take Your Kid to Work Day,' and he thought it was a neat place. He is now working as an NDT technician part time while finishing school." Harold Lipps, Inspector, has been with the company for over 34 years. He started as a sheet metal mechanic, then moved to aircraft assembly, then stores, back to sheet metal, and then to inspector. "I liked working with my hands, so being a sheet metal mechanic was great. As I got more experience, I got more variety in my work, and was able to move throughout the plant. This kept my career interesting, and offered job security." Magellan has long been an advocate for giving back to many community- and supporting-based organizations, and for engaging our youth. Habitat for Humanity, Military Family Resource Centre Winnipeg, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), and the United Way are just a few of the organizations that Magellan supports. Internally, Magellan's employee-driven Social and Welfare Association plans two festive holiday parties — one for adults, and one for children. They also organize the annual summer picnic at Tinkertown for employees and their families, and provide benefits for members such as education bursaries, wedding and baby gifts, and benevolent assistance. Carri Lipps, Inspector, and the daughter of Harold Lipps, has worked at Magellan Aerospace for 10 years. "I grew up with Magellan. I remember going to the Christmas Party, and running races at Tinkertown at the annual Picnic, and I still have a picture of myself as a kid sitting in an F5 on the tarmac at Family Day. My dad and my uncle (who also works at Magellan) were always telling stories about work. Aerospace was very prevalent in my family." Magellan has an organized, annual charity drive and also participates in local events that support charitable giving. The Heart and Stroke Foundation's Big Bike, United Way Plane Pull, CancerCare Manitoba's Dragon Boat, Habitat for Humanity, Boston Pizza Fishing Derby at Crowduck Lake, Manitoba Lung Association Tulip Days and Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil month are a few of the events that Magellan employees participate in every year. Magellan walks the walk where employee well-being is concerned. The company has a 3,000-square-foot, on-site wellness facility, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, and offers flex time for salary staff to better manage their work-life balance. There is also an outstanding benefits program — group coverage at no cost to the employee, and reimbursement for training and education. Other benefits include matching RSP contributions or defined pension plans, depending on the employee group. "Magellan is a well-rounded company, with lots of different programs and people. You aren't pigeon-holed into a particular job, as there is so much going on," Habington said. "Everyone is really nice, like a family. It's a big company, with lots of opportunity, but it's small enough that everyone knows you, and you aren't just a number. It's a great environment to work in." Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg is a leading Canadian aerospace company with 85 years of experience in the global aerospace industry. Magellan offers exciting career opportunities in a variety of disciplines. We know that personal and professional development is fundamental to the success of every individual, and every individual is fundamental to the success of our business. When you're part of Magellan, you're part of a team. Ready to launch your career? See what opportunities await at: www.magellan.aero Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg A Division of Magellan Aerospace Limited 660 Berry Street, P.O. Box 874, Winnipeg, MB R3C2S4 Fax: 204 774 0195 Magellan Aerospace's two dragon boat teams at the 2015 FMG Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival. Submitted photo. MAGELLAN AEROSPACE A part of your community MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS