News
Boeing Contracts Deepen Peterborough Company’s Work in Aerospace Defence
Posted January 20, 2025
Peterborough, ON: Peterborough-based ACF Associates has secured two multi-year contracts worth $10 million (USD) from Boeing Vancouver, strengthening its role in the aerospace defence industry. These contracts, focusing on performance management and in-service optimization, will support Boeing’s international defence programs, including Canada’s Chinook helicopter and the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft. ACF will also help develop a Performance Management Centre of Excellence to further enhance Boeing’s global defence operations. For more details, read the full press release
To learn more, read the press release below.
ACF Associates Inc. Awarded Multi-Year Contracts from Boeing
Posted November 5, 2024
Peterborough, ON: ACF Associates is pleased to announce that it has been awarded two multi-year contracts from Boeing Vancouver. These contracts are part of an Investment Framework Agreement under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy. The contracts are in regard to the delivery of performance management services and in-service support optimization for Boeing’s international defence programs. Combined, the two contracts have an estimated value of $10M USD.
To learn more, read the press release below.
ACF Associates Awarded Performance Management Contract for DND’s Clothing Program
Peterborough, ON: ACF Associates is excited to announce that it has been awarded a one-year contract to develop a Performance Management Framework to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces/Department of National Defence (DND) Clothing Program, as well as DND’s Managing Clothing Solution (MCS) contracts.
The work will begin immediately and will run until 31 October 2025.
Greater Sudbury Airport to Conduct Comprehensive 12-Hour Emergency Exercise
Sudbury, ON: Greater Sudbury Airport will be conducting a comprehensive 12-hour emergency exercise on site on September 25, 2024. Dubbed “Operation Sudbury Safe Skies,” this monumental, large-scale exercise will simulate an aircraft incident on the airport grounds. In addition to airport staff, participants will include the Greater Sudbury Emergency Management Division, and local police, fire services, and EMS crews.
To learn more, read the press release issued by Greater Sudbury Airport.
Team Eagle Lands at The Loomex Group’s Headquarters
Peterborough, ON: We are excited to announce that Team Eagle has opened a satellite location at The Loomex Group’s headquarters at the Peterborough Regional Airport. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, enhancing our capabilities and service offerings in the aviation sector. Read the full press release below.
New Airport Manager and Assistant Manager at Peterborough Airport
Peterborough, ON: The Loomex Group is pleased to announce new additions to the leadership team at Peterborough Airport.
Dustin Gervais is stepping into the role of airport manager. Mr. Gervais is well-versed in the topics of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, and his expertise will help Peterborough Airport enhance its service capabilities. Under Mr. Gervais’ leadership, the airport will have the guidance to continue delivering exceptional service to clients and the community.
Karlee Thornton, who previously held an airport operations specialist position at The Loomex Group, is returning to the company as the new assistant airport manager. Mrs. Thornton has over two decades of experience in the aviation sector, and she is excited to help Peterborough Airport continue to uphold high standards of safety and service for all airport users.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dustin and Karlee to their new roles,” said Trent Gervais, president and CEO of The Loomex Group. “Their combined expertise and passion for the aviation industry will prove instrumental in advancing the operational excellence and business development goals of Peterborough Airport.”
The Loomex Group is contracted by the City of Peterborough to operate Peterborough Airport. The company is committed to ensuring the success and safety of the airport, and the appointments of Dustin Gervais and Karlee Thornton highlight its commitment to investing in top-tier managerial talent.
The Loomex Group Develops Fire and Life Safety Plans for Essex
On April 2, 2024, representatives of The Loomex Group attended a council meeting in the Town of Essex to present the findings of the town’s community risk assessment and fire master plan. Following the presentation, Essex Town Council adopted both documents.
In an article for the Essex Free Press, Sylene Argent noted that the fire master plan “detailed ways to add to the administrative team in part to provide for more response to emergencies during the daytime and recommended a new facility for Station 3 in Harrow.” Overall, the Essex Fire Master Plan included 24 recommendations to improve the safety and effectiveness of the Essex Fire Department.
Terry Gervais, Vice-President of Government Services for The Loomex Group, said, “We were pleased to work with Essex Town Council, the Fire Chief, and the Essex Fire Department to ensure the community receives cost-effective fire protection services that will help keep residents safe.”
Since 2020, The Loomex Group has completed 28 community risk assessments and 17 fire master plans. Municipalities and fire departments that are interested in working with The Loomex Group can reach out to Terry Gervais at [email protected].
Peterborough Airport Conducts Successful Emergency Exercise
On September 19, 2023, The Loomex Group facilitated a successful full-scale emergency exercise at Peterborough Airport (YPQ). The exercise took place during this year’s Canadian Airports Safety Week, which ran from September 18 to 22.
The exercise simulated a real-world emergency scenario to test YPQ’s emergency response plan. For more information, please download the full press release below.
Ted Gervais joins The Loomex Group as Vice President of Operations
The Loomex Group is pleased to announce that Ted Gervais is joining its executive leadership team as vice-president of operations. Ted will lead the construction, infrastructure, and corporate services divisions. He will also co-chair the OHS committee.
Ted comes to the Loomex family with years of managerial experience. He was previously the Eastern Ontario regional supervisor for the TSSA and was responsible for overseeing inspections and investigations within the elevating, amusement, and ski programs.
Thank you Athabasca, for stopping by…
It’s Good Friends Friday at Peterborough Airport. Athabasca – Canada’s leading Indigenous catering company and one of our FAcT partners – has popped in for a visit! Thank you, Athabasca, for stopping by CYPQ – our doors are always open.
Peterborough Airport focused on being an economic driver for the region
PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, January 10, 2023 – This year’s lineup of travel destinations leaving the Peterborough Airport were recently announced. But there’s a lot more going on at the site where a number of businesses operate. Katrina Squazzin has more.
Download the full press release for more details.
For Immediate Release
ACF Associates Named One of the “Top 10 Canada Defense Technology Providers” of 2022
The Top 10 Technology Provider Listing is an annual award published by Aerospace & Defense Review. This year, the listing recognizes the top Canadian defence technology providers leveraging technology to improve Canadian defence capabilities.
Andy Fitzgerald, Executive Vice-President of ACF Associates, says of earning this distinction, “We are extremely fortunate to have a talented team of professionals inspired by innovation and committed to delivering excellent customer service. We are also grateful to have customers who value long-term partnerships and are willing to look externally to leverage expertise to improve their outcomes. The future is bright, and we are excited about it!”
“We are thrilled and honoured to work alongside an incredible group of talented individuals offering innovative solutions. The recent award is proof that a small to medium size aerospace businesses like ACF, are relevant and needed in the Canadian Defence sector” says Trent Gervais, President & CEO of ACF Associates’ parent company, The Loomex Group.
ACF Associates is receiving this award in recognition of its design and development of performance management capabilities for aerospace defence programs. The company’s customers include the Department of National Defence and many prominent aerospace defence companies within Canada.
Download the full press release for more details.
May 16, 2022
The Loomex Group joins Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training on bid for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training Program
Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training is delighted to announce, The Loomex Group, a
leading Canadian aviation and emergency management specialist, as a strategic partner on the
bid-team for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Drawing upon decades of unparalleled international experience, in-depth knowledge, and a
proven track record of building and supporting aircrew training solutions, Babcock Leonardo
Canadian Aircrew Training will lead the development of a modern Canadian military aircrew
training infrastructure, centered on supporting students and instructors, involving local partners,
and aligned with Canada’s strategic and economic priorities.
The full announcement is available for download.
For Immediate Release
May 2, 2022
The Loomex Group Acquires Aerospace Defence Contractor ACF Associates Inc.
Effective today, The Loomex Group – a team of airport, aerospace, economic
development, and emergency management experts based in Peterborough, Ontario – is
acquiring the aerospace defence consulting leader ACF Associates Inc. The move to
acquire the Kingston-based company will further The Loomex Group’s vision of best
serving the aerospace and aviation industries throughout North America and abroad.
Full details about this exciting venture are included in the media release available for download.
Loomex Group’s new private school will take flight next month at the Peterborough Airport
August 18, 2021
The new private school will offer specialized learning following Arrowsmith closure in Peterborough.
Chad Buchner’s child was flourishing at the Arrowsmith School in Peterborough.
Their confidence and independence quickly grew, and through a specialized, hands-on approach to learning — a departure from what’s offered in the public system — they began to thrive. But the progress soon came to a halt.
Faced with enrolment setbacks brought on by the pandemic, the Parkhill Road East private school for students with learning disabilities was forced to close its doors in March after operating in the area for 15 years.
“It was pretty tough. You see your child really enjoying school; you see your child start- ing to turn a corner and thrive. To have that go away was challenging,” Buchner said.
Buchner and other parents and families impacted by the school’s closure were left wondering how they’d fill the void. While students could still access Arrowsmith programming online, many parents wanted to see a continuation of customized, in-person programming— an educational approach that catered to the unique needs of their children.
They came up with an idea.
Parents asked Amelia Valenti, The Loomex Group’s director of education, training, and organizational wellness, to provide Arrowsmith programming at the organization’s Peterborough Airport headquarters. The Loomex Group manages the airport, specializing in aviation and emergency preparedness.
Valenti, a former teacher, consultant and coach with 20-plus years of experience in education, agreed, and Loomex Group’s president and CEO Trent Gervais signed off on the initiative.
The new private school currently dubbed the Learning Centre — will take flight this fall.
“We will be offering full-time Arrowsmith programming,” said Valenti. “Everyone is really excited about this venture.”
In year one of the new school, the Learning Centre will open its doors at the Peterborough Airport grounds for about 20 students between Grades 5 and 10.
Students can expect an “experiential” approach to learning with a focus on aviation, according to Valenti.
“We want to connect practical, real-life applications to every skill and strategy learned by students,” Valenti said.
“That could look like connecting with businesses at the airport; talking to staff; exploring some of the equipment — we may have classes in flight simulators or at the airport’s command post. There’s a wide range of learning environments and opportunities.”
The curriculum, which includes mindfulness exercises along with literacy and numeration components will be delivered to students at an existing. Loomex Group classroom. Outside of the classroom, students will engage in outdoor education and physical activity.
Valenti, who is assuming teacher-principal duties, will be joined by a former Arrowsmith School instructor. The Learning Centre is intentionally starting off with small classroom sizes to ensure students receive ample time and attention from teachers.
“For the families of students, it’s an amazing relief to know there’s still going to be a very caring and supportive learning environment for their children where they know they’re going to get the best care possible,” Valenti said.
For Buchner, the Learning Centre is a “perfect match” for his child, who is now enrolled in the new private school. Buchner said small class sizes, coupled with the school’s flexible and adaptive approach to cognitive learning will foster a “sense of belonging and a sense of community connection” for his child and other students who have unique educational needs.
“My child really flourished in understanding ‘hey, I’m not the only one that learns uniquely,’” Buchner said.
A Learning Centre open house will be held at the Loomex Group site at the Peterborough Airport on Aug. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.
To learn more contact:
Director of Education, Training & Organizational Wellness
925-550 Airport Rd, Peterborough, ON, K9J 0E7
M: 249-387-0807
The Loomex Group Teams Help Fight Northern Wildfires
July 21, 2021
The Loomex Group has sent a team of locally based emergency responders to northwestern Ontario to help First Nation evacuees forced from their homes due to raging wildfires.
An eight-member team, mostly made up of Peterborough-based professionals, was deployed to Dryden, Ont. on July 10.