Derby County Football Club is delighted to unveil a major partnership with Derby-based firm Bombardier - the world's biggest manufacturer of trains and leading builder of aircrafts - that will see the company become the club's new shirt sponsor for 2008/09.

The two parties have signed an initial one-year deal for Bombardier to have its logo on the Rams' kit for their 2008/09 Coca-Cola Championship campaign, with a vision to develop the relationship longer term.

Bombardier, which has its UK rail manufacturing site on Litchurch Lane in Derby, is a company that plays a major role in the life of the city but its wings spread across the globe.

And that, says Derby County President and CEO Tom Glick, is one of the key reasons why the club and Bombardier will have a perfect working relationship.

He said: "This is fantastic news for Derby County and I'm delighted to have struck up a partnership with a company that has its roots planted firmly in the heart of the community here in the great city of Derby, but with a footprint that extends right across the globe.

"Bombardier is an internationally recognised brand; the biggest manufacturer of trains in the world and one of the biggest producers of aircrafts.

"Striking a partnership with such a prestigious company is hugely beneficial to Derby County and it is a partnership with a long-term future.

"Our vision for this partnership goes beyond the shirt sponsorship and we have exciting plans that will benefit both companies and the wider community in Derby.

"Both Derby County and Bombardier have their roots entrenched in the local community and that remains their key focus.

"We both recognise the vital role we have to play in community life in Derby and the responsibilities that come with it. This partnership means, together, we can deliver more.

"They employ a huge number of people in the area and many of their employees are our supporters; this is another common link we share."

Bombardier employs around 2,000 people at its Derby site, which was established in 1876.

The deal will bring the company an increased profile locally, nationally and internationally with its brand exposed to a wide new audience.

And Bombardier's Chairman in the UK, Colin Walton, said: "The sponsorship programme will give Bombardier the perfect opportunity to give something back to the Derby community that has supported it so well for many years."

He added: "I'm delighted that Derby County approached Bombardier to support the club. We are particularly pleased with how the club is working closely with the local community and we look forward to developing closer ties with the Rams.

"We see this as one way of thanking the people of Derby for their support to us over the years, as the last remaining UK train manufacturer."

Derby County's 2008/09 home kit - complete with Bombardier logo - will be revealed for the first time at 6pm tonight (Monday June 30) at a city centre event where fans will also have the chance to meet and greet some of the Rams' new signings.

Festivities get underway at 5.30pm when Ram FM DJs Dino and Pete will take to the stage at the Market Square ahead of the big reveal.

Five of the Rams' new summer signings - Nathan Ellington, Kris Commons, Paul Green, Jordan Stewart and Paul Connolly - will be on hand to unveil the new adidas-manufactured strip to the Derby faithful and meet supporters.

About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation has its global headquarters in Berlin, Germany with a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide. The Group offers the broadest product portfolio and is recognized as the leader in the global rail sector.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.