VANCOUVER, Sept. 11, 2017 /CNW/ -  MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ('MDA' or the 'Company') ( TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has signed a contract for CA$2.4 million with the Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP), the world's largest pulp and paper group, and part of the Sinar Mas group of companies.  MDA will provide a near real-time Forest Alert Service to assist APP in demonstrating to its stakeholders that they are meeting their zero deforestation commitments, underpinning their Forest Conservation Policy.  With access to MDA's monthly forest change detection alerts, APP will be able to assure stakeholders that natural forested areas were not cleared in connection with the production of their products.

MDA produces accurate (5.0 metres resolution) forestry change detection products by applying proprietary algorithms and visualization tools to stacks of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery collected from its RADARSAT-2 satellite. Through subscribing to MDA's Forest Alert Service, users receive monthly or bi-annual reports on forest changes that include geospatial information showing the exact location and estimated size of changes.  This information can be used to safely manage operations, comply with regulatory reporting requirements, and reduce risks to the environment.  With years of expertise in the radar and optical remote sensing market, MDA is well positioned to provide actionable information from multi-sensor solutions.  MDA's team of experienced analysts can provide custom analysis and reporting over specific areas of interest to further mitigate risks to personnel, assets, and the environment.

MDA will capture RADARSAT-2 imagery over a 3,500,000-hectare pulpwood supply area for APP, and provide an alert feed directly to their operations team, on a 24-day cycle.  This frequent data feed will allow the APP Group to monitor its suppliers forest concessions and detect illicit activities, such as illegal clearing, encroachment, and other sources of forest loss.  RADARSAT-2 offers the ability to monitor large areas of forest economically while still being able to detect selective logging.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide. MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development. MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com  

About SSL MDA Holdings

SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA businesses. SSL MDA Holdings is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ('MDA' or the 'Company') with respect to future events and financial performance.  The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a contract.  Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends.  The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts not being terminated.  Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: risks associated with operating a satellite including in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; quality issues, failure of systems to meet performance requirements, potential for product liability, or the occurrence of defects in products or systems could result in lost revenue and harm to the Company's reputation; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards, or failure to maintain technological advances and offer new products to retain customers and market position.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.

Contact

Wendy Keyzer | MDA Media Contact | 1-604-231-2743 | wendy@mdacorporation.com

Marissa Poratto | MDA Investor Relations | 1-604-331-2044 | mporatto@mdalimited.ca

SOURCE MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.