Canada invests in Manitoba’s manufacturing sector
March 17, 2011
By Manufacturing AUTOMATION
The federal government is investing $5.9 million in Red River College to create and expand leading-edge facilities that will help improve the competitiveness of Manitoba’s aerospace, transportation and manufacturing sectors.
“Our government is pleased to be a part of these exciting projects, which will create a competitive advantage for key sectors in Manitoba’s economy,” said Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “This technology will enable local companies to produce better and more cost-effective products that will help create more jobs and opportunity in our communities.”
Since 2006, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has contributed more than $37.2 million to the aerospace industry across the west towards improving productivity, innovation and safety of aerospace technology and equipment.
The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), is investing: $4.4 million to establish the Centre for Non-Destructive Inspection Technologies (CNDI), allowing remote-access to a network of non-destructive imaging equipment; and $1.5 million to expand the capabilities of Red River College’s existing Centre for Aerospace Training and Technology (CATT) and establish a new robotics training lab at Red River College’s Notre Dame Campus.
“This investment by the federal government will allow Red River College to enhance its role in the aerospace sector, and support the growth of local companies like Bristol Aerospace and StandardAero,” said Stephanie Forsyth, president of Red River College. “Our students, staff and industry partners will benefit from access to new technology and the potential for innovative applied research projects.”
The CNDI facility will provide specialized inspection equipment and a network of portable “non-destructive” imaging equipment that can be used by industry right in their own facilities. This equipment allows companies to detect hidden flaws in materials more efficiently and with greater confidence without damaging the materials.
“We are pleased to partner with Red River College in this remarkable opportunity to enhance productivity through the use of non-destructive inspection technologies,” said Don Boitson, vice-president and general manager, Magellan Aerospace. “This investment in both infrastructure and manufacturing know-how is the kind of strategic investment that encourages growth through competitiveness in industry.”
Red River College will expand CATT’s onsite facilities at StandardAero and also create a new training lab at its Notre Dame Campus. The new lab will provide industry with affordable access to the specialized robotics it needs to stay competitive.
“We are excited about this next phase of CATT growth, as it will allow us to further expand our low heat input welding expertise and develop new component repairs that our customers want,” said Ian Smart, senior vice-president, Airlines & Fleets, StandardAero. “The collaborative effort with Red River College and Western Economic Diversification Canada is helping us provide better support to our customers and be more competitive in our markets.”
In addition to the new equipment, both projects incorporate education programs in non-destructive testing and advanced robotics, addressing key labour and skill shortages identified by industry.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, co-ordinates federal economic activities in the west and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
