New program offers $20M for Southern Ontario manufacturers

Nov. 18, 2014 – SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth is a new $20-million program that aims to help Southern Ontario manufacturers adopt advanced technologies, enhance productivity and expand global competitiveness.

Introduced by Gary Goodyear (in photo), minister of state for the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) on Monday, the funding program is administrated by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).

He made the announcement at the Advanced Manufacturing Summit co-hosted by McMaster University and CME.

Set to launch December 1, 2014, the program will provide funding for southern Ontario manufacturers who are exporting, planning to export, or selling into a supply chain, to conduct technology assessments and adopt advanced technologies. These technologies, such as robotics, 3D printing and automated materials handling, help to reduce manufacturers’ production costs and expand their production capabilities, said the agency, adding that this enables businesses to become more competitive and strengthens their ability to participate in global supply chains.

“Minister Goodyear’s announcement of the new SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth will benefit the bottom line of Ontario manufacturers as it will help them become more productive and more competitive, while enabling them to invest in new, leading-edge technologies,” said Jayson Myers, CME president and CEO. “We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this important initiative that will help manufacture the future of Ontario.”

CME expects more than 1,000 new manufacturing jobs will be created in southern Ontario and 2,500 jobs will be maintained through this program.

Applications are being accepted and assessed on an ongoing basis. CLICK HERE for eligibility requirements and further details.

Photo courtesy Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario.