NGen funds project for digitization of Saskatchewan industrial mining suppliers

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is funding a project supporting the digitization of services for 200 companies that serve the industrial, mining and energy sectors in Saskatchewan.

The industry-led organization leading Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster is aiming to develop new clusters for innovation and commercialization, including this latest initiative with the Saskatchewan Industrial Mining Supplier Association (SIMSA).

“Supporting SIMSA’s digitization project speaks directly to this, linking SIMSA and its members with other businesses, organizations and clusters across the country,” says Jayson Myers, CEO, NGen. “It’s a huge step in building the ecosystem we need to position Canada as a global leader in advanced manufacturing technology.”

SIMSA represents 200 mining suppliers that are responsible for over $10 billion in revenues, $8 billion in GDP and 21,000 jobs. The pandemic has impacted the activities of the association, which included procurement events and trade shows that were critical to the survival of many of the member companies.

With the support of NGen, SIMSA is creating a new, digital platform, SIMSA Digital, that will allow members and members’ clients to continue to do business together by digitizing current practices and developing new partnerships and business opportunities.

The new platform also allows SIMSA and its members to link virtually to other mining industry associations across Canada, encouraging innovation and collaboration with new partners in both traditional and non-traditional industry sectors.

“SIMSA Digital will impact our members through the growth of direct and indirect revenues and exports, resulting in growth in GDP and number of employees,” said Eric Anderson, SIMSA’s executive director.

“The new platform also gives members the ability to attract foreign investment and buyers, and opens opportunities for collaboration, innovation, IP development and cross-channel selling, both domestically and internationally.”