Federal and Provincial Support will Help Revolutionize Marine Industry in Atlantic Canada
News release
July 25, 2018 – Saint John, N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
To remain competitive in today’s world, Canadian manufacturers need to adopt innovative new technologies, including additive metal manufacturing processes. Thanks to investments by the Government of Canada and the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, the University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will help to revolutionize the marine industry in Atlantic Canada.
Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), joined officials with UNB’s Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (MAMCE), the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation and Irving Shipbuilding Inc., to make the announcement today.
This project will support the expertise and infrastructure required to build a strong foundation for the advancement of additive manufactuing in Atlantic Canada, including top researchers, graduate students, and research assistants focusing on research and development, commercialization and skills and technology transfer. MAMCE will also purchase a next generation 3D printer to assist with its services to industry. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques through additive technologies, and address issues encountered in marine and other sectors such as corrosion, fatigue, and harsh temperatures.
The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $5 million to this project through ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund, while the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation is contributing $450,000. Other partners that have previously announced support to this project at MAMCE include Mitacs ($616,000), Irving Shipbuilding Inc. ($750,000), and Lockheed Martin Canada ($1.6 million).
This project builds on the federal and provincial governments’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which prioritizes innovation. ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund also delivers on the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, which is designed to spark growth and help Canada realize its potential as a global leader in innovation.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and competitiveness on a global scale. This means investing in research and development to place Canada at the leading edge of disruptive manufacturing technologies.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Additive manufacturing is poised to fundamentally change the way things are made. With this support from the Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund, UNB’s Marine Additive Centre of Excellence is well positioned to further drive innovation and cultivate strategic partnerships with manufacturers in the marine industry, while equipping them for global success.”
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John - Rothesay
“We at the NBIF are thrilled to support MAMCE’s mission to accelerate the adoption of metal additive manufacturing technology in New Brunswick. As an innovation capacity building project, the MAMCE initiative aligns with our mandate and will bring infrastructure, expertise and knowhow to the Atlantic region. This project and the work of Dr. Mohammadi is one of the most exciting initiatives we’ve seen in recent years and we’ve been proud to support him through this and other research projects. This is sure to attract major corporations to the province and we anticipate a significant impact from the Atlantic Canadian manufacturing companies that choose to adopt the technology.”
- Cathy Simpson, Chair of the Board of Directors, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
“UNB believes strongly in the power of innovation and partnership in advancing our province. That is why we launched the first centre in Canada for 3D metal printing for the marine industry.”
- Dr. Eddy Campbell, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of New Brunswick
Quick facts
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Manufacturing provides jobs to 78,300 people in Atlantic Canada. In 2016, total manufacturing contributed $7.2 billion to Atlantic Canada’s GDP.
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In Atlantic Canada, only 32% of firms have implemented digital technologies (source: Business Development Canada). To grow this number, the Government of Canada is collaborating with partners to develop a shared vision and focused strategy.
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The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is committed to helping Atlantic Canadian manufacturers integrate new, innovative technologies into their traditional practices. ACOA’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Assessments are a new initiative designed to assist manufacturers who are seeking innovative solutions to increase their efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/eng/publications/FactSheetsAndBrochures/Pages/Home.aspx?ProgramID=
Contacts
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3687
Sonya Gilks
Communications Director
University of New Brunswick
506-453-4546
Vanessa Matthews
Communications
New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
506-452-8598
Mary Keith
Vice President Communications
JD Irving Group of Companies
506-632-5122
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