March 14, 2011
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $5.9 million for 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 Minister Yelich. “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 over $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 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 Mr. 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.
Following today’s announcement, Minister Yelich will visit the Neeginan Institute of Applied Technology located at 167 Higgins Avenue. The Institute, which is operated through the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development, (CAHRD), provides programming to assist Aboriginal students become skilled workers in the aerospace 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. Funding for the projects announced today is being provided through the Western Diversification Program.
For Broadcast Use
The Government of Canada is investing $5.9 million in the Centre for Non-Destructive Inspection Technologies (CNDI) and the Centre for Aerospace Training and Technology (CATT). The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced the funding under the Western Diversification Program. The two leading-edge technology centres will help make Manitoba’s aerospace, transportation and manufacturing sectors more competitive.
For additional information, contact:
Lloyd Suchet
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Email: Lloyd.Suchet@wd.gc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Non-destructive testing (NDT) allows for testing of materials, components, and structures without damaging the object being tested, and helps ensure product quality and reliability by detecting hidden flaws.
NDT is a key production tool commonly used by manufacturers and industry to remain competitive. It is a proven and cost-effective method of inspecting materials or components in their entirety, as opposed to merely inspecting a sample.
NDT plays an important role in everyday life to ensure safety and reliability. NDT inspection is used in aircraft, automobiles, pipelines, bridges, trains, and buildings.
Centre for Non-Destructive Inspection Technologies (CNDI)
The Centre for Non-Destructive Inspection Technologies (CNDI) 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. These technologies include x-ray tomography, ultrasonic imaging, structural health monitoring, and data analysis. This equipment allows companies to detect hidden flaws in materials more efficiently and with greater confidence without damaging the materials.
The Centre will be located on a Red River College industrial campus at Magellan Aerospace in Winnipeg.
Centre for Aerospace Training & Technology (CATT)
Established in 2009, the Centre for Aerospace Training and Technology is a state-of-the-art research and training facility that provides access to technology for Manitoba’s manufacturing, aerospace and transportation sectors. The Centre is located on a Red River College industrial campus at Standard Aero.
The CATT expansion will include new equipment such as a two-arm seven axis robot, a plastic welding machine, a rapid prototyping unit, and a gas metal arc welder (GMAW).
The new robotics training lab at Red River’s Notre Dame campus will include multi-axis teaching robots, a GMAW, a gas tungsten arc welder (GTAW), and robotic welding accessories. Together, CATT and the new lab at Red River College will be the most specialized robotics facility in Manitoba.
