October 13, 2011
Devon, Alberta
Small- and medium-sized firms that supply fabricated metal and machinery required for oil sands development will be able to increase their productivity and competitiveness thanks to the establishment of the Alberta Metal Fab Innovation (AMFI) Program.
A federal investment of $1.5 million towards the initiative was announced today by James Rajotte, Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Leduc, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
“Our Government’s investment towards establishing the Alberta Metal Fab Innovation Program will ensure western Canadian companies can access the resources, equipment and expertise needed to maintain their competitive position as suppliers for the oil sands,
” said MP Rajotte. “This is an important way in which our Government is working to create jobs and opportunities for economic growth.
”
By providing firms with access to specialized equipment, demonstrations and business expertise, the AMFI Program is designed to support Western Canada’s fabricated metal and machinery sector to successfully compete on procurement opportunities related to oil sands projects.
“The AMFI Program is highly responsive to the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses supporting the energy sector,
” said Gary Albach, President and CEO of Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF). “The modern fabrication technologies provided through the AMFI, including the automated welding equipment and supports like training, add value to an important industry sector vital not only to Alberta, but to Canada.
”
Through new welding and automation equipment, as well as the expansion of existing facilities and lab space, this initiative will enable firms to develop and test new technologies, products and processes that result in productivity improvements and enhanced capabilities to access oil sands supply chains.
“This initiative represents an important collaboration in a sector that is of great significance to our province
”, said Dr Lorne Babiuk, Vice-President (Research) at the University of Alberta. “We are delighted to be a partner in the Alberta Metal Fab Innovation Program.
”
The AMFI Program will enable and leverage the combined resources of the Alberta Innovates–Technology Futures research facility in Devon, Alberta, and the Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining at the University of Alberta’s Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley, Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (780) 495-6892
Sandra Robertson. Communications
Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures
Telephone: (780) 994 7907
Brian Murphy, Marketing and Communications
University of Alberta
Telephone: 780-492-6041
Cellular: 780-235-6267
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
