Harper Government Supports Innovation in Western Canada

News Release

March 13, 2015 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Western Economic Diversification Canada

Corresponding Document : Photo Gallery

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced $5 million in support to the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre (OIC) to develop an Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub (ADMH) to meet the prototyping and commercialization needs of Canadian businesses.

Additive manufacturing is a technology that builds 3D objects by adding layers of various materials, such as plastics and metals to create solid three-dimensional objects.

WD’s investment will go towards the purchase of metal additive manufacturing equipment by the OIC, which will aide in the testing, development, precision measurement, and fabrication of advanced orthopaedic materials and technologies.

This funding represents one component within a larger strategic project that will see OIC partner with Stratasys, a world-renowned additive manufacturing company, to establish its first Canadian presence in Winnipeg.

Quick Facts

OIC is a non-profit corporation that focuses on the commercialization of orthopaedic technologies through strategic collaboration with post-secondary institutions and industry.
Technologies include the development of new prosthetics, lubricants, and related products.
It is estimated that the additive manufacturing industry is expected to surpass $6.9 billion by 2019.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to ensuring Western Canadians have access to innovative technology and skills training opportunities. The Orthopaedic Innovation Centre will establish a unique Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub, benefiting the medical device, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors."
- The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

"Additive manufacturing allows engineers and surgeons at OIC to design medical devices that will also allow for patient specific solutions in ways that were not possible with conventional manufacturing methods. The Advanced Digital Manufacturing Hub is a unique opportunity for OIC and its strategic partners to create a factory of the future. Partners including Stratasys, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, Magellan Aerospace, EOS of North America, Western Economic Diversification, and the Province of Manitoba will accelerate the path of commercializing additively manufactured end products made from specialized metal powders and polymer materials for both the medical and aerospace industries in Manitoba and the rest of Canada."
- Martin Petrak, President & CEO, Orthopaedic Innovation Centre Inc.

"Stratasys Direct Manufacturing aims to expand access to 3D printing in and across Canada. By establishing local presence in Winnipeg and leveraging strategic partnerships with organizations like the Orthopedic Innovation Center, we look forward to driving the innovation and commercialization of new applications in the medical and aerospace markets using additive technologies."
- Jim Bartel, Senior Vice President, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing Inc.

"Partnering with the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre allows us to bring industrial 3D printing to a team of renowned surgeons, scientists, engineers, and technologists to offer innovative research and products for both medical and aerospace applications. These types of relationships are scalable across all of Canada and provide opportunities that will enhance our world."
- Andrew Snow, Senior Vice President, EOS of North America Inc.

Additional Links

Contacts

Emily Goucher
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-954-8097
Email: emily.goucher@wd-deo.gc.ca

Dale Kellington
VP Business Development
Orthopaedic Innovation Centre Inc.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone: 204-926-1297
Email: dkellington@orthoinno.com

WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Harper Government Supports Innovation in Western Canada

News Release

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