Backgrounder: Government of Canada helping Edmonton-area businesses modernize operations and increase sales

The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries, and supply chains from the impacts of tariffs. Delivered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) in the Prairie provinces, RTRI strengthens the competitiveness of tariff impacted small- and medium-sized businesses by helping them to boost productivity, catalyze growth, and diversify markets.

Today, PrairiesCan announced $8,401,206.00 in RTRI investment for the following seven projects in the greater Edmonton area:

• Alta-Fab Enterprises Ltd.
  Enhance facilities and adopt advanced manufacturing processes to transform production of its Canadian made modular building solutions. This project will enable Alta-Fab to automate cabinetry manufacturing, upgrade facilities, improve welding equipment, and train staff so that the business can remain competitive and reduce production costs while creating quality jobs. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

• Akash Homes
  Responsibly incorporate artificial intelligence solutions and create a dedicated business operations team to tackle data fragmentation, strengthen processes and scale-up homebuilding across the Prairies. This project will enhance Akash Homes' ability to monitor and coordinate homebuilding activities, improving build efficiency and lowering construction costs. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

• Armtec Inc.
  Upgrade its Redwater, AB facility with a mobile culvert steel manufacturing mill to support the production of steel pipe products at remote sites. This project will reduce transportation costs and delivery times, increasing the competitiveness of Armtec products and offering benefits to customers across Alberta. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

• Flexxaire Inc.
  In phase one of a two-phase RTRI project, Flexxaire will advance automation at its Edmonton facility to enable 24/5 production and expand in-house manufacturing. This project will strengthen supply reliability and reduce unit costs, allowing the company to keep production in Canada while remaining competitive in global markets. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

• Flexxaire Inc.
  In phase two of a two-phase RTRI project, Flexxaire will expand its automated production systems, add specialized technical staff, and strengthen quality assurance capabilities to scale output from its Edmonton facility. This phase builds on the 24/5 operating model, enabling higher throughput, tighter process control, and the certifications required to access European markets, including CE marking. PrairiesCan is investing $2,401,206 in repayable funding in this project.

• Weldco-Beales Manufacturing
  Integrate automation and specialized welding processes to increase production of its specialized high-durability steel attachments that are used on heavy vehicles and equipment. Production efficiencies supported through this project will increase manufacturing capacity and enable sales growth in domestic and Latin American markets. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

• Whitemud Ironworks Limited
  Upgrade facilities and install equipment to increase on-site steel processing capacity and better enable the use of Canadian-sourced steel products. New equipment will include a crane system and a laser cutting table that will allow Whitemud Ironworks to customize steel products, reducing the reliance on imported custom steel products. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

Related products

• News release: Government of Canada helping Edmonton-area businesses modernize operations and increase sales

Associated links

• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in the Prairie provinces
• Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods