Advanced Manufacturing Bid Named One of Canada’s Five Superclusters

· by Whitney Eames

Regional Benefits will Extend to Hamilton and its Business Community

Ottawa, ON, Thursday, February 15, 2018 — Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced today that a strategy to build an Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster for Canada has qualified for federal investments under the Government of Canada’s Innovation Superclusters Initiative.

The proposal to the Innovation Superclusters Initiative was led by Linamar Corporation on behalf of a coalition of more than 140 partners. Linda Hasenfratz, CEO of Linamar and Chair of the newly incorporated Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGM Canada), calls the focus on advanced manufacturing critical to the economic prosperity of Canada.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster presents a tremendous opportunity to bring the twin strengths of Canada’s manufacturing and technology sectors together to create sustained growth,” said Hasenfratz. “NGM Canada will support collaborative, industry-led projects, as well as support the creation of new tools, testbeds and infrastructure to help create the next generation of manufacturing firms.”

Jayson Myers, former head of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, is the new CEO of NGM Canada. Myers says the Supercluster will also focus on developing a robust ecosystem to support companies.

“Using a hub and spoke model, our strategy aims to ensure manufacturers and technology firms have access to all of the resources they need to be successful,” said Myers. “Whether firms need help with technical assessments, pilot and testing facilities, sales and marketing strategies, talent acquisition, skills development, or go-to-market advice, the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster ecosystem will provide a network of support and services to accelerate technology adoption in manufacturing firms and generate new customers and scale-up opportunities for technology firms.”

Advanced manufacturing is a crucial driver of Canada’s economic growth. Southwestern Ontario has overlapping density in both manufacturing and technology firms. Leveraging more than $800M in proposed investments by industry and the federal government, NGM Canada will create new opportunities for firms, supply chains, communities, and thousands of Canadians employed in key industry segments like automotive, steel production, wood products, food and beverage production, microelectronics, and Information and Communications Technologies.
Reaction in the Hamilton area to today’s announcement has been positive.

“Our organization, in partnership with other leading chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, has helped advance this bid for more than a year,” said Keanin Loomis, President and CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “This success story is the result of teamwork that leverages the strength of individual communities and the power of private-public sector cooperation.”

“Now it’s time to maximize a golden opportunity to expand our local area manufacturing base through investment, regional collaboration and global trade. We’re poised to create value for a growing number of manufacturers keen to adopt new technologies and processes.”

One key local example is ArcelorMittal Dofasco, an early supercluster funding partner, supply chain champion and pacesetter under the leadership of President and CEO Sean Donnelly.

The City of Hamilton recognizes the long-term impact on local jobs, prosperity and quality of life.

“As a centre of advanced manufacturing, we welcome the opportunity for our leading companies to work within a significant supercluster,” said Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “The investment provided by the federal government, joined with the research assets of our local colleges and universities, will see real gains in innovation leading to new products, processes and markets. This is an important reminder that we still make things to a world class standard in Hamilton and Southwestern Ontario.”

Local postsecondary education institutions are set to contribute in several important ways.

“McMaster is proud to be able to bring its expertise and world class talent to this outstanding advanced manufacturing partnership,” said University President Patrick Deane. “Hamilton will be just one of the communities to benefit as together we drive innovation and new opportunities to build Canada’s economic future.”

Adds Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie: “Advanced manufacturing is a key driver of our regional and national economy. It’s also a strategic focus of our programs, projects and partnerships at Mohawk College. Mohawk is committed to working with our partners in industry, government and education to further strengthen our country’s competitiveness on the world stage.”

These organizations, and others, will participate in Canada’s Innovation Corridor Summit devoted to “Building Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster.” This regional gathering will take place at Royal Botanical Gardens on June 26, 2018. Visit corridorsummit.ca to learn more.

For more information on Next Generation Manufacturing Canada or the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, please visit http://www.ngmcanada.com.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Hamilton Area Perspective

Marie Nash, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
905-522-1151 x 245 | Cell 905-741-7164
m.nash@hamiltonchamber.ca

National Perspective

Jayson Myers, CEO
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada info@ngmcanada.com

About Next Generation Manufacturing Canada

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada is a network of private and public-sector organizations working together to ensure that Canada is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. NGM Canada will position Canadian companies as global leaders in advanced manufacturing technologies, support them in the world’s most competitive advanced manufacturing supply chains, and develop the world’s most talented advanced manufacturing workforce, creating economic prosperity for all Canadians.

Click HERE for a PDF of the press release