News
February 15, 2018
Advanced Manufacturing bid named one of Canada’s five Superclusters
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.
For more information on Next Generation Manufacturing Canada or the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, please visit www.ngmcanada.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jayson Myers
CEO, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
jayson.myers@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.