Research & Innovation, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

Province invests in Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

Ontario is investing the future of the province’s manufacturing sector by bringing together students and businesses to provide hands-on applied learning and innovative business solutions.

The province is investing $4.2 million to help build a permanent, high-tech manufacturing facility at Niagara College.

The Niagara College Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre will provide Ontario-based manufacturers with access to state-of-the-art equipment and research facilities, as well as the expertise and business services of faculty and students. These services will help reduce production costs and minimize production time, and bring the talent and skills of Niagara College’s students together with local industry.

Supporting business innovation and postsecondary education is a key part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

“Ontario’s funding for a permanent home for our Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre will provide local manufacturers with increased access to leading-edge facilities, equipment, technical expertise, training and services. The centre’s community will boost the regional economy by developing commercialization solutions, innovating products and processes, and expanding into new markets.”
–Dr. Dan Patterson, President, Niagara College

QUICK FACTS
  • Ontario committed to support a permanent facility for the centre in its 2014 Budget.
  • Advanced manufacturing innovation programs began in May 2013, led by Niagara College Research and Innovation.
  • Niagara Research and Innovation provides real-world solutions for business, industry and the community through applied research and knowledge transfer activities, including projects with Niagara-based Kwik Mix and St. Catharines-based W.S. Tyler.
  • More than 850 small and medium-sized enterprises operate in the Niagara region.

 

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“Investing in modern, innovative facilities like the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre is vital to Ontario’s future economic growth. By connecting students with local businesses, this centre will provide students with the hands-on applied learning they need in the 21st century knowledge economy, while boosting productivity for manufacturers. Together, these benefits will help create the next generation of manufacturing in Ontario.”
–Reza Moridi, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

“Our government is focused on ensuring that economic recovery is felt in the in every part of the province, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre is sure to make a strong impact here in Niagara. Investing in knowledge transfer at Niagara College will train tomorrow’s business leaders, and generate a positive climate for local businesses to create jobs and attract investment.”
–Jim Bradley, Deputy Government House Leader and MPP for St. Catharines

“We wish the Niagara College Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre all the best as they begin building their new home. Niagara College Research and Innovation provided Abatement Technologies with a lower cost prototype for our hospital-grade air filtration units – reducing production costs and increasing sales by seven per cent. We thoroughly enjoyed working with both faculty and students to address our engineering challenges and would recommend the centre to any manufacturing company looking to optimize their performance.”
–Andrew Harber, General Manager, Abatement Technologies