London, Ontario – Manufacturers in southern Ontario working on the production of innovative lightweight materials will benefit from Western University's new Fraunhofer Project Centre and a centre for commercialization of advanced manufacturing technology, thanks to an investment from the Harper Government. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), made the announcement today at the grand opening of the Fraunhofer Project Centre.
"Our Government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians," said Minister Finley. "By supporting the advanced materials manufacturing market, our Government is not only helping to create high-quality jobs, but we are also positioning this region to be a leader in the increasingly important field of lightweight construction."
With the Harper Government's $13.7 million contribution through FedDev Ontario, in addition to contributions from Western University, the City of London, the Government of Ontario and the private sector, the university is creating two Centres at its Advanced Manufacturing Park that focus on the composite materials industry. A composite is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different properties, combined with the goal of creating superior performance in the finished product.
Both Centres will create opportunities for businesses to develop and test innovative composite lightweight products, systems and materials for the automotive, aerospace, defence, construction, medical devices and renewable energy sectors. This will help to speed up the research and development process and help the region's manufacturers get their products out to the global market. It is anticipated that these Centres will create 20high-quality research and technical jobs. But more importantly, hundreds of businesses will be able to work with the Centres on new product development, potentially creating thousands of new jobs and benefiting communities and individuals all over southern Ontario.
The Fraunhofer Project Centre will offer a real-world manufacturing setting and complete production equipment. The Centre's relationship with the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology in Germany will allow businesses to access Fraunhofer researchers and expertise.
The centre for commercialization of advanced manufacturing technology will offer small- and medium-sized enterprises industrial research space, business services and access to research staff.
"Today's opening of the Fraunhofer Project Centre at Western represents a banner day for the University and for our great many institutional, community and industrial partners," said Western President, Amit Chakma. "FedDev Ontario's investment supports our efforts to create jobs and stimulate regional economic growth, while advancing scientific knowledge and innovation."
For more information on this project and the Prosperity Initiative, please see the backgrounder.
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Thomas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-960-7728
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
