Read the press release | Learn more about the Federal Government’s Innovation Supercluster Initiative.

For several months, the Milton Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with other leaders across southern Ontario to champion the growth of manufacturing and technology in the Toronto-Waterloo corridor as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster Initiative.

The Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster Strategy will build on the overlapping density of manufacturing and technology in Southern Ontario.

There are three pillars to the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster strategy:

• co-invest in collaborative, industry-led projects in things like vision systems, AI, IoT, data security, robotics, advanced materials, and additive manufacturing
• support the creation of new tools, testbeds, and infrastructure to help create the next generation of manufacturing firms
• build out a robust ecosystem of supports and services that accelerate technology adoption in manufacturing i.e. technology readiness assessments, training and skills development, and go-to-market support

The Supercluster aims to create a critical mass of innovation activity with gravity powerful enough to attract talent, technology, investment, and customers from around the world.

Read more about the Federal Government’s Innovation Supercluster Initiative

Press Release from Next Generation Manufacturing follows:

News

For Immediate Release

Advanced Manufacturing bid named one of Canada’s five Superclusters

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada to lead national Industry 4.0 strategy

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.