Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Hudson Boat Works Inc. is a London, Ontario based company that manufactures Olympic class rowing racingshells for competitors around the world. Fanshawe College has been asked to assist in a multi-phased R&Dproject to create the world's first automated racing shell mechanical test stand. This is expected to help the firmincrease productivity, shorten the design cycle, improve product quality and ensure consistency all of the typesof boats it manufactures. A world leader in the racing shell technology since 1981, Hudson Boat Works hasprovided boats to many international rowing teams. Hudson boats have helped athletes win 73 medals at theOlympic and the World Rowing Championships since 1984. With its recent successes in the internationalmarketplace, having this unique piece of equipment will permit the company to produce even better boats,gain a greater competitive advantage, increase sales, and allow it to expand and hire more employees than itscurrent workforce of 45. A Hudson-Fanshawe College research team composed of two Fanshawe facultymembers from the School of Applied Science & Technology, two Hudson engineers and senior Fanshawetechnology students will collaborate on this Phase 1 project. Canada will benefit by supporting an SME that hasgreat growth potential and can make a contribution to regional economic development and job creation in anarea hit hard by the recent recession. Support of this project will ensure that Hudson Boat Works continues toinnovate in ways that add value for its customers. By doing so, it will further enhance Canada's reputation as aninternational leader in advanced manufacturing.