Grant: Technology Access Centre

Manufacturing remains a leading economic sector in Ontario, representing over 40% of Canadian GDP and employment, 11% of Ontario’s GDP, and directly employing roughly 700,000 workers. Niagara’s manufacturing economy is predominantly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), of which more than 95% have fewer than 499 employees. The Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) contributes to building a resilient regional economy in Niagara with SMEs in the manufacturing sector and related value chain. Since its inception in 2014, our regional collaborative innovation model continues to achieve success, providing industry partners access to advanced technologies, equipment, services, and expertise not typically available to them due to various resource constraints. WAMIC plays an influential role in the applied research programming at Niagara College and acts as a champion of experiential learning by providing increased value to students across various disciplines, including Trades, Technology, and Business, thereby accelerating skills development, and boosting employment for in-demand career fields. WAMIC has reflected on its approach to best serve its primary audiences (industry, learners, and their communities) with its mandate to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness in Canadian SMEs through economic, workforce, and talent development. With the influence of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) on businesses, and the demand for increased technology adoption to compete globally, WAMIC’s target audiences have expanded to include industries such as agriculture and software development, positioned at the intersection of manufacturing, technology development, and deployment, where its solutions add value. This trend has occurred over the last 10 years; in response, WAMIC is adjusting to meet the evolving needs of its clients. By funding WAMIC for another 5 years, it will facilitate the expansion of its offerings in additive manufacturing, enhancing quality and accuracy through metrology, product design and development, and digitizing manufacturing in order to help companies transition successfully into the current industry 4.0 environment. This helps to build a stronger labour pool and skilled workforce; accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies; foster innovation, commercialization, and new product development; and create a competitive business environment in the region, and beyond.