In a recent announcement, the Canadian government has revealed plans to distribute more than $20.8 million in funding towards advancing 3D printing technology in British Columbia (BC). The initiative, which aims to make it easier for research organizations and businesses in the region to access this cutting-edge technology, was launched at the British Columbia Institute for Technology’s (BCIT’s) Centre for Applied Research and Innovation.
Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech and Minister of Emergency Preparedness Harjit S. Sajjan, who is also Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), unveiled the funding initiative. Out of the total funding, $1.9 million will be allocated to BCIT for the establishment of the Advanced Additive Manufacturing Technology (AAMTECH) hub in Burnaby, BC.
As the Canadian government representatives highlighted, Burnaby is experiencing rapid growth and has become a focal point for various industries that revolve around emerging technologies. AAMTECH is anticipated to benefit about 60 small and medium businesses and assist in the commercialization of nearly 90 products or services, creating almost 300 new jobs.
One of the major beneficiaries of this program is Garibaldi Glass Industries Inc., a company based in Burnaby. They will receive $4.625 million to add a second production line and acquire state-of-the-art 3D printing hardware. Additionally, they will receive $168,000 for workforce development. This injection of funds will not only expand Garibaldi’s production capacity but also enable them to enter new, unexplored industries.
Regarding this substantial investment in 3D printing infrastructure, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President of BCIT, stated, “Today’s announcement further supports the important work of the BCIT Centre for Applied Research and Innovation. It provides practical learning opportunities for BCIT students while offering industry-specific solutions. With PacifiCan’s funding for the new AAMTECH 3D Printing Hub, BCIT can expand our support across various sectors such as metals, composites, foods, and bio-manufacturing. Businesses, organizations, and our researchers and students now have a cutting-edge space to foster innovation in the 3D printing arena.”
Chris Mobius, VP of Operations at Garibaldi Glass, expressed enthusiasm for the support received, saying, “With recent funding from the Business Scale-up and Productivity fund and the Jobs and Growth Fund, we are solidifying Burnaby’s position as an innovative hub. As we expand globally, we remain committed to promoting innovation, creating opportunities, and strengthening the community we call home.”
Although Garibaldi Glass Industries Inc. does not list the energy sector as one of its customer bases, it is speculated that their entry into new markets could include oil and gas. The Canadian government recently guaranteed over $2 billion in loans for the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, which is set to significantly increase the transportation of crude oil from Alberta to Burnaby by early 2024. If this assumption holds true, the demand for products like pipeline sight glass may soar, assuming the Trans Mountain project stays on schedule.
Despite the mixed messages from the Canadian federal government about the future of the nation’s oil and gas industry, the price of fossil fuels is expected to remain important to the nation’s economy, especially if oil prices remain stable. In this scenario, additive manufacturing is likely to gain popularity. The PacifiCan funding is just the latest indication of the Canadian government’s commitment to bolstering the country’s manufacturing economy.
In February, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), a trade organization spearheading the Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing project, received an additional $177 million investment from the Canadian federal government. The 2022 budget allocated a substantial $750 million to the clusters through 2028. As the United States government considers an AM Forward small business investment fund (SBIF), it would be interesting to observe any potential collaborations between Canadian initiatives and similar projects in the US and other NATO member/partner nations.
Title: Global Collaboration & Timely Deliveries: The Backbone of Manufacturing for Critical Industries
[Blog post intro]
In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, industries like oil & gas require a special focus on international cooperation and meeting stringent production deadlines. In this blog post, we delve into the crucial aspects of ensuring smooth operations in critical sectors and how collaboration plays a pivotal role. Join us as we explore the significance of this interconnected ecosystem and the need for timely deliveries in meeting rigorous industry demands.
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1. Unveiling the Importance of International Cooperation
In the realm of critical industries such as oil & gas, the need for heightened international cooperation cannot be understated. These industries operate on a global scale, necessitating collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors across borders. By seamlessly integrating operations and sharing knowledge, stakeholders can harness synergies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver superior products and services.
2. Rigorous Deadlines: Meeting the Challenge Head-On
The manufacturing landscape for critical industries is characterized by unwavering production deadlines. Unlike conventional manufacturing processes, the urgency involved in catering to these sectors demands a tremendous level of agility. From exploration equipment and pipeline components to safety-critical parts, every aspect has to be delivered on time to maintain vital operations and ensure uninterrupted progress.
3. The Evolving Role of 3D Printing in Critical Industries
One technology that has gained significant traction in critical industries is 3D printing. Its ability to rapidly prototype, manufacture complex geometries, and optimize supply chains has revolutionized the manufacturing sector. To stay at the forefront of industry news and advancements, organizations can subscribe to updates from reputable news sources and avail offers from trusted third-party vendors in the 3D printing industry.
[Conclusion]
Successful manufacturing in critical industries demands a seamless blend of international cooperation and meticulous adherence to production timelines. As industries like oil & gas navigate the challenges of global collaborations and stringent deadlines, embracing technologies like 3D printing is indispensable for unlocking operational efficiency. By continuously staying abreast of the latest developments in the manufacturing landscape, organizations can ensure they are well-equipped to meet the unique demands of these critical sectors.
