The federal government, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $3.5 million funding for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic) to establish a new composite-based product innovation centre in Alberta.
It helps local manufacturing companies and entrepreneurs to develop new products using composite materials. SAIT Polytechnic and Alta Injection Molding (AIM) will partner to construct and equip the new center, which will provide several commercialization services ranging from product design and analysis to manufacturing and packaging. In addition, customers can receive assistance related to patents, business partnership and investor relationship.
The center will enhance the commercialization and production of new products based on composite materials in Alberta. In addition, it will provide opportunities to educate students who plan for careers in the growing composites industry. Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, remarked that the production of new products using composite materials is a major opportunity for local entrepreneurs to develop their companies and expand their markets.
Composites are reinforced plastics used in the production of a wide range of products, including commercial aircraft components, corrosion resistant pipes, automobile parts, sporting goods and others. The use of composite materials offers various benefits such as durability, design flexibility, corrosion resistance, lighter weight and higher strength.
GM of Alta Injection Molding, Brett Darichuk, stated that the new composite materials facility will support the growth of Alberta's manufacturing industry and will also help entrepreneurs to bring their innovative ideas to market.