Government of Canada Invests in Emerging Technologies

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 15, 2013) - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced an investment in Apollo Machine & Welding Ltd. through the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). This support will allow the Edmonton-based company to improve its processes and its output, greatly benefiting the oil and gas industry.

"Thanks to funding provided through NRC IRAP, businesses across Canada and right here in Edmonton, like Apollo, are doing innovative work to take their ventures to the next level," said Minister of State Rickford. "These businesses are the motor of the Canadian economy, and our government will continue to put in place the right conditions for them to create jobs, grow and secure their long-term prosperity."

In business for more than 40 years, Apollo Machine & Welding Ltd. provides world-class machining, milling and laser cladding for the global oil and gas industry. Laser cladding, which uses high-performance lasers to weld different types of metals onto existing metal parts, not only restores parts but also makes them stronger and more sustainable. In 2007, Apollo became the first Canadian company to offer this innovative technology.

"The financial support provided by the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program has allowed us to make technological advancements that propel us to yet a higher level of Canadian ingenuity," said Laurie Willis, CEO, Apollo Machine & Welding Ltd.

Apollo will receive up to $172,800 from NRC IRAP to enhance its laser cladding process-a technique that can extend the lifespan of metal parts for the oil and gas industry by 60 percent.

"This investment is great news for an important business in our community," explained James Rajotte, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Leduc. "I congratulate everyone at Apollo for their hard work and innovation to date and for successfully securing this NRC IRAP investment. These types of investments enable local businesses to continue to grow and become even more competitive in today's global economy."

NRC IRAP provides a range of technical and business-oriented advisory services, as well as necessary financial support, to qualified innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada. It engages in cost-shared research and development (R&D) projects with its clients. Firms helped by NRC IRAP are better equipped to perform basic R&D, commercialize new products and processes, and access new markets, allowing them to grow and thrive.

With a focus on getting more ideas to market, NRC works with industry to bridge the gaps between research and commercialization and to build a more innovative Canadian economy that reflects today's global realities.

NRC is a research and technology organization focused on real-world applications and the needs of Canadian businesses. NRC provides Canadian industry with access to the strategic R&D, technical services and specialized scientific infrastructure it needs to excel on the global stage.