Minister Goodyear Highlights Importance of Manufacturing Innovation for Economic Growth

WINDSOR, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 28, 2014) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

FedDev Ontario Minister of State Gary Goodyear spoke to researchers and industry representatives from around the world today about the importance of innovation in manufacturing to help the sector survive and thrive.

More than 200 attendees are participating in the 47^th annual International Academy for Production Engineering Conference on Manufacturing Systems, taking place at the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation at the University of Windsor. The theme of this year's conference, being held for the first time in Canada, is "Variety Management in Manufacturing."

The Government of Canada is supporting the manufacturing sector through a number of different initiatives, including the $200-million Advanced Manufacturing Fund, delivered province-wide by FedDev Ontario.

Minister Goodyear also highlighted some successful manufacturing partnerships that are helping the region's manufacturers become more productive, competitive and export-oriented. These include the Fraunhofer Project Centre for Composites Research and the Catapult Centre for Technology Commercialization in London and the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre in Hamilton.

Quick Facts

• Manufacturing is a major economic sector for Canada, with revenues of $591 billion in 2013. In Ontario, revenues were $270 billion.
  
  
• Nearly 80,000 manufacturing establishments exist across the country and contribute enormously to national and local economies. More than 30,000 of these are in Ontario.
  
  
• Manufacturers generate the majority of exports in Canada, creating wealth and supporting the country's high standard of living.
  
  
• FedDev Ontario is currently accepting project proposals for the new Advanced Manufacturing Fund from manufacturers and not-for-profit organizations working with manufacturers in Ontario.
  
  

Quotes

"Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy. That's why the Government of Canada is committed to helping this sector grow and innovate. A key part of that process involves collaboration between the government, the research community and Canadian businesses, helping to bridge the gap between new ideas and the marketplace."

Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for FedDev Ontario

"It's a pleasure to welcome Minister Goodyear and the members of the International Academy for Production Engineering Conference on Manufacturing Systems to the University of Windsor to focus on the manufacturing sector, which has historically been the driving force of the Windsor economy. Through the partnerships forged between the community and the faculty and students of the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation, the University of Windsor is world-renowned for our advances in the field of manufacturing through education, breakthrough research and practical application. We are pleased to have this opportunity to showcase the important efforts developed here at the University of Windsor and internationally."

Dr. Alan Wildeman, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Windsor

Related Products

Ministerial Speech at the 47th CIRP Conference on Manufacturing Systems

Advanced Manufacturing Fund

Associated Links

47th CIRP Conference on Manufacturing Systems

Fraunhofer Project Centre for Composites Research

McMaster Automotive Resource Centre

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