Department of Industry of Canada : Windsor company receives $3 million to develop new automotive technologies

Funding will lead to lighter engines

January 10, 2017 - Windsor, Ontario - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Up to 70 high-quality jobs in Windsor's automotive sector could be created as a result of a Government of Canada investment announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

The funding of up to $3 million for Nemak of Canada Corporation, in partnership with Arbec Tool and Machine Ltd., will support the development of stronger engine blocks made of lightweight aluminum. These engine blocks will make cars lighter, more fuel-efficient and better for the environment.

These lightweight engine blocks will be produced by a fully automated robotic system, which itself is an innovation. This automated production system will allow Nemak to develop flexible manufacturing processes that will make the company more globally competitive.

The funding is being allocated through the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program, which supports research and development activities by small and medium-sized companies that provide components, parts and production systems for the automotive supply chain.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that drives economic growth and leads to better skills, jobs and opportunities for all Canadians. Key programs that support research and development activities in the auto sector include the Automotive Innovation Fund and the Automotive Suppliers Innovation Program.

Quote

'If Canada is to succeed in making the cars of the future, we must embrace greener, more sustainable technologies. These technologies will create the well-paying middle-class jobs of the future. Advanced research and development projects challenge today's autoworkers to enhance their skill set. By having a workforce with skills that are in demand and the technologies that will shape the future of the industry, Canada's auto sector can secure its place in the global supply chain of tomorrow.'

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• Nemak is a leading provider of innovative, lightweight solutions for the global automotive industry. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of aluminum components for powertrain and body-structure applications.
• Canada's auto sector is the country's second largest manufacturing industry, producing more than 2 million vehicles a year. That translates to roughly one car being manufactured every 14 seconds.
• The auto sector employs more than 125,000 Canadians directly and another 398,700 indirectly. The sector creates more spinoff jobs than any other. For every job created on an automotive assembly line, six jobs are created in various other sectors of Canada's economy.
• The Automotive Supplier Innovation Program supports research and development activities by small and medium-sized companies that produce new components, parts and production systems for Canada's automotive supply base. The program provides firms with new opportunities to participate in global supply chains.
• The Automotive Innovation Fund supports strategic and innovative investments by Canada's automakers as they build their research and development capacity and increase their ability to compete internationally.
• In Budget 2016, the Government extended the Automotive Innovation Fund to 2020-21.

Associated links

Follow Minister Bains on social media.
Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contacts

Philip Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
[e-mail]