Ontario college opens $2.8 million advanced manufacturing centre

Canadore College has cut the ribbon on a new advanced manufacturing centre it says will help spur innovation for local businesses to get new products to the marketplace.

The $2.8 million Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing (ICAMP) at the post-secondary institute located in North Bay, Ont., includes a host of equipment to aid in the conceptualization, design, prototyping and testing of new product for local small and medium-sized manufacturers.

“This facility brings innovation, applied learning, leadership and partnership to life,” Canadore president George Burton said in a release about the centre.

ICAMP will act as an incubator facility designed for industry to assist in technology transfer, act as a retention tool and stimulate business growth.

“Manufacturing is vital to northern Ontario’s economy and ICAMP will help ensure the sector’s sustainability and continued success,” Minister of State for Science and Technology and FedNor Greg Rickford said.

FedNor contributed $1 million to the centre, while the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. chipped in another $1 million. The remaining $800,000 was put up by the college and private industry, according to Canador spokesperson Carrie Richmond.

“Our government is continuing to support growth and innovation across Northern Ontario, and we are very pleased to invest in this wonderful and exciting project,” Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle said. “The ICAMP project will certainly expand the potential for northern Ontario’s economic growth and offer companies the ability to design and develop new products and technologies that will stimulate job creation and attract new industries to the region.”