CPIA Composites member wins top innovation award

A new method of reducing costs during the manufacture of advanced carbon fibre composite parts for use in aerospace and defence structures has earned Toronto-based Integran Corporation the title of Innovative Business of the Year from the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).

The company, a member of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) specializing in high performance metal products, was selected for the top award for their Nanovar product, a low thermal expansion, very hard metal coating for carbon fibre reinforced tooling. According to Integran, Nanovar coating increases surface hardness by 15 times, adding durability and longevity to the tool resulting in reduced manufacturing costs and environmental impact by decreasing waste carbon fibre composite mould material.

The presentation was made at the CMEs Eighth Annual Canadian Innovation Awards, held at the St. Johns Convention Centre on Oct.22.

The CME presented a total of eight awards. In addition to Integran, Linamar Corporation, of Guelph, Ont., was awarded manufacturer of the year; Orphan Industries of St. Johns, Nfld., was awarded for productivity improvement; Novik Inc., of St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que., was awarded for new product design and commercialization; Eco-Tec Inc., of Pickering, Ont., was awarded for environmental technology; HLS Hard-Line Solutions Inc., of Dowling, Ont., was awarded for diversification of export markets; Measurand Inc., of Fredericton, N.B., was awarded for new technology; and Nova Scotia Power Inc. was awarded for the promotion of a healthy and safer workplace.

Given our current economic times, there perhaps has never been a greater time and a greater need for Canadian Business to be more innovative, said Jayson Myers, CME president. This years Canadian award winners are stories that all of Canada must celebrate. They are the key to strengthening Canadian competitiveness and solidifying Canadas place as a global leader in the future.

Profiles of all winning companies can be found on the CMEs website, www.cme-mec.ca/national/template_na.asp?p=101.