The federal government is providing more more than $2.5 million to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to establish the Alternative Construction Technologies Centre.

The construction industry is a major driver of Alberta’s economy, employing thousands of workers across the province and contributing billions in economic activity. Across Canada, this sector needs skilled talent to build the critical infrastructure, affordable housing, and facilities that Canadians use every day.

This new facility will bring together the manufacturing, automation and robotics, material science, and construction sectors to create innovative technologies used in the construction industry. It will be home to specialized equipment and laboratories that small- and medium-sized businesses can use to develop, test, and commercialize new products, processes and services. The result will be lower cost construction projects that can be completed faster, at a higher quality and with less environmental impact.

The Alternative Construction Technologies Centre will support approximately 50 small- and medium-sized firms, leading to approximately 50 new jobs and training for about 60 students and industry personnel over the next four years. It is expected to be fully operational by 2025.

“This investment in smart manufacturing and materials will create vital new opportunities to collaborate with industry in their efforts to advance faster, greener and more affordable home construction. As a leading talent provider and one of Canada’s top five research colleges, SAIT is committed to supporting the ongoing transformation of manufacturing and industrial processes in the construction technology sector as a key driver of economic growth throughout the province,” said Dr. David Ross, president and CEO, SAIT.