The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic institution have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Saskatoon at the school’s campus. The new facility will focus on improving productivity, innovation and workforce development for the province’s manufacturing industry.
The Ministry of Economy will commit to an investment of $1.5-million in funding for the centre over the next three years. The first installment of $500,000 will be made this year.
“Manufacturing has been a key component to Saskatchewan’s unprecedented economic growth,” says Bill Boyd, Economy Minister. “This government’s $500,000 investment in the Centre of Excellence, announced in the 2013-14 Budget, shows that we place a high priority on sustaining and increasing the competitiveness and innovation of Saskatchewan’s manufacturing.”
The CME will work with the Ministry of Economy and Athabasca University to develop and deliver the centre’s programming. The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program will also provide support for the development and its programs.
“The partnership with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters is a perfect fit with our emphasis on applied learning and applied research,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO. “We’re looking forward to hosting the Saskatchewan Manufacturing Centre of Excellence on our campus, and to working with the centre to support growth in the province’s manufacturing sector.”
