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The Government of Canada and the New Brunswick Innovation Fund have contributed $5.45 million to the University of New Brunswick’s Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, which will help revolutionize the marine industry in Atlantic Canada.

Wayne Long, MP for Saint John-Rothesay, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, joined representatives from MAMCE, the New Brunswick Innovation Fund and Irving Shipbuilding Inc. at an announcement at UNB Saint John.

The Government of Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $5 million to MAMCE through ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund. NBIF is contributing $450,000.

The project will support the expertise and infrastructure required to build a strong foundation for the advancement of additive manufacturing in Atlantic Canada, including top researchers, graduate students, and research assistants focusing on research and development, commercialization and skills and technology transfer. Additionally, MAMCE will purchase a next-generation 3D printer to assist with its services to industry.

The goal is to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques through additive technologies and address issues encountered in marine and other sectors including corrosion, fatigue and harsh temperatures.

Other organizations have previously contributed to MAMCE’s project, including Mitacs, Irving Shipbuilding Inc., and Lockheed Martin Canada.

Quotes

“UNB believes strongly in the power of innovation and partnership in advancing our province. That is why we launched the first centre in Canada for 3D metal printing for the marine industry.”
- Dr. Eddy Campbell, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of New Brunswick

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and competitiveness on a global scale. This means investing in research and development to place Canada at the leading edge of disruptive manufacturing technologies.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Additive manufacturing is poised to fundamentally change the way things are made. With this support from the Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Atlantic Innovation Fund, UNB’s Marine Additive Centre of Excellence is well positioned to further drive innovation and cultivate strategic partnerships with manufacturers in the marine industry, while equipping them for global success.”
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John - Rothesay

“We at the NBIF are thrilled to support MAMCE’s mission to accelerate the adoption of metal additive manufacturing technology in New Brunswick. As an innovation capacity building project, the MAMCE initiative aligns with our mandate and will bring infrastructure, expertise and knowhow to the Atlantic region. This project and the work of Dr. Mohammadi is one of the most exciting initiatives we’ve seen in recent years and we’ve been proud to support him through this and other research projects. This is sure to attract major corporations to the province and we anticipate a significant impact from the Atlantic Canadian manufacturing companies that choose to adopt the technology.”
- Cathy Simpson, Chair of the Board of Directors, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation

Contacts

• Ann Kenney, Senior Communications Officer, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 506-452-3687
• Sonya Gilks, Communications Director, University of New Brunswick, 506-453-4546
• Vanessa Matthews, Communications, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, 506-452-8598
• Mary Keith, Vice President Communications, J.D. Irving, Limited, 506-632-5122