There are many local organizations that can assist your business, not-for-profit, or government department to become more innovative and increase your productivity.

Organizations:

Productivity Alberta
This not-for-profit organization provides tools, programs and services that will make productivity enhancement a part of your company’s strategy for success. Measure your company with the Productivity Assessment Tool; bring in a process expert to do a walk around of your facility and provide recommendations; learn how you can reduce your energy costs at one of their seminars.

Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures: Welding Engineering Program
The hands-on welding engineering program can assist with solving your real world welding challenges and help you select the right welding technology to improve your productivity. The program has access to the Advanced Welding and Automation Technologies Lab in Devon, Alberta. The state-of-the-art lab includes multiple advanced power sources, mechanized and automated systems, heat treating equipment and virtual welder training systems. The equipment is used to conduct applied research, training, technology development, and service projects to support pipe, pressure vessel, structural, and weld overlay applications.

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)
The CME provides manufacturers with access to a broad range of services including advocacy, business intelligence, business opportunities and best practices. The CME can assist businesses to become more innovative through the Innovation Insights program which will connect you to technology and process best practices. Several workshops are offered locally that can assist your business in developing succession plans. The 2012 CME National Lean Conference is a great opportunity to network with and learn from businesses that are already applying lean manufacturing techniques.

NAIT
Whether you are looking for training solutions for your staff or an opportunity to test out new production ideas the NAIT Shell Manufacturing Centre is there to help local manufacturers. It offers 13 certificate programs that can improve the productivity of your employees. The Robotics, Automation and Control Certificate is the newest program and can help your staff develop and maintain the automated systems that are increasingly entering local manufacturing businesses. The Centre also provides Manufacturing Solutions through a state-of-the-art laboratory that can undertake applied research for manufacturing businesses.

University of Alberta
If welding is a big part of your manufacturing process then the Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining (CCWJ) should be high on your list of local resources. With a sophisticated lab featuring the latest in welding technology this Centre is focused on introducing Alberta businesses to new welding processes, procedures, materials, and technologies.

Programs:

Alberta Metal Fab Innovation Program (AMFI)
The Alberta Metal Fab Innovation [AMFI] Program is a unique company development opportunity designed specifically for the Alberta metal manufacturing and fabrication sector. The Program provides innovation and improvement opportunities for sector companies and stakeholders. Participants gain access to both production and business enhancement expertise developed and provided by some of Alberta’s top research, technology development and process improvement institutions.

Offered throughout the province, the AMFI Program is ‘made in Alberta for Alberta’. Expect exciting, interactive workshops that provide hands-on equipment demonstrations with the latest fabrication technologies; welding metallurgy and processes; capacity-building business development techniques for accessing energy markets; and opportunities for individual company coaching.

Development of Alberta’s energy and other natural resources remains the most significant driver of the provincial economy. As energy market supply chains become global, Alberta manufacturers and fabricators face unprecedented competition for their products and services. They also face cost and workforce challenges unique to Alberta, driven by some of the largest mega-project investment in the world. The AMFI Program is a designed to help increase your company’s efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in order to capitalize on these Alberta market opportunities. Then build on what you learn in the AMFI Program to help expand your markets beyond the province.

Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP)
If you have an innovative new product or service in need of a launch customer this new Federal program may be right for you. It is a $40 million pilot program (the funds are to be spent by March 2013) that can open the door to selling to the Government of Canada. If you think the program might be right for your business but would like help in wading through the details contact the local office at 780-497-3601 or by email at osme-bpme-wst@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

NSERC Partnerships
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) helps companies improve their productivity by providing financial support to hire undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students to assist in R&D activities. This can be a great way to “test drive” potential new employees, to take advantage of the skills and energy that students can bring to your business, and to compete for skilled labour in Edmonton’s tight labour market. NSERC also has a range of grant programs that may help your business further its R&D activities. The staff in the Prairies Regional office in Winnipeg is there to help you determine which NSERC programs would be a good fit for your business. Contact them by phone at 204-984-6462 or by email at nserc-prairies@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Additional Links:

Albertametal.ca
If metal fabrication is part of your business be sure to bookmark this website. It offers news, event listings, a newsletter, and more. The website also offers a directory of Alberta companies engaged in metal fabrication. If you are in the metal fabrication business chances are that you are already listed in the directory, but if not you should be. Take control of your listing today. It is a no cost way to connect your business with potential new customers and suppliers.