Announcements - Launch of the 2006 Canadian Aluminium Transformation Technology Roadmap

March 30, 2007 — Saguenay, Quebec

The processing sector: a source of innovation in aluminium

Saguenay, Quebec, March 30, 2007 − The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council of Canada, and Pierre Coulombe, President of the National Research Council of Canada, are pleased to highlight the official launch of the 2006 edition of the Canadian Aluminium Transformation Technology Roadmap.

Jointly prepared by representatives of Réseau Trans-Al Inc. and of the National Research Council's Aluminium Technology Centre in Saguenay, in collaboration with numerous partners, this roadmap is a guide for businesses, organizations and individuals interested in the aluminium processing sector.

The Canadian Aluminium Transformation Technology Roadmap is the result of a vast research and survey operation conducted with more than 150 world experts and industry specialists. This one-of-a-kind resource provides objective information on markets, growth-generating technologies and equipment manufacturers and suppliers specializing in the aluminium sector. It draws an up-to-date portrait of Canada's aluminium processing sector by comparing it with that of other countries, thereby enabling entrepreneurs to identify the main niche areas offering market potential.

"The product of a consensus among industry representatives, the 2006 edition of the Technology Roadmap is the ideal guide for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises interested in starting up, innovating or expanding their operations. As the growth of aluminium processing will serve to stimulate the development of all other associated sectors, Canada's new government is proud to support the growth of this industrial technology cluster in order to make Canada a true world leader in aluminium processing," stated Minister Blackburn.

''This project exemplifies our government's commitment to growing a knowledge-based economy," said Minister Bernier. "Creating a Knowledge Advantage requires a strong foundation in science and technology. The federal budget projects over $4.3 billion in federal investments in research and development for 2007-2008 toward this goal.''

"Our work on this roadmap project, carried out in collaboration with Réseau Trans-Al, is a good example of how the National Research Council of Canada participates in creating competitive technology clusters on a global scale. These initiatives offer proof of our R&D and innovation leadership in key areas of Canadian prosperity, such as aluminium," said Mr. Pierre Coulombe.

"Canada has developed advanced knowledge in state-of-the-art technologies and must continue to build on these technologies. However, to maintain our edge, we also need to focus on such human issues as the acquisition of know-how and training. Ensuring the swift deployment of new production capabilities is also essential if we are to remain competitive," added Réseau Trans-Al Inc. President Jean Paré.

Canada's new government is proud to be a partner of the 2006 Canadian Aluminium Transformation Technology Roadmap, a project in which nearly two years of effort and more than $376,000 has been invested. Canada Economic Development granted $112,000 in non-repayable funding to Réseau Trans-Al Inc. for the project, while the National Research Council of Canada provided various services estimated at a value of more than $121,000.

A backgrounder is attached.

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Sources:

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