News Releases - Emerging Technologies Thrive in Canada

July 20, 2009 — Ottawa, Ontario

Government of Canada recognizes Atlantic Industries Limited and Upland Technologies Incorporated as Canadian Innovation Leaders

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today recognized Cambridge-based Atlantic Industries Limited and Upland Technologies Inc. as Canadian Innovation Leaders. Atlantic Industries develops a wide range of innovative products for use in construction, transportation, public works, and the environment. Upland Technologies manufactures products for the automotive industry. 

"The Government of Canada believes that investments in science and technology are investments in Canada’s future," said Minister Goodyear. "Our ideas, innovation and inventiveness ensure our long-term economic competitiveness. Today, I am proud to recognize Atlantic Industries and Upland Technologies, successful Canadian firms, as Canadian Innovation Leaders."

From left to right: Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science & Technology), Dale Gaston, Vice President of Operations, Central Region, Atlantic Industries Limited, Pat Mortimer, Vice-President, Technology and Industry Support, National Research Council, Tony Rahilly, Director General, NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

Founded in 1965, Atlantic Industries Limited has become a world leader in developing efficient, engineered solutions in corrugated metal structures, modular steel bridges, mechanized stabilizing earth or MSE retaining walls, and other products used in infrastructure construction and renewal in the transportation, public works, mining, forestry and environmental sectors.

Upland Technologies Inc. brings over 150 years combined experience in the tube and sheet metal forming industries. The company has developed a full suite of machines offered to auto manufacturers. The company’s muffler lines are capable of producing mufflers with very low emission leakage rates. The company is now engaged in designing new specialized machines that will be able to manufacture hydro-formed automotive vehicle parts.

From left to right: Mohamed Gharib, President, Upland Technologies Inc., Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science & Technology), and Pat Mortimer, Vice-President, Technology and Industry Support, National Research Council

A Canadian Innovation Leader is a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) that demonstrates specific advances in research and development within its industrial sector. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) created the Canadian Innovation Leader Certificate Program to recognize Canadian firms that have successfully developed and applied innovative technologies.

"We are proud to recognize Atlantic Industries Limited and Upland Technologies Inc. as Canadian Innovation Leaders," said NRC President Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "Supporting small- and medium-sized Canadian firms demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to encouraging S&T investments, which is crucial for improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms and developing highly-skilled people to support small- and medium-sized business growth."

"Working with NRC-IRAP has allowed us to create innovative solutions in corrugated steel," stated Dale Gaston, Vice President of Operations, Central Region for Atlantic Industries Limited. "We’ve been able to engineer high quality, durable corrugated steel products for major industries like transportation, hydro, mining and forestry."

“Upland Technologies relied on innovation and technology to differentiate itself from other competitors and to place itself in a competitive position globally," said Upland President Mr. Mohamed Gharib. "Established in 2000, Upland today is the global leader in muffler making technology and is well positioned to take advantage of the changing landscape of global manufacturing."

About NRC and NRC-IRAP

The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The program is delivered by a field staff of 240 professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada.
NRC-IRAP is committed to working with small and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan has provided new resources of $200 million over the next two years to bolster NRC-IRAP support for innovative Canadian firms.