News Releases - Government of Canada supports innovative research and development in London, Ontario

August 24, 2009 — London, Ontario

Mr. Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced a contribution to AV-BASE Systems Inc. from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

The funding supports an innovative research and development project that will assist AV-BASE Systems in developing state-of-the-art maintenance and inventory-control software for the aviation industry.

L to R: Bert Vergeer, Vice-President, AV-BASE Systems Inc., Mr. Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London

"Our government is working with leading-edge companies like AV-BASE Systems to make sure that the Canadian high-tech sector has the support it needs to grow in today’s competitive marketplace," said Mr. Preston. "The Government of Canada is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians’ quality of life."

This $348,082 contribution will support the company in researching and developing new technology that improves the way customers in the aerospace industry use AV-BASE Systems’ software to manage critical maintenance program information for aircraft. This advanced template design will improve the ability to manage component groups and assembly creation on and off the aircraft.

"Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms," said NRC President Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "That's why NRC-IRAP is helping innovative Canadian businesses such as AV-BASE Systems grow stronger, faster, and bigger."

AV-BASE Systems' software products are used by customers in the aviation industry for a wide range of operational needs, including streamlining maintenance and inventory control.

"NRC-IRAP is playing an important role in the success of the company," said Helen Vergeer, President of AV-BASE Systems. “The financial support we are receiving from NRC-IRAP will help us continue to innovate high-tech solutions for the global marketplace."

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.