News Releases - Emerging Technologies Thrive in Canada

Government of Canada recognizes Sherwood Innovations Inc. as a Canadian Innovation Leader

October 19, 2009 — Ottawa, Ontario

Senator Nicole Eaton, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today recognized Toronto-based Sherwood Innovations Inc. as a Canadian Innovation Leader for its success in developing innovative automotive trim applications.

"The Government of Canada believes that funding in science and technology are investments in Canada's future," said Senator Eaton. "Our ideas, innovation and inventiveness ensure our long-term economic competitiveness. Today, I am proud to recognize Sherwood Innovations, a successful Canadian firm, as a Canadian Innovation Leader."

Left to right: Dr. Tony Rahilly, Director General, NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Leonard Coppetti, President of Sherwood Innovations Inc., Chris Cosentino, Chairman and CEO of Sherwood Innovations Inc., and Senator Nicole Eaton.

Founded in 1997, Sherwood Innovations is a tier 2 supplier to automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers worldwide. Supporting Canada's automotive industry through its unique wood, graphic and moulded dashboard products, Sherwood Innovations has grown quickly in the decade since its inception. By successfully developing and applying new technology to its manufacturing process Sherwood Innovations has positively impacted the Canadian economy, earning several prestigious industry certifications.

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.

"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 the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is helping innovative Canadian businesses such as Sherwood Innovations grow stronger, faster and bigger."

"The design, engineering and manufacturing of our products is a highly involved, highly evolved process," said Chris Cosentino, chairman and CEO for Sherwood Innovations. "NRC-IRAP's collaboration was essential for our project to succeed, due to the high cost of research and development."

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 increase NRC-IRAP's support for innovative Canadian firms.