Manufacturing and materials

To remain competitive in today's global market, Canadian manufacturers must reduce costs, improve products and minimize environmental impact. NRC's state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in product design and manufacturing processes helps Canadian manufacturers achieve their production goals.

The Industry Sector

Manufacturing is Canada's largest business sector, accounting for $163 billion (more than 18%) of our economic activity and employing more than 2 million people. It feeds significantly into other industries ($1 manufacturing output creates $3 in economic activity).

Local and global pressures – such as a high Canadian dollar, volatile energy costs, globalization, and increasing demand for greener products – are affecting Canada's manufacturing performance. Rising input costs and demand for lower prices mean that industry is continually being asked to do more with less.

Green engineering is becoming pervasive and manufacturers trying to adopt green products also need to find that this reduces manufacturing costs. The accelerating rate of innovation is challenging for SMEs which traditionally lack adequate R&D resources, yet are called upon to remain cost competitive while developing unique solutions and capabilities.

This Key Sector encompasses manufacturing in other NRC Key Sectors such as NRC-Aerospace, NRC-Automotive, and NRC-Construction. Advanced Materials and Manufacturing concepts will, primarily focus on these sectors with preferred impact on other sectors as needed. Several NRC institutes contribute to this sector industry, including NRC-IAR, NRC-IFCI, NRC-IMI and NRC-IRC?

Technology Platforms

• Advanced Material Concepts:
  • Light weight materials
  • Superior structural and functional performance
  • Green materials
• Innovative Processes:
  • Low cost fabrication and assembly
  • Easier maintenance
  • Higher productivity
• Decision-Aid Systems:
  • Multi-function design
  • Safety and fire resistance
  • Regulatory compliance

Innovation Platforms

• Access to the best technologies:
  • IRAP/CISTI Manufacturing Partnership Network helping transformers and manufacturers of materials add value and improve productivity
  • Linkages to universities and national and international networks
• Grow technology-based companies
  • Incubation in Industrial Partnership Facilities
  • Access to prototyping facilities of NRC
  • Linkages with venture capital

Fact sheet: