Manufacturing has cemented itself as an integral part of the regional economy, serving as both a standalone industry and a critical component to the success and growth of other industries.
Through extensive research, benchmarking and data analysis the following opportunities have been identified as prime candidates for international investment.
Manufacturing has cemented itself as an integral part of the regional economy, serving as both a standalone industry and a critical component to the success and growth of other industries.
From medical devices to intelligent farming equipment, from massive earth movers in the oilsands to nano-materials, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region is home to an incredible array of manufacturers and manufacturing capability.
The region is also home to a foreign trade zone, allowing companies to ship materials and unfinished products here where they can be manufactured or assembled and sold on to global markets as Canadian products within existing trade agreements. This is a major advantage in today’s challenging trade environment.
The region is also well connected by air, rail, and road to important global markets.
“What we have is an advanced manufacturing base with incredible technology and world-class expertise. We don’t need to look at going overseas to have manufacturing done. The benefit financially is to have it done here where the quality control and quality assurance is to the highest standards.”
– Cole Rosentreter, Founder and CEO, Pegasus Imagery
Cold weather specialization
As a great northern region, the winter environment has made our manufacturing sector one of the most resilient and specialized in the world, with knowledge on how to adapt to extreme climates anywhere.
Petrochemicals
Readily-available resources from Canada’s oilsands — the world’s 3rd largest oil deposit — and massive natural gas reserves, fuel a prosperous petrochemical cluster. Inputs are easily and affordably transported to the region where they are manufactured into $13.5 billion worth of hydrocarbon feedstocks such as propane, ethylene, cellulose acetate, and polyethylene each year.
A key component to the success of this industry is Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, the epicenter of petrochemical processing in Western Canada. More than 40 national and multinational companies operate in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, representing over $40 billion in current capital investment. Featuring world-class infrastructure and logistics support, the Heartland is the ideal location for industry investment.
Agri-tech
The Edmonton Metropolitan Region has a flourishing food and agriculture sector, providing an abundance of foodstuffs and associated food processing. In this growing business climate, industries are looking for ways to enhance the sector and make activities more profitable, efficient, and eco-friendly. The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is located on the Canadian Prairies, among the most productive agricultural lands on the planet. And 35% of Alberta’s best agricultural land is right here in our region. It’s one of the reasons we’re part of Canada’s plant protein supercluster.
Our strength in food and agriculture has lead to growth and innovation in the machinery manufacturing sector and more revolutionary farming approaches. Local experts are creating world-class air seeders, advanced spraying systems, precision GPS seeding technologies, and harvesting machinery, to name a few.
Alternative Energy
The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is diversifying its stronghold in the energy sector by adding alternative energy to the mix. By 2030, it’s projected that 30% of Alberta’s electricity will come from renewable sources. The region is ready for industry breakthroughs by harnessing the potential of its climate, expertise, and manufacturing capabilities.
Building equipment like solar panels and wind turbines to harness renewable energy requires a strong manufacturing presence. Given the region’s command of this sector, businesses will benefit from on-site servicing and production.
Nanotechnology
Though micro in nature, the growing significance of nanotechnology is monumental. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale to create new and improved substances such as catalysts, construction materials, superconductors, and biomaterials. This technology is applicable to many industries and will change the way we do business in health, medicine, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is competitive in this field thanks to advanced research happening at the National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT) and NanoFab Centre, anchored in the University of Alberta. The Alberta Centre for Advanced Microsystems, and Nanotechnology Products (ACAMP) is also critical to nanotech growth at the opposite end of the spectrum as it aids companies in commercialization efforts.
The Nanotechnology Initiative is a collaborative initiative between the University of Alberta and the National Research Council of Canada. This 20,000-square-metre facility is one of the most technologically advanced in the world, attracting leading minds and producing groundbreaking research.
The nanoFab Centre is an open-access training, service, and collaboration centre based out of the University of Alberta. It features $84 million in specialized equipment and infrastructure. The centre and its helpful staff are focused on attracting talent, sharing knowledge, and conducting progressive research.
Entrepreneurs and innovators use ACAMP to turn proof-of-concept into a final manufactured product by utilizing their expert talent, equipment, and commercialization savvy.
NanoCanada serves as a catalyst for the commercialization of advanced materials, quantum, and nanotechnologies. Being a part of the NanoCanada community provides the opportunity for national and international exposure for your organization. NanoCanada delivers a competitive advantage to all its members through its wide network of industrial, research, and government partners.