In December 2021, two Northwest Territories businesses received $100,000 to support their investment in technology designed to upgrade and enhance their manufacturing process. This funding will also help them save on production costs, improve the quality of products manufactured, and employ more Northern workers.
In 2020, the pilot program awarded $100,000 to Poison Graphics in Hay River for the purchase of an HP R200 Latex Printer, allowing them to expand their product lines to add affordable custom printed packaging and displays while reducing waste and costs and speeding up delivery times.
Read: GNWT Investment to Expand Economic Impact of Manufacturing in Hay River
This year, the program received 19 proposals -- up from its inaugural year -- from across the territory. Each proposal was carefully considered and evaluated based on how the technology investment would reduce costs and improve productivity while increasing local employment.
ITI funded two NWT manufacturers this year through the NWT Manufacturing Innovation and Technology Contribution to support and encourage innovation in the NWT manufacturing sector by supporting existing and emerging technologies.
In Hay River, Sunrise Cabinets & Millwork will use the funding to purchase a 3-phase converter to replace self-generated diesel power. This will provide surge-free, stable, clean, and dependable electrical technology to power existing and future manufacturing equipment vital to the shop operations. The benefits emerging from this transition will create another innovative production line, currently not possible with self-generated electricity. This in turn will increase the need for new full-time employees.
In Yellowknife, Paul Bros. Nextreme will purchase a powder coating system, including the equipment, booth, and oven, a critical part to advance the company’s plans. This system results in a cleaner product, significantly faster curing times, and eliminates rework. With the purchase of this innovative painting system, the company aims to increase employment within the first six months.
The Northwest Territories Manufacturing Strategy is focused on four strategic objectives: establishing a strong manufacturing association and sector; improving access to business information, services and capital; renewing the Northern Manufactured Products Policy; and growing the manufacturing sector.
The manufacturing sector is still a relatively small contributor to the Northwest Territories economy, although there is potential for growth that can further diversify the NWT economy and create local, good-paying jobs.
Click the link below to access the strategy and learn more about the government’s goals and dedicated actions.
ITI’s investment in the NWT’s manufacturing sector is also serving to advance the GNWT’s mandate commitments to increase economic diversification by supporting growth in non-extractive sectors and increase employment in small communities.