Hamilton-based clean automotive and aerospace hub receives $10M from feds
Published June 14, 2021 at 3:47 pm
The federal government announced Monday (June 14) it is investing $10 million to establish McMaster University’s iHub in Hamilton.
The university-based integrated automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing network will be located at McMaster Innovation Park.
The state-of-the-art facilities are expected to support manufacturers, automotive and aerospace suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop, test and incorporate the latest technologies required for the production of next-generation electric and autonomous vehicles and energy-efficient and intelligent aircrafts.
“Today’s investment will boost our economy by supporting almost 170 local jobs and helping Canadian innovators succeed in a thriving industry,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas. “iHub will help position Hamilton as a global destination for electric automotive and aerospace technologies, while providing direct industry training for at least 200 highly qualified personnel to ensure that our workforce is at the forefront of these technologies for the years to come.”
The project is expected to support more than 230 SMEs, spanning the automotive corridor from Windsor to Oshawa, to facilitate the commercialization of 100 new products or services.
It will also reportedly support up to 170 direct jobs and leverage $16.8 million from industry partners including Ford, Honda, Bombardier, Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and De Havilland.
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“McMaster University has a successful track record of partnering with industry and we’re grateful for the opportunity to advance our work with Canadian manufacturers in automotive and aerospace electrification through iHub,” said David Farrar, President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University. “This investment from FedDev Ontario will help iHub achieve great things by connecting our manufacturers and SMEs, providing training and access to technology, and commercializing new products.”
iHub will also provide direct industry training of at least 200 high-quality personnel in SMEs looking to join global aerospace and automotive value chains.
In 2011, FedDev Ontario provided $11.5 million in support of the establishment of the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), a globally unique facility supporting the development of next-generation vehicles, housed at the McMaster Innovation Park.
Photo credit: McMaster Innovation Park
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