CANMET opens doors at McMaster Innovation Park

A key partner at the McMaster Innovation Park officially opened its doors Wednesday.

The Government of Canada opened a new state-of-the-art federal laboratory
Wednesday, which will provide key technology and innovation support to industries that
manufacture mineral and metal products in southwestern Ontario and across the
country. The CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory (CANMET-MTL) is expected to
become a hub of research excellence.

Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, was joined by Patrick Deane, President
of McMaster University, Bob Bratina, Mayor of Hamilton and Zach Douglas, President of
the McMaster Innovation Park, at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for CANMET-
MTL.

“CANMET's move to McMaster Innovation Park represents a huge boost for the region's
and country's economic development and prosperity,” said Patrick Deane. “Its central
location in the heart of the manufacturing sector, combined with its proximity to
McMaster's research facilities and expertise, has created a dynamic materials and
manufacturing research cluster. Not only will this help to keep Canada's industries
competitive on the global scale, it will ensure that we attract and train the best
students and researchers.”

“Our Government's investments in technology and innovation demonstrate our
commitment to working with industry and academia to develop 'made-in-Canada'
technological know-how,” said Minister Paradis. “This new facility will deepen Canada's
technological capacity in new materials research and strengthen the long-term
competitiveness of our manufacturing base, including Canada's energy, automotive and
steel industries.”

Energy experts from Natural Resources Canada's CanmetENERGY were involved in the
design of the new building, which will be considered for certification at the Canada
Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Platinum level in late 2011.

CANMET-MTL is Canada's leading research centre dedicated to structural metals and
alloys, materials design, pilot-scale processing and performance evaluation. Scientific
and technical staff are involved in research and development to provide materials
solutions for Canadian industry in the energy, transportation and metals-
manufacturing sectors.

“The relocation of CANMET-MTL ensures that Hamilton will continue to be Canada's
'Steel City,' and as mayor and a former steelworker, I couldn't be more proud,” said
Mayor Bratina.

“Working with the Government of Canada to create this world-class research facility has
been an incredible experience,” said Zach Douglas. “The presence of CANMET-MTL at
MIP will be a significant magnet for future economic development in Hamilton.”

Hamilton represents the heart of Canada's automotive and metal manufacturing
sectors. The new facility will enhance CANMET-MTL's ability to support industry by
contributing to the development and commercialization of new materials and products.

The $57-million complex, 12 years in the planning, is the first major new building
at McMaster Innovation Park. It will be home to 110 federal employees, most of them
scientists and technicians.

Of that number, 37 have come from the old CANMET lab in Ottawa and the rest are
moving from elsewhere or have yet to be hired. At any given time the research facility
is expected to be a temporary home to another 20 visiting researchers.