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February 19, 2008 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INITIATIVE GEARS UP FOR AN EXTENDED RUNWinnipeg, MB – The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) – Manitoba Division will continue to assist the manufacturing industry in exploring and implementing lean manufacturing principles through the Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (AMI). Funding of $1.2 million to extend the AMI over the next 15 months will be provided through the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The Honourable Andrew Swan, Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade and Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, made the announcement today.
“CME provides a broad range of training intended to improve the competitiveness of Manitoba companies and to enhance their export opportunities,” said Swan. “The Advanced Manufacturing Initiative is designed to provide support to manufacturers seeking to become world class and to address the challenges through improving productivity and competitiveness.”
“The Government of Canada is proud to support initiatives designed to improve productivity and allow Manitoba’s manufacturing industry to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage,” said MP Bruinooge. “This project will enable CME to continue to provide lean manufacturing principles and practices needed by local industry to maintain its competitive position and respond to rapidly changing market conditions.”
As a result of this funding, manufacturers in the province will continue to have access to a number of AMI programs in areas such as lean training, human resource development, advanced manufacturing, lean manufacturing consortia, association partnerships, and hands-on consulting. With industry contributions, a total of $4 million will be invested in this current phase of the AMI.
The CME-Manitoba Division will act as the overall coordinator of the AMI. An Advisory Council, made up of representatives from manufacturing firms, federal and provincial governments and educational institutions will provide guidance and feedback on AMI activities.
“Manufacturers continue to face challenging economic circumstances and the growing demand and competition for skilled workers,” said Roy Cook, First Vice-Chair, CME National Board of Directors. “This agreement recognizes the hard-earned achievements of Manitoba manufacturers in the past three years, and it provides the opportunity to increase and sustain these gains in the years ahead!”
The AMI was launched with a federal and provincial EPA contribution of $1.85 million and $2 million from the manufacturing industry. Over the last three years, more than 4,400 Manitoba manufacturing employees have participated in almost 50,000 hours of AMI activities.
Under EPA, the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders to build the economy and strengthen communities. These priorities promote economic growth and diversification in the province. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.
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