Media Release – Federal Investments Support Western Canadian Innovation and Exporting
Media Release – Federal Investments Support Western Canadian Innovation and Exporting
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – The Government of Canada is providing over $4.1 million to support innovation and international trade in Saskatchewan’s agricultural equipment manufacturing sector in an investment announced today by the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, at Morris Industries Ltd.
Morris will receive $3,457,953 through the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative to commercialize an advanced manufacturing technology for its production process while Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) will receive $700,000 through the Western Diversification Program (WDP) to rent trade show floor space at Agritechnica 2017 in Hanover, Germany.
The advanced manufacturing technology commercialized by Morris with the WINN funding enables the company to increase production capacity, offer new technology features in its products, while increasing its global competitiveness.
Morris will showcase its new features in its products when it attends Agritechnica in November, along with more than 40 western Canadian agricultural equipment manufacturers, agricultural service companies, and technology companies.
Agritechnica, with an attendance of 450,000 visitors from over 75 countries, is the world’s most important trade show for western Canadian companies seeking to enter and maintain existing European markets and other international markets.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support innovation to help companies such as Morris remain competitive in a tough market. We are also pleased to support partnerships such as the one with STEP that will help our innovative manufacturers increase their global presence and increase international sales and investments. Organizations like these are promoting economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and furthering Canada’s innovation landscape.”
– The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
“Agritechnica serves as a cornerstone venue for STEP’s proactive, export trade initiatives in Europe’s overseas markets. Agritechnica has evolved into the premier international expo for STEP members in the agricultural equipment supply chain. Today’s announcement of the Government of Canada’s support and the funding assistance provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada will provide the necessary tools to ensure that Saskatchewan exporters are able to continue down a successful path of increasing their profile and sales and take full advantage of the new opportunities provided by CETA.”
– Chris Dekker, President and CEO with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)
“Manitoba companies have identified Agritechnica as a priority activity to promote their goods and services. Accessing new markets is critical for our manufacturers for continued growth. We are pleased to support participation at Agritechnica in order to create new opportunities for Manitoba businesses to compete and succeed in the global marketplace.”
– The Honourable Cliff Cullen, Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade
“Morris has a history of being an innovative company backed by solid customer service. We are excited that our customers all over the world will benefit from exciting new technology enhancements enabled by the advanced manufacturing technology that we are installing. We are grateful to be chosen by the Government of Canada as one of Saskatchewan’s most innovative companies through a competitive selection process, resulting in a significant investment by Morris to match the WD WINN funding, accelerating our plans, and positioning us for growth in the future. This project builds on Morris’s 88-year track record as a globally competitive agricultural equipment manufacturer that uses leading-edge technology.”
– Ben Voss, President of Morris Industries Ltd.
Associated Links
Contacts
Rhonda Laing
Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 306-975-5944
Email: Rhonda.laing@canada.ca
Ben Voss
President
Morris Industries Ltd.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-343-5266
Email: bvoss@morris-industries.com
Heather Swan
Manager, Marketing and Membership Communications
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
Regina, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-787-7942
Email: HSwan@sasktrade.sk.ca
