Automotive manufacturers apply many of the same technologies as aerospace suppliers, making it a natural source of new business, says Peter Frise, scientific director of AUTO21.
The research network is helping automotive companies explore new opportunities within the aerospace sector, partnering with the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada to host an automotive pavilion at the Canadian Aerospace Summit, which opens today in Ottawa.
“Canada’s auto industry is fast and highly disciplined on cost, quality and reliability,” said Dr. Frise. “These same attributes are valued in the aerospace sector. Many of the latest automotive technologies could transition to use in aerospace components or factories.”
The pavilion will host seven companies ranging from global automotive suppliers to smaller start-ups. In the quest for lighter, stronger vehicles and the most efficient manufacturing processes, many companies have products and services that could be of use in aerospace components and facilities.
Jim Quick, president of the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada, says the partnership with AUTO21 offers an effective way to build connections that benefit both industries.
“Given today’s race for technological improvement and productivity, we are seeing a dramatic increase in opportunities for collaboration between aerospace companies and sectors such as the auto industry that own emerging technologies and manufacturing processes that could be integrated to the aerospace supply chain,” he says.
Pavilion exhibitors include:
- The Narmco Group
- Leggett and Platt Automotive Group
- Magna Exteriors and Interiors
- Radix Inc.
- Valiant Aerospace
- Canadian Light Source
- Jesse Garant & Associates Metrology Center
Canada’s automotive research program, AUTO21 helps companies engage in collaboration and explore new opportunities to help strengthen the Canadian automotive sector. AUTO21 is supported by the Government of Canada through a Networks of Centres of Excellence program, and its administrative centre is hosted by the University of Windsor.