On Jan. 18, the CTMA was provided “behind the scenes” tour of the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) to see how technical experts are working towards finding solutions for challenges faced by today’s manufacturing industry.

Through training, research, and industry support in advanced manufacturing, MMRI works with students, government, and industry alike to find solutions and optimize every facet of the manufacturing process. Dr. Stephen Veldhuis, director of MMRI’s 15,000-square-foot facility, leads a team of highly qualified researchers, who translate new discoveries and innovations rapidly into solutions for our industry partners and help them integrate new technologies into their existing operations.

CTMA tours MMRi

“It was interesting to see many of the projects that were underway during our tour at MMRI,” said Robert Cattle, CTMA executive director. “My biggest ‘takeaway’ was that the students involved in this facility get to learn how to run machines and remove metal, which is not always the case in other programs. Gaining hands-on experience in actual machining operations is a major asset to an engineering career within our industry. I was also pleased to see that McMaster has developed relationships with Canadian machine tool builders and are able to use and showcase their products in this new facility.”

MMRI also offer a series of training programs for people looking to enter the manufacturing industry or enhance their skillsets. Through these programs, renowned faculty members from various disciplines combine their expertise to conduct applied research and educate both students and professionals.

By facilitating multi-sector relationships, MMRI helps the manufacturing sector grow, stimulating our region’s industrial community, increasing economic activity, and creating great jobs in the sector. MMRI is a key member of the Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), and Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster.

More information is available here.