NAIT unveils new Productivity and Innovation Centre

Edmonton now has a “front door to industry ” with NAIT’s unveiling of its new Productivity and Innovation Centre.

The centre, built with a $34.9-million contribution from the federal government’s PostSecondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, is one of North America’s largest innovation spaces, at 17,650 square metres.

“It is one of North America’s leading innovation spaces — both in size and scope,” said Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO, in a statement last week.

The centre is an entry point to services and solutions available to business and industry at multiple NAIT locations.

Its research, innovation and productivity services include:

■ Introducing new technologies to businesses;

■ Imagining, developing and testing new products, and improving existing ones;

■ Developing applied research solutions for issues facing industry;

■ Assessing and improving business practices;

■ Providing workforce education, with a focus on productivity;

■ Hosting conferences and events. Mayor Don Iveson, at the official opening of the centre, said the facility enhances Edmonton’s “innovative, entrepreneurial and creative urban life.”

“At the city, we believe emerging technologies, research and innovation are key to making Edmonton a more globally competitive place to live,” Iveson said.

Northern Weldarc Ltd. president Gayle Holtz, also at the unveiling, noted that NAIT strengthened the company by helping staff innovate and adapt to an ever-changing economy.

“By investing in our staff, we’ve come together as a company. Everyone from the shop floor to management has a voice and is working together to grow our production,” said Holtz.

“We are leaders in steel fabrication as a result — no one else is like us.”