NEWS

Government of Canada Invests in Protective Coating Technology for Aerospace and Defence Markets

TORONTO, Ontario, May 28, 2009 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced federal support for an innovative small business, Sputtek Inc., that is working to improve the safety and durability of parts used in the aerospace and defence markets.

“This investment demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with big ideas,” said Minister Clement. “By investing in Sputtek, we are helping a Canadian company invest in research and pre-competitive development in a global industry.”

The Government of Canada will make a repayable investment of $360 285 in Toronto-based Sputtek for the research and development (R&D) of advanced protective coating technology. The project, totalling $1.2 million, will help the company develop more cost-effective protective coatings with improved anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties.

The aerospace and defence sectors will benefit from the improved performance of coated materials and the potential to use lower-grade or lighter-weight materials without compromising durability.

This project builds on Canada's existing strengths in the advanced materials and coatings sector, while also encouraging collaboration with academic, federal and industry partners, including McMaster University.

“Innovative R&D is the foundation of business success,” said Rosen Tovbin, President of Sputtek. “The Government of Canada investment will help us better meet the needs of the aerospace and defence sectors, while establishing our company as a leader in the global materials and coatings market.”

“This investment in new and innovative aerospace technology is good news,” said Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Erindale. “The aerospace industry creates good high-paying jobs and is vital to our growing knowledge-based economy.”

This investment is being made through SADI, which supports strategic industrial research and pre-competitive development projects in the aerospace, defence, space and security industries. SADI is managed by the Industrial Technologies Office, a special operating agency of Industry Canada with a mandate to advance leading-edge R&D by Canadian industries.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement Minister of Industry

613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada 613-943-2502

Phone: 1-416-213-9833

Phone: 1-866-209-7647