The Canadian Composites Manufacturing R&D Inc. (CCMRD) has continued to grow since its start up in April, 2010. Two additional companies, PCM Molds and Patterns and Barrday Inc., have recently joined the consortium bringing its total membership to ten. Coupling this increase in membership with the launching of several collaborative projects to further develop Canada’s composites manufacturing capabilities has provided a real momentum for the organization.
Mike Hudek
“Having small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) seeing the benefit of and joining CCMRD really demonstrates the relevance of the organization to the Canadian advanced composites manufacturing industry,” explains Mike Hudek, Executive Director of CCMRD, “and it also provides a meaningful advantage for CCMRD by now adding a mould manufacturing capability and a material developer/supplier to its competencies”.
“Once we understood the intent of CCMRD to conduct precompetitive, collaborative projects to increase the technological capabilities of Canadian industry together with developing the supply chain by connecting SMEs with larger original equipment manufacturers, it was an easy decision to become part of this entity,” stated Ryo Okada, Project Manager – Research and Development of Barrday Inc.
CCMRD consists of several of the major composites aerospace companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Canada; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Avior Integrated Products and PCM Molds and Patterns (Quebec); Comtek Advanced Structures and Barrday Inc. (Ontario); Convergent Manufacturing Technologies and Profile Composites (BC); and Bristol Aerospace a Division of Magellan Limited, Cormer Group Industries Inc. and Boeing Canada Technology Winnipeg Division (Manitoba). Boeing’s Research & Technology Division also sits on its Board and is an active participant.
The CCMRD is a virtual centre whose operations are managed by the Composites Innovation Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba with projects being coordinated and performed across Canada. A total of one project has been completed, two are in progress and three are about to be launched. These projects are led by industry members and have other industry and research partners across Canada. In particular, NRC-IAR is participating on the Board as a Technology Advisor, providing insights and direction based on its leading edge knowledge of the composites aerospace industry.
PCM Mold and Patterns is a world class leader in services for product innovation and development. Their focus is prototype parts, molds and specialty tooling for advanced composites in aerospace applications. As a one-stop integrated solution provider, PCM has developed expertise in complex project management and very large tools. Their state of the art 5 axis machining technologies allows them to manufacture precision hard metal tooling as well as carbon composite molds. PCM is AS-9100, ISO-9000 and CWB certified and also registered with the Canadian military – Controlled Goods, US-ITAR and NATO-Cage Code. (www.pcmmolds.com)
Barrday is a manufacturer of advanced textiles and composite materials with expertise in fiber reinforcements, resins, woven and unidirectional prepregs, laminates, coatings, adhesives, sealants and core materials. Key markets include commercial/general aviation, ablatives, automotive/transportation, marine, body armor, stab/spike, fire protection and vehicles/helmets/plates. Growth strategies are based on providing and developing technically advanced material solutions for their customers. (www.barrday.com)
| FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: Sean McKay Director, External Relations Canadian Composites Manufacturing R&D Inc. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 6C2 T. (204) 262-3400 ext. 202 E. [email protected] |
