These investments are meant to help small- and medium-sized businesses try and expand operations, build resilience, and strengthen their capacity to navigate in a more competitive global market.

Government of Canada helping Edmonton-area businesses modernize operations and increase sales (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)

EDMONTON — On Apr. 17, Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced a federal investment of more than $8.4 million through the RTRI to support seven projects in the greater Edmonton area.

These investments are meant to help small- and medium-sized businesses try and expand operations, build resilience, and strengthen their capacity to navigate in a more competitive global market.

The funding announced is meant to support jobs in Alberta while advancing innovation and manufacturing efficiency across a range of sectors, including homebuilding, cooling products, and steel parts manufacturing. In a press release, the federal government stated that these investments will help businesses integrate automation into production lines, adopt artificial intelligence tools to improve productivity, hire more staff to increase production capacity, and expand sales of Alberta-made products in new international markets.

“This federal investment comes at a critical time for Edmonton-area businesses facing global trade uncertainty. We’re encouraged to see the Government of Canada partnering with manufacturers and builders who are adapting, innovating, and creating jobs right here in our region. When businesses can modernize and diversify, our entire economy becomes more resilient,” said Heather Thomson, Vice President of Economy and Engagement, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

PrairiesCan announced $8,401,206.00 in RTRI investments for the following seven projects in the greater Edmonton area:

Alta-Fab Enterprises Ltd.
Enhance its facilities and adopt advanced manufacturing processes to transform production of its Canadian made modular building solutions. This project will enable Alta-Fab to reportedly automate cabinetry manufacturing, upgrade facilities, improve welding equipment, and train staff so that the business can remain competitive and reduce production costs while creating jobs. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

Akash Homes
Responsibly incorporate artificial intelligence solutions and create a dedicated business operations team to tackle data fragmentation, strengthen processes and scale-up homebuilding across the Prairies. This project will reportedly enhance Akash Homes’ ability to monitor and coordinate homebuilding activities, improving build efficiency and lowering construction costs. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

Armtec Inc.
Upgrade its Redwater, AB facility with a mobile culvert steel manufacturing mill to support the production of steel pipe products at remote sites. This project is meant to reduce transportation costs and delivery times, increasing the competitiveness of Armtec products. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

Flexxaire Inc.
In phase one of a two-phase RTRI project, Flexxaire will advance automation at its Edmonton facility to enable 24/5 production and expand in-house manufacturing. This project will reportedly strengthen supply reliability and reduce unit costs, allowing the company to keep production in Canada while remaining competitive in global markets. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

Flexxaire Inc.
In phase two of a two-phase RTRI project, Flexxaire will expand its automated production systems, add specialized technical staff, and strengthen quality assurance capabilities to scale output from its Edmonton facility. This phase builds on the 24/5 operating model, enabling higher throughput, tighter process control, and the certifications required to access European markets, including CE marking. PrairiesCan is investing $2,401,206 in repayable funding in this project.

Weldco-Beales Manufacturing
Integrate automation and specialized welding processes to increase production of its specialized steel attachments that are used on heavy vehicles and equipment. Production efficiencies supported through this project will reportedly increase manufacturing capacity and enable sales growth in domestic and Latin American markets. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.

Whitemud Ironworks Limited
Upgrade facilities and install equipment to increase on-site steel processing capacity and better enable the use of Canadian-sourced steel products. New equipment will include a crane system and a laser cutting table that will allow Whitemud Ironworks to customize steel products, reportedly reducing the reliance on imported custom steel products. PrairiesCan is investing $1 million in this project.