INTEGRATION ACROSS THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
The auto industry is now an extremely complex global entity and the fierce competition from often poorly regulated manufacturers in low labour cost countries threatens the viability of Ontario’s auto manufacturing sector. Ontario firms that currently earn profits from the production of commodity-grade auto parts can no longer survive; long term commitment to technology is the only advantage that Ontario auto producers can leverage to ensure competitiveness and survival.
IAMI will build focused capacity for automotive research, fostering the integration of fundamental research concepts into innovative products and manufacturing technologies, with direct support for technology transfer and take-up in Ontario’s auto industry.
IAMI’s program is highly integrated with the entire automotive supply chain. This is one aspect that is most attractive to IAMI’s industrial partners in that it provides them the ability to work on projects in common with their suppliers and customers, thus enhancing integration of technology across the supply chain. The widespread industrial involvement also ensures that a large segment of the Ontario automotive industry will be introduced to and have access to the knowledge produced by IAMI.
IAMI was started with the support of 35 industrial partners as well as two key government laboratories – CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory and the NRC Aluminum Technology Centre. New partners will be added as IAMI’s portfolio of research activities expands.
