Government of Canada supports innovative research and development in Penticton

September 03, 2009

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announces a contribution to Structurlam Products Ltd. The Director General for NRC-IRAP, Dr. Tony Rahilly and President of Structurlam Products, Bill Downing (L-R) look on as Minister Day makes this announcement in early September.

Penticton, British Columbia — The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced a contribution to Structurlam Products Ltd. from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

The funding supports an innovative research and development project that will assist Structurlam in developing engineered wood panels with economic and environmental benefits.

"Our government is committed to developing a competitive advantage for Canadian companies and to building a more innovative, more productive and more robust economy in the Okanagan region," said Minister Day. "That is why we are investing in science and technology. This will help create jobs and stimulate the local economy."

This $50,000 contribution will support the Penticton-based company in researching, developing, and commercializing 8’ x 30’ cross-laminated engineered wood panels to be used in residential, institutional and commercial construction.  These panels would be less expensive and more environmentally-friendly than existing comparable products.

"Investing in science and technology is critical for developing highly skilled people and improving the long-term competitiveness of Canadian firms," said NRC President Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "That's why NRC-IRAP is helping innovative Canadian businesses such as Structurlam grow stronger, faster and bigger."

Structurlam Products designs and manufactures precision heavy timber packages (including glulam and parallam) for commercial applications worldwide.  Investment in state-of-the-art machinery has enable Structurlam to create unique structures with many complex designs, including curved and shaped timbers.  As a wood specialist, Structurlam has provided engineering expertise and design for many unique projects around the world, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Olympic Speed Skating Oval in Richmond, British Columbia.

“With the help of NRC-IRAP, we will be able to provide our customers with an innovative product that will help their bottom line and make efficient, environmentally use of our natural resources,” explained Bill Downing, President of Structurlam.
About NRC and NRC-IRAP

The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The program is delivered by a field staff of 240 professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada. NRC-IRAP is committed to working with small- and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

The Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan has provided new resources of $200 million over the next two years to bolster NRC-IRAP support for innovative Canadian firms. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.