Feds investing $3M in four Ontario auto parts companies

MARKHAM, Ont.—The federal government is handing out $3 million in innovation funding to four companies in Ontario’s auto industry.

Made available under the Automotive Supplier Innovation Program, the investments will support new early-stage technology projects at auto parts companies in Waterloo, Windsor and Markham, Ont.

Recipients include:

• Smarter Alloys Inc., which is working to develop advanced alloys that can “retake” their shape and be used for mechanisms such as grill shutters and door latches. The Waterloo company will receive up to $1.1 million for the project.
• A.P. Plasman, in Windsor, for development of a 3D-printed measurement tools that could replace the company’s current steel-machined fixtures, cutting costs and increasing energy efficiency. The Canadian government has set aside $366,688 to support the project.
• Bluewrist Inc., a robotics systems firm in Markham. The company will receive up to $821,445 to develop a scanning inspection system designed to be five-times faster than current technology.
• Invotek Electronics Inc., also located in Markham, will get up to $412,025 in funding for work on a more compact radar system for cars that could be installed in areas of vehicles where larger systems do not fit.