EDC and GE Canada host Industrial Internet technology session, exploring Canadian IT solutions for safer, smarter pipelines

CALGARY, Nov. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - General Electric (GE) Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC) are working together to identify and build partnerships with Canadian digital technology, software and big data analytics companies with niche capabilities to serve the growing global demand for Industrial Internet technology.

The matchmaking session held today at GE Canada's Customer Innovation Centre (CIC) in Calgary, AB was focused on finding companies with leading edge capabilities in pipeline design and operation, with specific interests in:

• Analytics
• Integrity measuring
• Pipeline Leak detection
• Security solutions

The introductions are being made as part of an ongoing partnership between GE Canada and EDC aimed at developing access for Canadian small- and medium-sized (SME) technology companies to the global marketplace. GE Canada benefits from stronger ties to Canadian companies with expertise aligned to its strategic business interests.

"GE is developing the next generation of pipeline solutions, drawing on the best IT and digital technologies available to us. Working with EDC, we are able to tap in to a wealth of Canadian capability in this area to ultimately bring innovation to global energy marketplace," noted Bradley Smith, Vice President of Regional Programs.     

GE Canada and EDC partnered on similar initiatives with similar matchmaking sessions including

• connecting leading Canadian suppliers in tooling and automation with GE Aviation in Bromont, Quebec in February 2014;
• connecting small manufacturing and services companies to GE Power Conversion and GE Hitachi Nuclear Canada in Peterborough in July 2014; and
• connecting and promoting collaboration between Canadian high-tech firms during an Industrial Internet event at GE Canada's headquarters in Mississauga in May of this year.

"The supply chains of global companies like GE are critical to Canada's exporting story, because smaller Canadian companies have the opportunity to grow alongside GE as it extends its reach into new global markets," said Mairead Lavery, Senior Vice-President, Business Development, EDC.

"An important part of EDC's job is to connect Canadian companies to new buyers, but a company that is as dynamic and diversified at GE can allow Canadian companies to become world leaders in the critical area of pipeline safety and efficiency," added Lavery.

Of the 25 companies reviewed, 9 were selected to meet with GE Canada's senior procurement executives in direct one-on-one meetings.  All of the companies were SMEs.

GE Canada has been a strategic partner for EDC due to its strong track record of growing exports from its Canadian operations and nurturing Canadian suppliers into dynamic exporters. EDC provides financing solutions for GE Canada based upon the quality of its Canadian footprint and the prominence of exporting in its business model.

Canadian companies with leading edge expertise and the ability or willingness to export that are interested in future EDC trade development opportunities can register here, by calling 1-888-434-8508, or by registering their services on Enterprise Canada Network (ECN), a joint venture between EDC and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME).

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world's Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

About EDC

EDC is Canada's trade finance agency, providing financing and insurance solutions locally and around the world to help Canadian companies of any size respond to international business opportunities. As a profitable Crown corporation that operates on commercial principles, EDC works together with private- and public-sector financial institutions to create greater capacity for Canadian companies to engage in trade and investment.

For more information about how EDC can help your company, visit www.edc.ca

SOURCE Export Development Canada

Media Contacts: Rahim Ladha, GE Canada, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: [phone]; Phil Taylor, Export Development Canada, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: [phone]