Government of Canada Supports Ontario Family-Owned Business Through Build in Canada Innovation Program

PSPC - News Release (CNW Group/Public Works & Government Services Canada)

BURLINGTON, ON, April 28, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to growing the economy and the middle class, and helping those working hard to join it. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the Government of Canada is investing in Canadian innovations to create sustainable economic growth for communities across Canada.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Burlington, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing in an innovative marine shaft seal that is maintenance-free while providing minimal leakage and maintaining the work capacity of the ship's propeller.

Thordon Bearings Inc., of Burlington, Ontario, received a $339,000 contract for its innovation called the SeaThigor Marine Mechanical Face Seal. This innovation reduces operational costs and is stronger, lasts longer and is more cost effective than similar products. The technology consists of an inflatable safety seal that allows ships to safely return to port if the primary seal is damaged at sea. The innovation is being tested by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.

This investment was made through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, which helps Canadian innovators land their first sale and get their innovations tested by the Government of Canada. This program is just one of the many ways the Government of Canada supports innovation and small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.

Canadian innovators can submit their proposals on the Build in Canada Innovation Program's website.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to growing the economy, supporting the middle class, and helping those working hard to join it. By matching innovative products such as the SeaThigor seal with government needs, the Build in Canada Innovation Program helps Canadian companies move their products from the lab to the marketplace."

Steven MacKinnon
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"Innovative companies like Thordon Bearings Inc. are the backbone of our communities. Through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, the Government of Canada is helping them get their innovative goods and services from the lab into domestic and international markets."

The Honourable Karina Gould
Minister of Democratic Institutions
Member of Parliament for Burlington

"We are pleased to introduce our SeaThigor marine mechanical face seal and to have our first installation on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Hudson. The Build in Canada Innovation Program made this possible and allowed us to gain a big reference to help us sell these seals to worldwide marine markets. The innovative 'safe return to port' seal was designed in Canada and is the only Canadian-made marine shaft seal now on the market."

Terry McGowan
President and Chief Executive Officer
Thordon Bearings Inc.

Quick Facts

• Thordon Bearings Inc. is a family-owned company that operates a state-of-the-art polymer processing plant, as well as in-house design and new product development facilities, in Burlington, Ontario. An extensive distribution network has been established in over 70 countries to service the company's global customer base. Thordon bearing and seal products are used by the navies of over 45 countries around the world, including Canada's.
• The SeaThigor Marine Mechanical Face Seal is made of non-corrosive springs and a silicone compound that allows for minimal maintenance and is more cost effective when measured over the lifespan of a ship.
• The Build in Canada Innovation Program has recently simplified the application process and improved the evaluation process.
• More than 200 contracts have been awarded under the Build in Canada Innovation Program, bringing Canadian companies one step closer to selling to domestic and international markets.
• More than $80 million has been awarded in contracts since the Build in Canada Innovation Program began in 2010.

Associated Links

Build in Canada Innovation Program

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SOURCE Public Works & Government Services Canada

Contacts: Annie Trépanier, Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote, 819-997-5421; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, [email protected]

Related Links

www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca