Apollo Machine and Welding receives Canada government grant for its 3D printing business

Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods announced US$447,480 fund for Apollo Machine and Welding Ltd. The fund was provided by the Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. The fund is provided under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) Steel and Aluminum Initiative, announced in March 2019.

REGI provides financial support to steel, aluminium and manufacturing businesses from the Canadian SME sector in order to boost projects that enhance productivity and competitiveness while creating new jobs.

Commenting on the investment, Minister Navdeep Bains said, "Our government supports the hard-working steel and aluminium workers and companies that are important to regional economies across Canada. Investments like this one support small- and medium-sized producers and users of steel and aluminium, and will help these businesses innovate to drive productivity, scale up, and expand into new markets to create good middle-class jobs."

Apollo-Clad Laser Cladding, a division of Apollo Machine and Welding Ltd. will purchase, renovate, and install equipment for large-scale 3D printing to increase productivity and capacity.

"Alberta's steel and aluminum sector is critical to the success of other industries across Alberta, Canada, and globally, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing,” said Minister Amarjeet Sohi.

Dr. Douglas J. Hamre P.Eng., Research & Development Manager, Apollo Machine & Welding said that the company is excited to combine years of laser manufacturing experience with university and industrial research to make large-scale 3D printing a reality in Alberta.

“Different from conventional 3D printing, this innovation will allow for large features to be printed on existing parts, while maintaining the quality requirements our customers have come to expect. The capabilities this system will bring to Apollo, will allow us to be competitive internationally in a number of industries," he added.