Ontario's Government for the People is supporting innovation in Sault Ste. Marie, which will lead to modernization in the manufacturing industry and create nine full-time jobs.
Today, Ross Romano, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, announced the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) is receiving $713,590 to create a team of information technology (IT) specialists. The team's objective will be to foster innovation and modernization to position Northern Ontario as a global leader in the manufacturing sector.
As its first client, the team is partnering with Algoma Steel Inc. to develop IT solutions that will help the company retain jobs, modernize its operations and remain competitive in world markets. Through the partnership, Algoma will optimize its IT-based systems to make the steel-making process more efficient and increase profits.
"The goal of SSMIC is to provide quality IT solutions and services to manufacturers in Northern Ontario and eventually across North America," said Parliamentary Assistant Romano. "With this investment, we are creating good jobs, diversifying local economies and, most importantly, letting people know that Sault Ste. Marie-and all of Northern Ontario-is open for business."
"This is a great community partnership with Algoma Steel Inc. that allows SSMIC to employ computer programmers who are recent graduates in the field," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of SSMIC. "The program has provided professional skill development and employment opportunities locally and now serves as a specialized technology business unit within SSMIC that will be marketed to external markets."