News Release: Winnipeg, Manitoba – October 21, 2004
Industrial Technology Centre Introduces Cyclic Corrosion Chamber
With the support of the Vehicle Technology Centre (VTC), the Industrial Technology Centre (ITC) has installed a Cyclic Corrosion Chamber—the first of its kind in Western Canada.
 The chamber creates a variety of corrosive environments by cycling automatically between salt fog, high humidity, low humidity with dry-off, controlled humidity, solution spray, and ambient conditions—in any combination and for any length of time. Testing components under these conditions helps manufacturers predict how these components will perform when subjected to harsh, real-world conditions.
According to Trevor Cornell, Chief Operating Officer of ITC, “The acquisition of this piece of equipment allows ITC to provide a service that vehicle manufacturers in Western Canada have been requesting for some time.”
The installation of this test chamber helps the VTC fulfill its mandate to support Western Canada’s vehicle manufacturing sector by improving access to services that the manufacturers require. The VTC was established through a $2 million contribution from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) in January 2003. Its purpose is to promote the development of a world-class vehicle and transportation equipment cluster in Manitoba and other regions of western Canada.
The $80,000 for the purchase and installation of the test chamber was fully funded by the VTC, through the support of WD. ITC will provide this service to vehicle manufacturers, such as Motor Coach and New Flyer, charging service fees for the tests performed.
“I am very pleased that, with the support of Western Economic Diversification, the Vehicle Technology Centre has been able to help fund the acquisition of this new corrosion testing equipment,” said Ed Van Humbeck, President of the VTC. “This will allow the ITC to provide a service which was not previously available in our province. It will help not only our vehicle manufacturers but all Manitoba industry.”
“Research and development activities like these will benefit all vehicle makers in Western Canada,” said the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “The Government of Canada is pleased to work with the Vehicle Technology Centre towards securing the future of this important industry in Manitoba.”
ITC was established in 1979 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is now a special operating agency of Manitoba Science, Technology, Energy and Mines. ITC is mandated to foster economic development through innovation and the development and commercialization of technology.
Contacts:
Stephen McKendry-Smith,
Quality Assurance Manager
Industrial Technology Centre
Phone: (204) 945-6122
E-mail: smckendry-smith@itc.mb.ca
Barry Mitchell,
Executive Director
Vehicle Technology Centre
Phone: (204) 945-2473
E-mail: barry.mitchell@gov.mb.ca
 E-mail Web Coordinator |
