WESTEST News Release:
November 21, 2003, Portage la Prairie, MB
WESTEST Adds MAST Capability
 The acquisition of a Multi Axis Simulation Table system (MAST) has greatly enhanced the capability of Western Canada Testing, Inc. (WESTEST) to provide testing services to the transportation and equipment manufacturing industries.The MAST is designed to simulate the vibrations experienced by a vehicle component or piece of equipment by creating conditions virtually identical to actual operation, without the need for a complete vehicle. Fed with the appropriate electronic data, the MAST can simulate the stresses placed on a component by any motion or combination of motions occurring during its normal use. By simulating this realistic operating environment, durability, performance, and noise levels can be determined. The table is capable of handling payloads of up to one ton.
The only facility of its kind in western Canada, the MAST is a major component of the Vehicle Technology Centre Inc. (VTC). A $2 million contribution from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) in January 2003 enabled the establishment of the Centre. 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 purchase of the $1.09 million MAST was shared by VTC (93%), through the support of WD, and WESTEST (7%). "Western Economic Diversification Canada is committed to supporting research and development activities in Manitoba," said St. Boniface MP Raymond Simard, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development). "The opening of the MAST facility today is a direct result of the successful partnership between the public and private sectors in support of the Vehicle Technology Centre and the future of Manitoba's vehicle industry." WESTEST will market the services of the testing equipment to vehicle manufacturers, such as Motor Coach and New Flyer, charging service fees for its use. The new system will be of immense benefit to local manufacturers, allowing them to test prototype components during the vehicle development stage.
"Advanced testing with the MAST Table will support the vehicle industry in its competitive position locally and internationally. Having a MAST Table available at WESTEST allows the manufacturing community access to the same technology that engineers and designers are using at large multi-national firms such as the Big Three automakers," said David Gullacher, President/CEO of WESTEST.
WESTEST was established in 1991 to provide testing and engineering services to a variety of clients. In addition to MAST testing, WESTEST also conducts mechanical testing, package testing and a variety of other related services.
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