Ontario Landing Gear: Solidifying our place as a world leader through collaboration
Thursday, May 15, 2025
1:00pm – 6:00pm ET
VAC AERO’s SDI audit has been pivotal in enhancing their operational and strategic abilities
VAC AERO is a leading vacuum furnace manufacturer, vacuum heat treating and coatings service provider to Aerospace and high-tech industries worldwide. The company, which is located in Burlington, is a participant of DAIR’s SDI. How many cycles of SDI have you gone through? VAC AERO has gone through two cycles of the Supply Development Initiative (SDI), which have been pivotal in enhancing our operational and strategic capabilities. How did Vac Aero’s journey through the DAIR SDI improve your company after the first cycle? After completing the first cycle of the DAIR SDI, VAC AERO experienced significant improvements in several areas. The MACH Excellence Framework audit provided us with a clear understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. This allowed us to streamline processes, enhance our operational efficiencies, and elevate our quality management systems. The results operationally were dramatic as we were able to improve our on-time delivery to 100% on the B737 landing gear program and sustain this for over 11 months. Additionally, we focussed on our employees. Through implementing a robust best-in-class employee development and retention initiative, we have enabled increases in both productivity and team member satisfaction. Why did Vac Aero decide to join the SDI for a second cycle? VAC AERO decided to participate in the second cycle of the DAIR SDI to implement key initiatives that align with our strategic goals. Specifically, we aimed to establish a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program under Axis I, which reflects our commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. Secondly, we still have opportunities to improve on our customer delight program and, as such, we focused on implementing a robust Daily Management System. This defined Control Plan program under Axis III is essential for enhancing operational efficiency, improving process consistency, and fostering a culture of accountability within the organization. What was your impression of the MACH Excellence Framework (the audit)? The program focuses on evaluating multiple dimensions of operational excellence, such as process efficiency, employee engagement, innovation, and sustainability. It utilizes a systematic framework to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement across the organization. The MACH audit gives a holistic perspective of our operational areas, and it ensures that critical aspects of our production aren’t overlooked. We realized that many processes can be improved and optimized across departments. Addressing this will be crucial for scaling the operational excellence. While VAC AERO has strong technical capabilities, there is room for improvement in leveraging data analytics for predictive maintenance, performance optimization, and strategic planning. The findings after the audit gave us clear guidelines and a roadmap, setting the stage for the company to achieve higher MACH levels in the future. What were your employees’ reaction after going through the audit? VAC AERO’s employees who participated in the audit process felt valued to be included in our company’s improvement journey. The purpose of the audit was communicated, and we knew that this is the next step to emphasize collaboration and growth, not criticism. It was a very intense experience—even overwhelming for some of us—and a long day. The audit was deep and incredibly detailed. We went through two audits and learned a lot from both events. Will you reapply for the next SDI & MACH audit cycle? WWe are very enthusiastic about reapplying for the next SDI cycle. This will help us measure the progress we have made as a company since the previous audit. We are on a long journey towards operational excellence. Moreover, it creates the culture of accountability, teamwork, growth and acceptance of change and continues improvement. We would like to leverage the next cycle as a tool for driving sustainable improvement and reach even greater success in alignment with SDI program standards and guidance. What would you say to SMEs who are hesitant to go through the SDI process? Or why do you think SMEs should go through the SDI? There is no perfect business. Right now, we must improve our operations and approach to change if we want to stay in the market and be successful. Initially, especially for SMEs with limited resources, the first thought may be the “we have always done it that way” approach or fear of change, which may make the process appear difficult or unnecessary. The benefits of participating in the program outweighs the challenges. The support we got from SDI was extremely valuable to become more efficient and more successful. I think about it as an investment in our business’ future. We deserve it as a company; our employees deserve it. This is the only way to ensure that our business is well-prepared to meet market demands.
Hybrid Power Onboard: DAIR helps Horizon Aircraft transform the way we fly
The DAIR Green Fund has proven to be a vital resource to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accelerating innovation forward within southern Ontario’s aerospace sector. The Green Fund supports SMEs in achieving a higher technology readiness level (TRL) with eventual commercialization and fostering partnerships with industry leaders and/or academia. Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR), which operates from Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario, is a not-for-profit consortium, which energizes the innovation ecosystem by bringing together start-ups and high-potential businesses with leading aerospace companies and post-secondary institutions. The need and interest for such an initiative has been recognized by SMEs who applied in masses to this selective program, which is supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Horizon Aircraft is on a journey to revolutionize how people and goods can be moved worldwide with groundbreaking hybrid power onboard a transformational aircraft. In collaboration with DAIR and the support of the DAIR Green Fund, Horizon Aircraft’s CEO, Brandon Robinson, is leading the charge of a new and exciting sector within aerospace which will transform the future of flight. Robinson began the journey with the DAIR team in 2022, starting a project to develop an advanced hybrid electric power system for Horizon’s prototype aircraft. The vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft has the controls of a helicopter with the efficiency to fly at the speed of a traditional aircraft. Horizon’s innovative hybrid power system onboard the proprietary VTOL will introduce more efficiency enroute and extend flight duration beyond conventional aircraft that stop to refuel. The VTOL aims to offer the flexibility to recharge itself during flight or on the ground after completing its tasks. The result is a significant reduction in emissions, leading the way for new access to flights and locations with a more sustainable approach to transportation. Horizon Aircraft’s unique hybrid electric VTOL concept, built upon patented ducted fan-in-wing technology, sets it apart from its competitors. This cutting-edge technology allows the aircraft to fly faster and farther and carry heavier payloads with agile controls for vertical take-off and landing, revolutionizing air mobility. With a design that enables the aircraft to operate like a standard aircraft for 98% of its mission, Horizon’s VTOL represents the pinnacle of safety, sustainability, durability, and operational versatility. The support from the DAIR Green Fund reaffirms the immense potential of Horizon Aircraft’s innovative technologies, which will be showcased in their newly announced seven-seater “Cavorite X7.”. As the global urban air mobility market is projected to exceed $30 billion by 2031, Horizon is poised to lead the industry with its visionary approach and expertise whilst growing a greener economy that nurtures green jobs for the future. With a team that boasts almost a century of experience building aircraft and over 25,000 hours of flying time, Horizon Aircraft is at the forefront of aviation and aerospace innovation. Horizon’s electric motor and battery technology advancements are essential to realizing this vision. In the past, the limitations of battery technology hindered practical designs in both the automotive and aerospace sectors. Recent advances in lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur battery commercialization have dramatically improved power densities, making them viable for aircraft design applications, particularly when coupled with a hybrid power system. Horizon Aircraft stands uniquely positioned to harness the benefits of these cutting-edge technologies. Developing the novel power architecture comes with challenges. The Horizon team began their DAIR Green Fund project by identifying and evaluating architectural options for their advanced hybrid electric power system. The team has faced technical obstacles head-on, from managing electromagnetic interference to understanding heat dissipation and addressing electrical power distribution complexities. Their perseverance is driven by the possibilities of in-flight and on-ground charging, unlocking flight horizons across urban centres and to small and rural communities that have been inaccessible and remote in the past. Horizon Aircraft’s hybrid electric VTOL introduces unprecedented opportunities to connect people and products in hard-to-reach locations, such as northern, remote, rural, and isolated communities. The aircraft has the potential to save lives, whether cutting medical evacuation mission times in half compared to traditional helicopters, or efficiently delivering essential goods such as life-saving organs and critical cancer drugs. With new perceptions of regional travel and delivery, this hybrid-powered VTOL aircraft creates a cleaner and greener option for the economy. Horizon Aircraft is an innovation-led growth team who thrives on pushing boundaries to create an aircraft that makes a real difference in Canada and around the globe. As they fine-tune and integrate the core power system, the advancements made under this program could find broader applicability in the global Advanced Air Mobility market and other sectors. In January 2024, Horizon took its company public to the NASDAQ Stock Exchange. With the success of its Green Fund project and many others through the years, Horizon is proving to everyone the successes that can be achieved within the Ontario region by developing valuable partnerships and collaborations along the journey. “The support from DAIR’s Green Fund accelerated our plans to develop an advanced hybrid electric VTOL using a greener sustainable power system. Together, Horizon Aircraft and DAIR are transforming the global aviation and aerospace sector. The horizon is bright – we are proud to be on this transformative journey to redefine the future of flight.” Brandon RobinsonCEO, Horizon Aircraft
Aéro Montréal conclut un partenariat avec DAIR pour intégrer MACH dans son initiative de développement des fournisseurs destinée aux PME aérospatiales de l’Ontario
Dans le cadre du Forum innovation aérospatiale international 2024 Montréal, le 22 mai 2024 – À l’occasion du Forum innovation aérospatiale international qui se déroule au Palais des Congrès de Montréal, Aéro Montréal annonce la signature d’une entente de partenariat avec Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) pour l’utilisation du processus d’audit MACH dans le cadre de l’initiative de développement des fournisseurs (SDI) du DAIR en Ontario. Rehausser la compétitivité et la maturité des PME en aérospatiale au Québec Lancée par Aéro Montréal en 2011, l’initiative MACH a pour objectif de rehausser la compétitivité et la maturité des PME aérospatiales québécoises. Elle cible, pour cela, la maîtrise des processus d’affaires clés de 3 axes : l’excellence en leadership, l’excellence opérationnelle et l’excellence en planification et en développement de main-d’oeuvre. En proposant un cadre méthodologique et des outils communs, l’initiative permet d’évaluer et planifier la démarche d’amélioration de la performance des entreprises sur les 16 processus d’affaires clés du Cadre d’excellence MACH (CEM). Les participants accèdent notamment à un soutien financier, à un processus de certification reconnu ou encore à des outils de développement de compétences. Depuis la création de l’initiative, 72 PME réparties dans 5 cohortes ont été accompagnées par Aéro Montréal. Appliquer la recette de la compétitivité en Ontario DAIR signe aujourd’hui une entente de partenariat avec Aéro Montréal pour intégrer MACH dans son initiative de développement des fournisseurs destinée aux PME aérospatiales de l’Ontario. Imaginée pour soutenir les PME dans un processus d’amélioration continue en utilisant une méthodologie éprouvée, DAIR SDI utilisera la méthodologie éprouvée du cadre d’excellence MACH, le mentorat d’un équipementier ou d’une entreprise de niveau 1 et un investissement conjoint dans un projet d’amélioration stratégique. À partir de l’été 2024, un investissement total de 1,44 million de dollars aura pour objectif de soutenir 24 entreprises. « L’initiative MACH a permis de rehausser la compétitivité et la maturité de 72 PME aérospatiales québécoises. Ce chiffre clé et le déploiement de notre initiative en Ontario`, suivant son déploiement dans les provinces Maritimes il y a déjà 3 ans, envoient un message fort sur la pertinence de poursuivre les efforts pour soutenir le secteur aérospatial et les PME qui l’animent dans tout le Canada. Ils illustrent également la capacité d’Aéro Montréal à se positionner comme une grappe innovante et à créer des initiatives de classe mondiale. » Mélanie Lussier, Présidente-directrice générale d’Aéro Montréal « Pour que le Canada profite des possibilités de croissance de l’industrie aérospatiale mondiale, nous devons continuer à travailler en collaboration et au-delà des frontières. Nous sommes donc ravis d’officialiser ce partenariat avec Aéro Montréal, en apportant le célèbre processus MACH à notre Initiative de développement des fournisseurs DAIR en Ontario. Nous avons connu un grand succès avec notre première cohorte de PME dans le cadre de l’initiative DAIR SDI, et l’intégration du processus MACH contribuera à stimuler l’innovation et l’amélioration continue dans la chaîne d’approvisionnement aérospatiale de l’Ontario, ce qui, en fin de compte, augmentera sa compétitivité. » Phil Arthurs, Directeur exécutif, DAIR À propos d’Aéro Montréal Créé en 2006, Aéro Montréal est un forum stratégique de concertation qui réunit l’ensemble des premiers dirigeants du secteur aérospatial québécois issus de l’industrie, des institutions d’enseignement, des centres de recherche et incluant les associations et les syndicats. Les activités d’Aéro Montréal sont rendues possibles grâce à la participation des gouvernements du Canada, du Québec et de la Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, ainsi que des entreprises membres de la grappe. -30- Pour de plus amples informations : Léa Guicheteau Aéro Montréal 514 550-7494 lea.guicheteau@aeromontreal.ca Samantha Glover Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) 226 268-7297 samantha.glover@dairhub.com
Aéro Montréal partners with DAIR to utilize the MACH initiative as part of the DAIR Supplier Development Initiative in Ontario
Announced during the International Aerospace Innovation Forum 2024 Montréal, May 22, 2024 – On the occasion of the International Aerospace Innovation Forum being held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, Aéro Montréal has announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) for the use of the MACH initiative audit process as part of the established DAIR Supplier Development Initiative (SDI) in Ontario. Enhancing the competitiveness and maturity of aerospace SMEs in Quebec Launched by Aéro Montréal in 2011, the MACH initiative aims to increase the competitiveness and maturity of Québec’s aerospace SMEs. To achieve this, it focuses on mastering key business processes in three areas: leadership excellence, operational excellence and excellence in workforce planning and development. By providing a common methodological framework and tools, the initiative enables companies to assess and plan their performance improvement approach to the 16 key business processes of the MACH Excellence Framework. Participants have access to financial support, a recognized certification process, and skills development tools. Since the initiative’s inception, 72 SMEs in five cohorts have been supported by Aéro Montréal. Using this competitiveness formula in Ontario DAIR today signed a partnership agreement with Aéro Montréal to incorporate MACH within its Supplier Development Initiative aimed at aerospace SMEs in Ontario. Designed to support SMEs in a continuous improvement process, the DAIR SDI will use the proven methodology of the MACH Excellence Framework, mentoring from an OEM or Tier 1 company, and a joint investment in a strategic improvement project. Beginning in summer 2024, a total investment of $1.44 million aims to support 24 companies. “The MACH initiative has improved the competitiveness and maturity of 72 aerospace SMEs in Québec. This key figure and the launch of our initiative in Ontario following its deployment in the Maritime provinces three years ago, send a strong message about the importance of continuing efforts to support the aerospace sector and the SMEs that drive it across Canada. They also illustrate Aéro Montréal’s ability to position itself as an innovative cluster that creates world-class initiatives.” Mélanie Lussier, President and CEO of Aéro Montréal “For Canada to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the global aerospace industry we must continue to work collaboratively and across jurisdictions. So we are excited to formalize this partnership with Aéro Montréal, bringing the renowned MACH process to our DAIR Supplier Development Initiative in Ontario. We have seen great success with our first cohort of SMEs through the DAIR SDI, and the incorporation of MACH will help drive innovation and continuous improvement in the Ontario aerospace supply chain, ultimately increasing its competitiveness.” Phil Arthurs, Executive Director, DAIR About Aéro Montréal Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that groups all major decision makers in Québec’s aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, as well as associations and unions. The activities of Aéro Montréal are made possible thanks to the participation of the governments of Canada and Québec, the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as company members of the cluster. About DAIR DAIR is a not-for-profit consortium of companies and academic institutions building an aerospace innovation hub at Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario. The organization also delivers programs to support collaborative R&D, supply chain development, and training for the Ontario and Canada aerospace industry. The Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario supports the DAIR SDI. -30- For more information: Léa Guicheteau Aéro Montréal 514 550-7494 lea.guicheteau@aeromontreal.ca Samantha Glover Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) 226 268-7297 samantha.glover@dairhub.com
Webinar – “Getting Hired: The 10 Step Guide” with recruiter Matthew Wohl
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
1:30pm – 3:00pm ET
Burloak Develops 3D Printing of Tungsten
As a leader in additive manufacturing, Burloak is a business that truly understands the importance of innovation. Our commitment to innovation has enabled us to push boundaries and develop novel processes, like becoming one of the only additive manufacturing companies in North America that can 3D-print tungsten for production applications. Tungsten’s density and extremely high-melting point make it very difficult to manufacture conventionally but makes it a perfect fit for additive manufacturing. With its unrivaled material properties, tungsten is the ideal material for a range of unique applications that includes cathodes, radiation shielding, counterweights, projectiles, and other aerospace and defense applications. “Developing the process to 3D print and post-process a new alloy can be very challenging and take a very long time,” says Keyvan Hosseinkhani, Burloak’s Technical Director. “Our team of subject matter experts coupled with our in-house 3D printing, heat treatment, and material testing capabilities give us the ability to take on challenging applications like the development of tungsten printing at a much faster rate than most.” The tungsten printing process development was funded by the Downsview Aerospace & Innovation Research (DAIR) Green Fund, which provides financial support for collaborative R&D projects that can demonstrate a significant impact on sustainability in the aerospace industry. The DAIR Green Fund project is supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “3D printing is a key manufacturing technology that is part of the aerospace industry’s push towards improved sustainability,” says Steven Cargnello, DAIR Green Fund Manager. “If we can expand on the types of materials that can be 3D printed, this will enable more companies to leverage the technology to reduce their environmental footprint and ultimately help them achieve their sustainability goals.” In traditional manufacturing, components are often created by removing raw material from a block of metal to achieve the desired form. By contrast, additive manufacturing technologies use a cutting-edge process to sinter metal powder to build 3D components layer-by-layer – using only the necessary material to create the desired part. One of the more exciting benefits of additive manufacturing is the ability to print a part at near-net shape, eliminating or significantly reducing the amount of post-processing needed without compromising on strength. With tungsten being such a difficult material to machine, the advantages of 3D printing tungsten can help companies meet their sustainability objectives by reducing waste while improving cost and performance. With support from DAIR’s Green Fund, Burloak is leading the way in offering greener and more efficient solutions for complex manufacturing challenges. “Developing the process to 3D print and post-process a new alloy can be very challenging and take a very long time. Our team of subject matter experts coupled with our in-house 3D printing, heat treatment, and material testing capabilities give us the ability to take on challenging applications like the development of tungsten printing at a much faster rate than most.” Keyvan HosseinkhaniTechnical Director, Burloak Technologies
Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) Announces New Executive Director Phil Arthurs
TORONTO, May 1, 2024 /CNW/ – Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) Board Chair Andrew Petrou today announced the appointment of Phil Arthurs as DAIR’s new Executive Director, effective immediately. DAIR Executive Director Phil Arthurs “I am thrilled to congratulate Phil Arthurs on his new role as DAIR’s Executive Director,” said Mr. Petrou. “Over the past six years as DAIR’s Director of Operations, Mr. Arthurs was instrumental in DAIR’s development and growth including advancing strategic partnerships, securing funding, and delivering on programs now supporting collaborative R&D, supply chain development and training for DAIR members and for Ontario’s and Canada’s aerospace industry.” Mr. Petrou added, “The board is resolutely confident that Mr. Arthurs possesses the experience, skills and connections to execute DAIR’s ongoing mission to spur collaborative innovation by Canadian industry and academia, and continue DAIR ‘s development as a world-leading aerospace innovation hub.” Mr. Arthurs said, “It is a critical time to solidify and advance Canada’s position in the global aerospace industry. It is imperative to work across jurisdictions and in close collaboration with industry, academia and government, as well as through cross-sector partnerships.” He added, “I look forward to working with the board on the execution of DAIR’s strategy, including the development of our physical innovation hub at the Downsview site, and delivering strong results through collaborative programs that support companies, organizations, researchers and students in the innovation ecosystem.” Outgoing DAIR Executive Director Maryse Harvey will continue to serve DAIR as a strategic advisor. During her three years leading the organization, Ms. Harvey’s achievements include significantly elevating DAIR’s public recognition, securing federal funding through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), assembling a team of dedicated professionals, and successfully launching several novel programs including the DAIR Green Fund and Supplier Development Initiative, both of which have significantly benefited aerospace R&D and industry competitiveness. “The board expresses sincere gratitude for Ms. Harvey’s skillful leadership over the past several years,” said Mr. Petrou. “We look forward to continuing to work with Ms. Harvey on strategic initiatives, including supporting Mr. Arthurs’ transition to his new role.” Mr. Arthurs brings a wealth of experience to the Executive Director role. In addition to his prior role as DAIR Director of Operations, he currently serves on the Program Advisory Councils for Toronto Metropolitan University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering and Centennial College’s School of Engineering and Technology and Applied Science – Aerospace. He also served as co-chair of the Ontario Aerospace Council’s Research and Technology Committee. Previously Mr. Arthurs held positions as Senior Advisor, Team Lead and Manager of the Aerospace, Defence and Manufacturing team in the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development. Internationally, Mr. Arthurs held roles with Dassault Systèmes (co-located at the Boeing Company in Everett, Washington) and with the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Arthurs holds a B.Eng (Aerospace) from Toronto Metropolitan University and an MBA from the Ted Rogers School of Management. About DAIR Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) is a not-for-profit whose mission is to revolutionize the collaboration environment by catalyzing innovation in aerospace and beyond. DAIR supports its members by offering access to state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure to accelerate leading-edge and sustainable research and technology adoption; creating training solutions for the business and technology challenges of today and tomorrow; providing a platform for industry, academia and government synergies to foster and advance R&D partnerships; supporting continuous improvement in the supply chain; and bringing awareness to and promoting the aerospace industry, locally, nationally and globally SOURCE DAIR For further information: Media inquiries, please contact: Samantha Glover, Senior Coordinator Communications & Partnerships, DAIR at communications@dairhub.com
Brampton Processing takes the lead in sustainable aerospace coatings with DAIR partnership
Brampton Processing is partnering with Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) on an ambitious project to revolutionize the industry’s approach to protective coatings for the aerospace sector. Led by Alex Cajic, Vice President of Business Development at Koss Aerospace and Brampton Processing, the project aims to introduce sustainable and environmentally responsible processes that will significantly reduce global aviation emissions. DAIR, a non-profit consortium operating from Downsview Park in Toronto, energizes the innovation ecosystem by bringing together start-ups and high-potential businesses such as Brampton Processing with leading aerospace companies and post-secondary institutions. Through the DAIR Green Fund, the organization has joined forces with Brampton Processing to advance technology readiness and support a regionally significant project to reduce emissions and the environmental footprint of the aerospace industry. This partnership offers funding and expertise to ensure Brampton Processing can evolve advancing traditional methods towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable process for the aerospace manufacturing in Ontario. Established in 1999, Brampton Processing specializes in state-of-the-art metal processing and finishing solutions. Their cutting-edge facility, located minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport, houses advanced technology and employs experienced professionals dedicated to meeting the industry’s stringent requirements. As a responsible partner to significant players in the aerospace sector, including flagship customer Bombardier and other tier 1 companies like Airbus and Boeing, Brampton Processing recognizes the importance of transitioning the sector with new, modern, environmentally friendly technologies and processes. By replacing harmful compounds with less toxic alternatives, the company will reduce its environmental footprint and emissions while ensuring the highest quality for its customers. Through investments in new processes and obtaining additional industry approvals, Brampton Processing will expand its range of finishing services, thus creating sustainable and green jobs for the future, ultimately strengthening Ontario’s position in the aerospace industry. This project will help address bottlenecks many industries face in metal finishing by introducing environmentally friendly processes and increasing capacity to the satisfaction of employees and its primary customers. With the support of its skilled team and the guidance of tier 1 customers and suppliers, Brampton Processing is seamlessly integrating changes and obtaining approvals from key industry players. The company is introducing new processes without disrupting its high-quality customer service with current customers. Successful execution of the project will solidify Brampton Processing’s position as a leader in aerospace coatings, driving new clean company growth and contributing to a robust economy regionally through sustainable and green employment opportunities, enhanced competitiveness, and a focus on delivering the highest quality sustainable products. Brampton Processing’s commitment to a greener economy aligns with the global shift towards sustainability. By eliminating toxic hexavalent chromium compounds in its manufacturing processes and adopting more environmentally friendly alternatives, Brampton Processing plays a vital role in shaping a more eco-friendly and prosperous aerospace sector. “DAIR’s Green Fund is helping drive Brampton Processing’s commitment to sustainability, our goal is to eliminate hexavalent chrome from all our special processes. We are immensely grateful for this support, as it not only enhances our commitment to environmental responsibility but also ensures a greener, and more sustainable future for our industry.” – Alex Cajic, VP Business Development, Brampton Processing By prioritizing sustainability, Brampton Processing sets itself apart by working to eliminate toxic hexavalent chromium compounds from its manufacturing processes. With support from DAIR and collaboration with industry and academic leaders in the ecosystem, Brampton Processing is well on its way to achieving its goals and securing a cleaner future for the aerospace sector. Through this initiative, the company will seize growth opportunities, strengthen its position, fortifying its competitive edge and contributing to a cleaner economic growth regionally and globally. “DAIR’s Green Fund is helping drive Brampton Processing’s commitment to sustainability, our goal is to eliminate hexavalent chrome from all our special processes. We are immensely grateful for this support, as it not only enhances our commitment to environmental responsibility but also ensures a greener, and more sustainable future for our industry.” Alex CajicVP Business Development, Brampton Processing
DAIR Partnership Helps Solid UltraBattery Advance High-Energy Density Green Battery
Solid Ultrabattery is making strides to revolutionize the battery industry. Led by inventor and entrepreneur V-Bond Lee and founder Dr. Zhongwei Chen, the company has partnered with Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) to advance the development of low-cost, high-energy, solid-state green batteries for the rigorous demands of aerospace applications. DAIR, a non-profit consortium operating from Downsview Park in Toronto, energizes the innovation ecosystem by bringing together start-ups and high-potential businesses such as Solid Ultrabattery with leading aerospace companies and post-secondary institutions. Through the DAIR Green Fund, they share a common goal of advancing technology readiness, accelerating innovation-led growth, developing cutting-edge sectoral technology, and supporting projects that aim in greening the economy through reduced aviation emissions. CEO V-Bond Lee brings a wealth of experience to the project. He has successfully developed and commercialized groundbreaking methods and technologies for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and infrastructure components. Zhongwei Chen, Ph.D., a professor in the department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, dedicates his expertise in battery and fuel cell technology to the team. With funding and support from the DAIR Green Fund, Solid UltraBattery is advancing its plans to develop a lightweight 5Ah single-cell pack as a prototype to be validated with its use on a small drone. Reaching this Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 before the project’s completion will also help the company advance its goals to develop an all-solid-state battery by 2030. “The DAIR Green Fund has provided Solid Ultrabattery with a distinct opportunity to progress its energy storage technology towards commercialization in the aerospace industry. We are highly satisfied with the project’s current progress and the valuable support and networking opportunities facilitated by DAIR.” V-Bond Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Solid Ultrabattery The support and funding from DAIR have been instrumental in the company’s journey to support the development of new aerospace sectors and revolutionize the battery industry to provide a clean and sustainable economy. Green batteries offer increased performance with better energy efficiency, greater energy density, and longer life cycles while reducing weight onboard. The Solid UltraBattery innovation introduces a green battery less prone to fire and explosion than conventional batteries, making them safer to use and transport in aerospace applications while providing a greener future. Green batteries have significant potential to help the aerospace sector reduce its environmental impact toward meeting its global sustainability goals. The green batteries can be used as the power source for drones to support a range of applications, from surveillance and sensing to logistics and transportation. Whether powering electric propulsion systems for an aircraft or storing energy generated from renewable sources, green batteries can efficiently release energy during flight, support high-speed and more prolonged flights for emergencies or power equipment on the ground, reducing or eliminating the need for fossil fuel combustion engines. Solid UltraBattery’s solid-state green batteries can address a growing demand for safe, lightweight, high-performance batteries. In aerospace, new sectors such as drones are widely used for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes to provide real-time aerial views, gather intelligence, and monitor areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to access. This sector can provide a platform for innovation-led businesses to test, refine, and validate cutting-edge new technologies in a cost-effective and controlled manner. The Solid UltraBattery team is well-equipped to develop and commercialize groundbreaking solid electrolyte green battery technology. With a 10,000 ft2 state-of-the-art facility in Guelph, Ontario, the company has cutting-edge prototype and test equipment to uphold R&D accuracy and efficiency. Recently built in Scarborough, Ontario, the company’s prototype lab has additional fabrication and cycle test equipment ready for high-quality, high-quantity battery-grade anode production, and ready to create sustainable green jobs once commercialized. In partnership with DAIR, Solid UltraBattery is positioned as a leading company in the energy storage industry and primed to scale-up their business to new heights. Their advancements in high-energy-density green batteries have significant sustainable potential for the aerospace sector and the economy. Focused on R&D, design, and production of cutting-edge solid-state green batteries, the team has set their sights on customers in military and security, offering energy-dense green batteries ideal for fire and rescue, coast guard, and search missions. Solid UltraBattery is poised to shape the future of energy storage technology. The company’s development of low-cost, high-energy, and safe solid-state batteries with high energy density has significant potential to lead the energy storage industry and produce clean energy for a greener economy. With the support of partners like DAIR and their unwavering commitment to accelerating innovation-led growth, the company is leading the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. “The DAIR Green Fund has provided Solid Ultrabattery with a distinct opportunity to progress its energy storage technology towards commercialization in the aerospace industry. We are highly satisfied with the project’s current progress and the valuable support and networking opportunities facilitated by DAIR.” V-Bond LeeChief Executive Officer, Solid Battery