Companies interested in working with the Department of National Defence and their prime contractors are invited to attend Northern Ontario’s Road to Defence Conference at the Best Western in North Bay on March 20.
The North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce said the registration deadline is being extended to March 12.
FedNor is hosting the free event to explore supplier opportunities in the defence industry. Six defence contractors are attending.
They are looking for companies who work in cybersecurity, data analytics, training and simulation, nanotechnology, as well as manufacturers who can make sensors, trailers, cranes, fuel or water containers, and multiple parts that fit on a truck or a ship.
Individual companies’ profile information will be shared with the prime contractors attending to set up one-on-one appointments.
The B2B meetings will be 10 minutes each, with time limits strictly adhered to.
The prime contractors scheduled to be will be in attendance are:
General Dynamics Land Systems Canada: their main product line is light armoured vehicles and their focus is on protection, mobility, firepower and advanced technologies. The company was recently awarded the contract to upgrade Canada’s Light Armoured Vehicles.
Mercedes Benz Canada: provider of maintenance services on the Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (G-Wagon). Mercedes is also potentially interested in bidding on the upcoming Logistic Vehicle Modernization project and the Enhanced Recovery Capability project.
Oshkosh Defense: builders of light, medium and heavy tactical vehicles as well as aircraft rescue fire-fighting vehicles. Oshkosh is potentially interested in bidding on the upcoming Logistic Vehicle Modernization project and the Enhanced Recovery Capability project.
Seaspan: the Vancouver shipyard responsible for building Canada’s non-combat ships such as the Joint Support Ship and the Polar Icebreaker.
Raytheon: a technology and innovation company specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. Their product offering includes missiles and weapons, cybersecurity, sensors and imaging, command and control, training. They are currently working on Canada’s Remote Naval Weapon Station.
Naval Group Technologies Canada: formerly known as DCNS, Naval Group Technologies specializes in shipbuilding and repairing, navigational and guidance instruments manufacturing and naval engineering services.
The government agencies and departments attending the event will be Build in Canada Innovation program, Defence Research and Development Canada, Export Development Canada, FedDev Ontario, FedNor, National Research Council/Industrial Research Assistance Program, Ministry of Economic Development and Growth, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines/Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
The agenda for the day-long March 20 event includes a needs overview by the Department of National Defence and their prime contractors, followed by a government innovation panel, B2B meetings and a government information fair.
Later on, attendees will be taken on a tour of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission on McIntyre Street followed by a networking reception.
