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Advanced Manufacturing

Looking to innovate in advanced manufacturing? Read on to learn how we are your competitive advantage in the technologies of today, and tomorrow.

Levelling up with proficiency? New prototypes? Precision measuring? We are here to help

At Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) you can access leading-edge technology, including equipment and software, as well as expert staff to support your innovation goals.

We specialize in precision metrology, prototype design and development, process improvement and digital manufacturing (industry 4.0). From day-to-day support in your quality department to long-range new product plans, WAMIC is your competitive advantage. Read on to learn about our specialties, as well as how to connect to start the conversation today.

Student scanning a part with a laser scanner

How We Help

Person scanning a part with a laser scanner

Precision Metrology

From tactile CMM accuracy down to 4um, to laser tracker distances of 35m, WAMIC has a range of 3D Dimensional Metrology Equipment to support your needs, and we can come to your location, or measure your part at our lab in Welland, Ontario.

Person working on a circuit board

Prototype Design and Development

With access to 3D design software, a workshop with a small CNC mill and a lathe and laser cutter, an electronics workshop, and additive manufacturing capabilities, the team at WAMIC can design and prototype your new product idea.

Three men, sitting at a table, working on a project together

Process Improvement

WAMIC can help accelerate schedules and increase efficiencies that improve performance, reduce costs and increase profits, as well as increase product quality and ease of operations.

Student working on dual monitor computer

Digital Manufacturing

Whether it be a complex virtual reality collaboration space, digital twinning of your facilities and equipment, or support for your migration from pen and paper to spreadsheets and the cloud, the team at WAMIC is here to support you as you digitize your operations.

Our Process and How to Apply

By working with Research and Innovation, we provide you with a unique way to advance product development, improve performance or take an innovative leap forward in the marketplace, thanks to government funding from various sources, and opportunities available with our Innovation Centres.

Getting Started

Are you looking to advance your organization? Do you have an innovative idea but lack the resources to bring it to life?

We can help. Our applied research teams collaborate with local small- and medium-sized businesses in a wide range of specializations. We are ready to put together a strong research team determined to find the appropriate solution for you.

01

Start the conversation

Please fill out and submit the Expression of Interest form.

02

We assess and reach out

We will contact you within two business days to schedule a call to answer any preliminary questions you may have and assess your project needs.

03

Determine appropriate service stream

Our business development team will discuss and determine the appropriate service stream and potential solutions, including options from quick turnaround technical services to full applied research projects. If our programs match your needs, we’ll be in touch, and, if appropriate, send a project application form for you to fill out.

04

Conduct your project

Once the project application forms are completed and signed off by both sides, we execute the project or service. You will work closely with your Research and Innovation team during all phases of the project to achieve your project goals.

05

Reap the rewards

With successful completion, you obtain rights to the intellectual property generated from the project. You can now benefit from the project’s deliverables and achieve greater success for your organization!

Next Steps

Still want to learn more about us?

Check out our Project Successes or read more about our award-winning work in News and Publications.

Eligibility Opportunities Apply Now

Faculty and researchers play an integral part of an applied research project. Their specialized knowledge and experience allow them to direct the research in a way that optimizes results for their industry partner. They also ensure that the research assistant (student) and/or research associate (graduate) can progress as an industry professional through a positive real-world learning experience.

As for personal gain, the faculty and research leads benefit from professional development, and the ability to apply what they have learned and accomplished into their course-based teaching.

Getting Started

We have three ways to get involved with us:

01

By applying to conduct your own research through the Research Opportunity Fund

02

By conducting a course-based project in the classroom

03

By working with us on applied research projects as a Research Lead

Next Steps

Learn more about the Research Opportunity Fund.

To receive information on conducting course-based projects, or to discuss working with us as a Research Lead, contact David DiPietro.

Are you a current student or recent graduate looking to obtain employment in your field? Looking to gain the valuable work experience sought by today’s employers?

Niagara College’s Research and Innovation division can help you grow as an industry professional. As a student employee with one of our research centres, you will collaborate with local industry and community partners to conduct innovative research projects in various specializations.

Getting Started

Apply today to work with us.

Looking to get hands-on job experience? Want to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry and community partners with leaping forward in the marketplace?

Next Steps

New job opportunities are shared frequently on Research and Innovation’s social media channels and posted below as they become available.

Opportunities are located at the Welland Campus and/or Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our Students page to review current job opportunities.

Opportunities Apply Now

Getting Started

Are you looking to advance your organization? Do you have an innovative idea but lack the resources to bring it to life?

We can help. Our applied research teams collaborate with local small- and medium-sized businesses in a wide range of specializations. We are ready to put together a strong research team determined to find the appropriate solution for you.

01

Start the conversation

Please fill out and submit the Expression of Interest form.

02

We assess and reach out

We will contact you within two business days to schedule a call to answer any preliminary questions you may have and assess your project needs.

03

Determine appropriate service stream

Our business development team will discuss and determine the appropriate service stream and potential solutions, including options from quick turnaround technical services to full applied research projects. If our programs match your needs, we’ll be in touch, and, if appropriate, send a project application form for you to fill out.

04

Conduct your project

Once the project application forms are completed and signed off by both sides, we execute the project or service. You will work closely with your Research and Innovation team during all phases of the project to achieve your project goals.

05

Reap the rewards

With successful completion, you obtain rights to the intellectual property generated from the project. You can now benefit from the project’s deliverables and achieve greater success for your organization!

Next Steps

Still want to learn more about us?

Check out our Project Successes or read more about our award-winning work in News and Publications.

Eligibility Opportunities Apply Now

Getting Started

We have three ways to get involved with us:

01

By applying to conduct your own research through the Research Opportunity Fund

02

By conducting a course-based project in the classroom

03

By working with us on applied research projects as a Research Lead

Next Steps

Learn more about the Research Opportunity Fund.

To receive information on conducting course-based projects, or to discuss working with us as a Research Lead, contact David DiPietro.

Getting Started

Apply today to work with us.

Looking to get hands-on job experience? Want to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry and community partners with leaping forward in the marketplace?

Next Steps

New job opportunities are shared frequently on Research and Innovation’s social media channels and posted below as they become available.

Opportunities are located at the Welland Campus and/or Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our Students page to review current job opportunities.

Opportunities Apply Now

Project Successes

Abatement Technologies logo

Abatement
Paremtech logo

Paremtech
Shriner's Creek Kettle Popcorn logo

Shriner’s Creek Kettle Popcorn
Kwik Mix logo

Kwik Mix
Hamill Machine Company logo

Hamill Machine Co. – Microgreens
Hamill Machine Company logo

Hamill Machine Company Inc. – Expanding business
Easily Moved Equipment logo

Easily Moved Equipment

Research In Action

Meet Niagara College's Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

Meet the team and learn all about WAMIC’s resources, services, and capabilities.

Tour the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

Take a virtual tour of WAMIC’s state-of-the-art laboratory at Niagara College’s Welland campus.

Hamill Machine succeeding thanks to partnership with WAMIC

Local agri-food innovator, Hamill Machine, is flourishing thanks to a long-standing partnership with WAMIC.

Meet The Team

Neil Wilkinson headshot

Neil Wilkinson

Associate Director

Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC)

As the Associate Director for WAMIC, Neil brings a breadth of experience as a product developer, service provider, and end customer to his work, with over 10-years in leadership experience in applied research offices.

Neil’s passions are supporting small- and medium-sized businesses on their innovation journeys to commercial success and working with early career professionals and watching them grow into well-rounded leaders. 

Neil holds an MBA in Innovation Leadership from the Sandermoen School of Business at the University of Fredericton, an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Research Analysis from Georgian College, and a BSc in Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom.

Dave Lawson headshot

Dave Lawson

Advanced Manufacturing Scientist

Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC)

As the Advanced Manufacturing Scientist for WAMIC, Dave leads applied research projects and supports the technical services team, tapping into his more than 25 years of experience in progressive roles in the automotive industry.

During his time at Nidec Mobility Canada, Dave acted as the industry partner on collaborative research projects with the University of Waterloo and mentored student teams, so he will bring the customer/client perspective to WAMIC as well as his ability to help students gain real-world knowledge in the industry. Dave holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (Design Option) from Mohawk College, as well as several other certificates in various leadership, training, and business courses.

Mike Duncan headshot

Mike Duncan

PhD

Research Lead

Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC)

As the Research Lead for WAMIC, Mike is a trailblazer in precision agriculture, computer programming, and virtual reality technology, supporting staff and students in various industry projects. Currently he holds the role of Research Chair, Computer Technology with WAMIC.

Brian Klassen headshot

Brian Klassen

Research Laboratory Technologist

Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC)

As the Research Laboratory Technologist for WAMIC, Brian supports all laboratory, applied research, and technical service activities related to electronics engineering.

Brian trains students and graduate employees, along with staff and researchers, on standard and specialized equipment and processes, and is responsible for creating, maintaining and updating maintenance-related standard operating procedures (SOPs).  

Brian is a graduate of Niagara College’s Electronics Engineering Technology (Co-op) program and has worked in the research labs at both WAMIC and the Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre (AETIC). He has also been a partial-load professor teaching electronic fabrication skills.

Joshua Bunz headshot

Joshua Bunz

Research & Development Technologist

Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC)

As the Research & Development Technologist for WAMIC, Josh supports all research and technical service activities related to producing and testing prototypes, evaluating new technologies and developing new or improved products or processes for small- and medium-sized businesses.

Joshua is a graduate of Niagara College’s Mechanical Engineering Technologist program, and Brock University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. With more than 12 years in the field, Josh has extensive experience in mechanical engineering, quality control, and managing teams to establish a lean manufacturing culture.

David Stovell headshot

David Stovell

Research Lead

As a Research Lead for WAMIC, and with over 30 years of teaching experience, David helps companies adopt digital technologies, specifically web-based database applications.

Through the Community Sponsored Project course, Dave has led student teams to create and deploy inventory management applications, document management systems and custom Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. 

Dave is also a Professor for the Computer Programmer and Computer Programmer Analyst program at NC. David studied math and physics at the University of Toronto and holds a Certificate from Georgian College in Teaching and Training Adults. David is a member of NC’s Program Advisory Committees for Computer Programming and Analysis and Computer Programming programs.