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CWB launches Centre of Innovation to advance innovation, workforce development and industry growth in Canada’s welding and joining sector

MILTON, ON — June 8, 2026 - The ��APP���� officially opened its new Centre of Innovation today, marking a major investment in the future of Canada’s welding and joining industry and establishing a new hub for technical advancement and workforce development in Ontario.

Located in Milton and supported in part by the Government of Ontario, the CWB Centre of Innovation brings together welders and fabricators, educators, technology providers, and industry leaders to help address key sector priorities, including workforce readiness, technology adoption, productivity, and competitiveness.��

The Centre will provide industry with access to training, technical expertise, and emerging technologies to help strengthen Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector.

“The CWB Centre of Innovation represents an important investment in the future of our industry,” said David Collie, Interim President and CEO, ��APP����. “It is a place where industry and our partners can come together to solve real-world challenges, accelerate innovation, and help ensure Canada’s welding and joining sector remains strong and competitive.”

Today’s opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from CWB leadership, the Honourable David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Hon. Zee Hamid, MPP of Milton, and Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz. Guests also participated in a guided tour of the new facility which showcased its key capabilities, including the Innovation Hub, the Electric Vehicle Training Centre, and an expanded welding and joining shop, designed to support industry growth and skills development.��

"Our government’s $236 billion infrastructure plan is the most ambitious in our province's history, but shovels don't move without skilled hands to hold them,” said Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “The CWB Centre of Innovation is how we deliver on that commitment. By equipping welders, fabricators, and advanced manufacturers with the tools and training they need today, we're making sure Ontario has the workforce ready to build the homes, hospitals, and infrastructure our communities are counting on.” 

“The Centre of Innovation is designed to support manufacturers, fabricators, and other industry partners that rely on welding as a critical enabler, by giving them access to the technical expertise, targeted training, and emerging technologies they need to advance the sector and prepare for what’s next,” said Craig Martin, Chief Operating Officer, ��APP����.��

The launch of the Centre reinforces CWB’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s welding and joining sector through technical leadership, workforce development, and industry innovation.

For more information about the CWB Centre of Innovation, including a complete list of its features and a floor plan, please visit the ��APP���� website.��

Left to right: Stuart Klein, I-CAR Canada; David Collie, ��APP����; Hon. Zee Hamid, MPP Milton; Brent Charlton, 3M; Hon. David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; Chris Pilcher, IPG; Mayor Gordon Krantz; Tom Van Loon, Select-SAI Inc/Arcos Industries LLC; Craig Martin, ��APP����; Gary Sullivan, Spark & Co; Cornelius Sawatzky, Xiris Automation

This has been funded in part by the Government of Ontario. The Government of Ontario and its agencies are in no way bound by any recommendations contained in this publication.