OTTAWA, Ontario, April 20, 2016 /CNW/ -- Lockheed Martin
(NYSE: LMT) Canada opened the
doors of its IMPACT Centre in Ottawa, with a ribbon cutting event showcasing
the innovative demonstration centre. The centre is designed to be a
significant economic driver across Canada, bringing Canadian industry and
academia together for critical research, development and
advancement of technology.
Lockheed Martin created the IMPACT Centre with a vision to
promote the growth of small Canadian businesses, advance research,
support sustainability and enhance Canada's capability for major exports in
defence and technology sectors. At the heart of the IMPACT Centre,
is an initial core focus on naval systems and the competitive naval
combat systems world market. Work showcased at the centre will aim
to meet Canada's needs for the
Canadian surface combatant program and international opportunities.
The company will also look to harness leading technologies in
sustainment, performance-based logistics, training, solar energy
and more - providing valuable expertise to participants and
promoting a thriving culture of innovation.
"As we engage with Canadian businesses and universities on our
programs, we continue to find a depth of knowledge and a quality of
research being done in Canada
equal to the best in the world," said Rosemary Chapdelaine, vice president and general
manager for Lockheed Martin Canada Mission Systems and
Training. "We are thrilled to invest in this Canadian
capability to ensure a vibrant and technically superior supplier
and partner base."
The IMPACT Centre's first engagement with local educational
institutions enlisted third and fourth year design students at
Ottawa's Algonquin College in a competition to come up with
an inventive design concept for the space.
The teams presented their highly creative ideas to Lockheed
Martin Canada in January. One team drew inspiration from
Canada's Arctic, pulling edgy
design and lighting elements of ice, glaciers, and snow into their
submission. Another concept incorporated vibrant artistic elements
into the space, using earth's elements and tying the theme to
Lockheed Martin's business areas.
The winning team pitched a theme around the 'Eye of the Storm'.
The winners were announced at the grand opening event, and
attendees saw first-hand how the concept design came alive in the
real-life space. Jessica Drolet,
Sarah Taylor and Brooke Zacharuk made up the winning team, each
receiving a cash prize and an opportunity to see their work
incorporated on a real, large-scale project. They used materials
and lighting to establish a setting that portrays strength and
control, tying Lockheed Martin Canada's system integration
capabilities across its naval portfolio to the "Eye of the Storm"
theme.
The IMPACT Centre creates a unique business resource for
domestic and international suppliers working alongside academia to
expand and strengthen their product offering. Canadian companies
can take advantage to prove and refine their product in a
sophisticated synthetic environment as well as grow their
international strategy. International companies can establish or
enhance a Canadian footprint providing entry to the market and
building a base for Canadian exports.
Ms. Chapdelaine adds, "We can offer industry tremendous value by
sharing our broad range of knowledge and skills forged during the
execution of large complex domestic and international programs –
like the Halifax Class Modernization Project, New Zealand
ANZAC Frigate Systems Upgrade, and
Canada's new Arctic/Off-shore
Patrol Ships. As Canada's only
domestic combat system integrator, the IMPACT Centre will open the
door for other companies to join in our success as well as drive
innovation for future defence capability with products developed in
Canada by Canadians."
IMPACT Centre Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L6Xzp8pU8U
For additional information, visit our newly launched website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ca.html
About Lockheed Martin Canada:
Lockheed Martin
Canada is a highly diversified global enterprise principally
engaged in the research, design, manufacture, and integration of
advanced-technology products. By applying the innovative approaches
of our highly skilled and experienced Canadian-based workforce, we
have been Canada's trusted defence
partner for over 75 years. The company employs more than 850
employees at major facilities in Ottawa, Montreal, Dartmouth, Calgary, and Victoria, working on a wide range of major
programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.
Photo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/357682
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141118/159313LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martin-canada-opens-doors-to-new-partnership-and-innovation-centre-300254479.html
SOURCE Lockheed Martin