|
Manufacturing
 Alberta has a diversified economy
with an
established natural resource extraction process and an
extensive manufacturing sector. Success
of Alberta's manufacturing industry is seen in its
third-place ranking for manufacturing output, after
Ontario and Quebec. Alberta manufacturers have the
highest productivity level in Canada.
Alberta strengthened its position in
manufacturing after doubling its shipments of
manufactured goods between 1994 and 2004 to $52.5
billion annually. Manufacturing makes up over ten
percent of the province's Gross Domestic Product (GDP),
bringing 144,100 manufacturing jobs to Alberta.
Items manufactured in Alberta are
diverse—from machinery needed for exploration and
extraction of natural resources to Dynecell hydrogen
storage tanks used for Ford Focus fuel-cell vehicles in
Calgary. Another Calgary company produces ballistic body
armor plates made of ceramica, which are used by
manufacturers who supply international defence and
police forces, including the U.S. military.
Edmonton hosts a variety of
manufacturers, including specialty-food production for
sufferers of severe allergies, Celiac disease, and
autism. Other companies produce sports wear,
pharmaceuticals, or machinery.
Manufacturing ventures are thriving
in Alberta communities. For example, motorcycle trikes by
Lehman Trikes were first designed and continue to be
built in the town of Westlock.
Adding to the development of
manufacturing in Alberta is continuous research,
development, and innovation of new products. New
processes like computer-based drafting, interactive CD-ROMS, and
GPS systems are currently being developed.
| 
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
)
