The Independent newspaper in the U.K. published an article last March calling Winnipeg, ‘Canada’s Comeback City.'
I love the sound of that.
Winnipeggers consistently come back from disappointment, problems and obstacles with bigger and better solutions. Our companies are no exception, creating innovative solutions that are having an impact around the world.
Conviron is a Winnipeg-based world leader in creating controlled environments for biotech, agribusiness and plant science. Its innovative chambers and control systems are being used by researchers in Canada and the U.S. to develop plant-based vaccines for viruses like COVID-19 and Ebola.
Precision ADM, just signed a contract with the Government of Manitoba to manufacture 500,000 reusable silicon protective masks, with an option for 500,000 more over the next year. The masks are based on the designs of two Winnipeg doctors. The silicon part of the mask can be disinfected and a disposable N95 cartridge added, which is critical to filter out viruses and bacteria. They can be reused up to 30 times. It could be a game-changer for hospitals that are seeing a shortage of supplies across Canada and need to protect health workers. The company that specializes in 3D printing and product engineering for the medical, aerospace and energy sectors is now also supplying our province with nasopharyngeal swabs.
There is a level of trust and respect that comes with Winnipeg companies and what they can bring to the table.
You’ve heard about Mondetta. The Winnipeg-headquartered clothing company is known for its strong and trusted supply chain connections. The federal government is tapping into those connections to source reusable medical scrubs, disposable gowns and gloves.
PCL Construction is another trusted company in the building world that is now answering the call to keep people safe if they are heading back to work or live in remote communities. It has converted shipping containers into portable ICU or isolation units. The units are fully capable of being outfitted with electricity plus air filtration systems to keep patients or workers safe. They are being built in Winnipeg, can be shipped easily and set up in under 30 minutes.
Price Industries, a successful HVAC company is manufacturing a fan filter unit that can pull air out of an enclosed environment, then safely filter it through an exhaust vent or to the outdoors. The kit is already being sold to regions that have been hit hard by the pandemic and need of temporary treatment areas, including U.S. states like New York, New Jersey and Louisiana. As well, Price has offered up its 29,000 sq. ft. research facility in Winnipeg, which contains test chambers that can mimic hospital operating rooms. It has offered access to its team of engineers to both levels of government for whatever uses are deemed necessary.
Canada Goose, the world-renowned luxury winter outfitter which has been operating in Winnipeg since 2013 with three facilities, shifted gears early to make gowns and personal protective equipment with a commitment to produce 100,000 gowns for Manitoba health care workers alone.
Other smaller Winnipeg companies have also shifted to help, which speaks to our tight-knit business community and its responsiveness.
Duha Group, a Winnipeg manufacturer with a global reach that specializes in colour-marketing tools and printing adapted its line to make and sell hand sanitizer to local businesses in need. 100 per cent of profits go back to helping local health care workers and patients through the HSC Foundation’s COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund.
Patent 5 Distillery started producing hand sanitizer back in late March to combat COVID-19 distributing it for free to Winnipeg not-for-profits and organizations in need, while Capital K Distillery started making and shipping hand sanitizer to Manitoba Corrections and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
Winnipeg’s Acryl Designs manufacturing and print shop facility normally produces signs, awards, displays and customized parts, but started manufacturing plexiglass shields for pharmacy, post office and grocery store workers.
In a difficult time, these companies are bringing back workers to fill jobs and create new ones. These are all examples of what makes our ‘Winnipeg story’ so compelling. We consistently step up to innovate, fill gaps and find solutions and we do it all from Winnipeg.
As we move through the next phases of reopening, these are the stories we will continue to share because everyone needs to hear that the city in the heart of the continent can be a leader on so many fronts. We’re self-starters, self-made and we don’t just make things here, we make them better.
If you’re a business making a difference or having an impact in your sector in local, national or global markets, we want to tell your story. Reach out to our marketing team.
Be part of Winnipeg’s comeback story.