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A.F. Theriault & Son recognized as a Canadian Innovation Leader

Friday 28 March 2003 | Digby

A Digby County, Nova Scotia company is being promoted today as a national role model for innovation in Canada. The Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council (NRC), and the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries had high praise for A.F. Theriault & Son Ltd. Shipyard, announcing that the firm was being recognized by NRC as one of Canada's Innovation Leaders.

A client of the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), the firm has demonstrated a special commitment to innovation and to building upon its achievements with investments in research and technology development Last year, A.F. Theriault & Son launched a new experimental vessel that uses advanced materials. The vessel has no wood, ribs, longitudinal frame, or steel, yet the firm's innovative "composite-core" stress panel technology makes the vessel approximately 100 times stronger and 10 times lighter than steel.

The firm is also applying its technical and research skills to a variety of other projects including the development of wind energy components and military applications. A.F. Theriault Ltd. is striving through innovation and advanced technology to develop competitive products and services.

"A.F. Theriault and Son have helped launch a new era in shipbuilding technology and is now building upon this expertise in exciting ways," said Minister Thibault, Member of Parliament for West Nova. "This recognition by NRC is a boost for the firm and the region."

"We are proud to celebrate A.F. Theriault & Son's new technologies, and their commitment to new innovations for the future of the shipbuilding industry in this region," said Minister Rock. Last year NRC-IRAP supported over 100 research and technology projects of Nova Scotia's most innovative small and medium sized firms, by contributing over $5 million and stimulating total innovation investments of over $10 million.

Recognized globally for research and innovation, Canada's National Research Council (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. NRC operates world-class research facilities as well as information, technology and innovation support networks from coast to coast.

Its outstanding people help turn ideas and knowledge into new products, processes and services, creating value for Canada. NRC works hand in hand with partners from industry, government and universities to help ignite the spark of innovation in communities across the land and to give Canadian companies a competitive edge in today's marketplace.

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