Exciting things are happening in the Interior, according to the federal government, which this week invested in local innovators to advance the regional economy with technological upgrades.
The Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, Harjit Sajjan, announced $1.6 million in PacifiCan funding for three Kamloops-based organizations.
“Innovators and entrepreneurs in various industries are creating lasting prosperity for their community,” the federal minister stated. “PacifiCan support will help three dedicated organizations turn their ideas into reality and create good jobs in Kamloops and B.C.’s Interior, a region becoming known as a hub for innovation.”
Axis Foresty garnered $1 million toward the commercialization of its Rebel Hydraulic Tree Processor and Cypress Controller Software System, as well as the optimization of a 16,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
The Tree Processor attaches to the end of an excavator’s boom arm and fells trees, removes branches, and cuts wood into specific lengths for transport.
Meanwhile, the Controller Software enables loggers to accurately measure and process logs and offers onboard diagnostics—an innovation developed in-house by Axis’ engineering ream out of Kamloops and also “the only tree processor manufactured in North America.”
Wayne Cochran, president of Axis, says the capital is allowing his company “to rapidly bring our Rebel tree harvesters to domestic and international markets.”
“We are proud to be based in Kamloops and look forward to future growth and showcasing our local talent and innovations on the world stage,” Cochran stated.
The Kamloops Food Policy Council and Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations received $650,000 jointly to strengthen the local food supply chain via a mobile food processing trailer serving remote communities.
The funding will also support the creation of a marketing platform and branding strategy that will help local farmers better market their goods, according to a statement.
PacifiCan, a federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians, works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating jobs, and supporting growth throughout the province.
Since 2021, PacifiCan has announced more than 400 projects in BC.
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