 | (WINDSOR, ONTARIO, MONDAY, MAY 16, 2005) – University of Windsor President Ross Paul gave high praise for an announcement today naming the University of Windsor as the site for the new Research and Development centre for advanced truck manufacturing and clean diesel engine technology. This joint federal-provincial announcement took place at the Chatham facility of the International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC).
“The creation of this research and development centre is another important step in building on the University of Windsor 's position as Canada's leading university in automotive engineering, manufacturing and design,” Dr. Paul says. “The future of our auto industry is in high-end research and innovation. This venture with ITEC further strengthens our expertise with diesel engine technology and gives wonderful hands-on opportunities to our students and faculty alike.”
Paul says the move builds on the University of Windsor's many successful partnerships with industry, other educational institutions, and government, which are critical to its ability to help the Canadian automotive industry meet huge challenges from other countries. This initiative consolidates Windsor's leading-edge research and places the University at the forefront of innovation for the North American truck manufacturing sector.
"Truck manufacturing is no longer a traditional industry" said Economic Development and Trade Minister Joe Cordiano. "If we want this industry to stay competitive, we have to invest in
innovation and the education of our workers. That's what our investment is all about."
“This partnership really brings opportunities for our students from many disciplines to another level. This will mean tremendous opportunities for co-op and graduate students to gain leading-edge training and work experience in a world-class research centre,” says Graham Reader, Dean of Engineering at the University of Windsor. “This R & D centre will be a pivotal facility for our new and unique multi-disciplinary doctoral program in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering.”
Paul credits this ground-breaking announcement to the vision and commitment of the Government of Ontario, specifically the Honourable Joe Cordiano; the federal government; especially the leadership of retiring Chatham-Kent-Essex Member of Parliament Jerry Pickard; ITEC; Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis and City Council; the Windsor-Essex County Development Commission and Chatham-Kent Mayor Diane Gagner. Their strong endorsement of the University of Windsor’s bid for this new centre and their willingness to build on the University of Windsor’s high-quality research and innovation capacity will lead to the creation of high-skilled and high-paying jobs for Ontario.
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Photo Opportunity:
University of Windsor campus,
In front of Essex Hall (Engineering Building)
2:00 p.m.
Media parking in front of 484 Sunset Ave., and in F Lot (corner of Wyandotte St. W & Sunset Ave.)
City of Windsor Mayor, Eddie Francis will be joining a number of representatives from the University of Windsor including:
President Ross Paul,
Dean of Engineering, Graham Reader,
Professor and AUTO21 NCE Program Leader & CEO, Peter Frise
Vice President Research, Susan McDaniel
CONTACT: Lori Koutros
Manager, News Services
University of Windsor
(519) 973-7001
Cell: (519) 564-9908
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