PacifiCan works with ambitious and innovative businesses across British Columbia to help them grow, boost productivity, and reach new customers in Canada and internationally.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) announced an investment of $2.5 million for Kelowna-based MAKR Group. MAKR designs and manufactures steel components, playground equipment, and water management systems, and supplies them to parks and splash pads around the world.
PacifiCan's investment will help MAKR improve operations by implementing an innovative 'Industrial Internet of Things' (IIoT) system. This system will connect smart manufacturing machines to the internet using sensors, enabling real-time communication of operational status. By identifying production inefficiencies and issues more quickly, the IIoT system will help enhance product quality, optimize resources, and save time and money.
The number of spray parks and splash pads is expected to rise 22 per cent worldwide by 2028, with construction investment anticipated to grow from $3.7 billion to $5 billion. This project will help MAKR's Waterplay business and Wekid manufacturing plant increase sales, create jobs, and strengthen its competitiveness in this expanding market.
The repayable funding announced today is provided through PacifiCan's Business Scale-up and Productivity program, which helps high-growth B.C. businesses expand, producing and selling more of their innovative products and services. Through investments like these, British Columbians are growing their businesses and creating prosperity in British Columbia and Canada.
