Is business success earned, or manufactured? For Nova Scotia companies thriving in our advanced manufacturing sector, the answer is always, “both”.
We’re a province where education, industry, and quality of life are intertwined. Global companies are expanding their footprints thanks to the quality of our talent, the flexibility of our post-secondary institutions to adapt to meet the needs of our employers, and collaboration like you’ve never seen before.
A diversity of manufacturing profiles
With a reputation for precision, efficiency, and quality, Nova Scotia provides an ideal environment for manufacturing success. Here, you’ll find start-ups, established companies, business incubators, accelerators, and anchor post-secondary institutions and research facilities. The province is home to globally recognized companies like Michelin and Pratt & Whitney, and we’re always courting new manufacturers hunting for the perfect place to call home.
A talented and prepared workforce
Manufacturers benefit from Nova Scotia’s highly educated workforce. This talent pool is equipped with the technical skills and innovative mindset needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing industries. Employers gain access to a workforce that combines expertise with a strong work ethic.
Strategic location for global markets
Nova Scotia's manufacturing infrastructure, connectivity, and logistics facilities make it the ideal choice for servicing Europe and North America. This is just one of the reasons industrial manufacturing products like tires and other industrial products such as plastics and metal fabrication are leading exports in Nova Scotia. Located at the gateway to North America with multi-modal logistics infrastructure, and leading innovations from entrepreneurs and research institutions, Nova Scotia’s manufacturing companies export products around the world. With billions in revenues and exports to over 150 countries, Nova Scotia products have a reputation for quality.
Dalhousie University’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub is a dynamic space that brings together world-class researchers to develop innovative processes for advanced materials, with a strong focus on sustainability and high-performance solutions.
FIGURES AND FACTS
Fast Facts
- Over 5,000 scientists research additive manufacturing, materials engineering, life sciences, renewable energy, and ocean technology.
- Michelin has produced over 230 million tires in the province since 1971.
- Advanced manufacturing represents the largest output of any goods-producing sector in Nova Scotia.
- Dalhousie University’s Dr. Jeff Dahn has an exclusive partnership with Tesla to develop lithium-ion batteries.
- Exports to over 150 countries
Exciting areas of innovation
Energy storage
Rolls Battery Engineering has successfully manufactured batteries in the province for more than 60 years. Last year, their product was shipped to over 20 countries to support microgrids and renewable energy projects.
Shipbuilding and defence
Irving's Halifax Shipyard Assembly facility is the most modern building for constructing ships in North America—and it's also where Canada's next generation of combat vessels are being built.
Oceans
The province is home to Stelia—an Airbus company—and Canada's Ocean Supercluster, an industry-led initiative, focused on building upon Canada's world-class ocean-related business activity, research capacity, and proven technology expertise.
Tire manufacturing
Nova Scotia has a foundation with companies such as Michelin, contributing $1.2 billion to the economy. With three plants and over 3,600 employees Michelin exports tires all around the world from this province.
An ecosystem of mutual support
Nova Scotia is home to many academic, research, and economic development facilities focused on growing a thriving manufacturing sector.
Dalhousie University
The Faculty of Engineering, through its Advanced Manufacturing Hub, fosters innovation in sustainable manufacturing, high-performance materials, and cutting-edge industrial processes.
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
NSCC’s Applied Research programs focus on advanced materials, precision manufacturing, and automation. Its specialized facilities support prototyping, robotics, and manufacturing process optimization.
The Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment
Located in Cape Breton, the centre offers expertise in bio-industrial processing, advanced materials, and scaling up innovative manufacturing solutions.
Springboard Atlantic
A network of Atlantic Canadian universities and colleges, including those in Nova Scotia, helping to commercialize research and innovation in manufacturing.
