PyroGenesis to develop new defence technology

PyroGenesis Inc has received $5.6 million from Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) to help fund a $14-million project to develop, fabricate and demonstrate new technology for the aerospace and defence sectors. The Montreal-based firm will develop its novel vacuum plasma spray forming (VPSF) manufacturing process for producing components at a lower cost. The project marks the transition of PyroGenesis from an engineering firm to an R&D company. The project will be undertaken in conjunction with the Univ of Toronto’s Centre for Advanced Coating Technologies. The TPC assistance is part of Canada’s participation in the system development and demonstration phase of the US-led Joint Strike Fighter program. Under the terms of the agreement, Canada will provide $240 million over 10 years through TPC and the Department of National Defence (R$, February 27/02). PyroGenesis currently has a staff of 80 including 57 scientists and engineers and spends 47% of revenue on R&D....