PacifiCan Injects $2.5M into Kelowna Manufacturer MAKR for IIoT Upgrade
Event summary
- PacifiCan invests $2.5M in Kelowna-based MAKR Group to implement Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system.
- Funding comes via PacifiCan's Business Scale-up and Productivity program, aimed at boosting manufacturing efficiency.
- MAKR's Waterplay division expects 22% global growth in splash pad installations by 2028, with construction investment rising from $3.7B to $5B.
- IIoT system will enhance real-time operational monitoring, improve product quality, and optimize resource use.
- MAKR Group comprises three brands: Waterplay, Parkworks, and Wekid Mfg, specializing in steel components and recreational infrastructure.
The big picture
This investment underscores the Canadian government's focus on bolstering domestic manufacturing through digital transformation. The IIoT upgrade aligns with broader trends in smart manufacturing, positioning MAKR to compete more effectively in an expanding recreational infrastructure market. The $2.5M funding reflects strategic priorities around productivity and global market reach, particularly in sectors with high growth potential like splash pad installations.
What we're watching
- Market Expansion
- Whether MAKR can leverage the IIoT upgrade to capture a larger share of the growing global splash pad market.
- Operational Efficiency
- The pace at which IIoT implementation will translate into measurable productivity gains and cost savings for MAKR.
- Job Creation
- How the investment will impact local employment in Kelowna, particularly in high-skilled manufacturing roles.
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