AMPG.

AMPG key parameters

Objectives you can fund

• Get an operational technology assessment carried out on site by a qualified expert, at no cost.
• Leave with a customized action plan that builds on the assets already in place as much as on new technology.
• Fund the purchase of long-term production equipment that increases capacity.
• Automate a workstation or a line — robotics, automation, networks, Internet of Things.
• Bring artificial intelligence or machine learning into a production setting.
• Fund the training, installation and direct labour tied to commissioning.

Program overview

The Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant is funded by the Government of Alberta and delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. It is aimed at small and medium-sized manufacturers: improving their operations, investing in technology to automate production, and increasing their competitiveness in Canadian and foreign markets.

The reasoning behind it is simple, and documented by CME: more than half of the manufacturers surveyed in its management issues survey plan to invest in new technology, and many of those same manufacturers cite the cost of adoption as a barrier. The AMPG addresses that gap.

• Two phases
• On-site assessment at no cost
• Matching grant
• Small and medium-sized manufacturers
• Alberta

Eligibility criteria

The program is aimed at Alberta's small and medium-sized manufacturers. CME publishes the detailed criteria in its application guidelines, which govern.

Eligible territory

• The program is funded by the Government of Alberta and is aimed at Alberta manufacturers.

Application steps

Two distinct phases, with two separate decisions. Clearing phase 1 does not guarantee phase 2, but phase 1 has value of its own: it produces the action plan.

1. 01. Submitting the application

   The application is submitted to CME, following its published guidelines. It is the same entry point for both phases.

   SUBMISSION

2. 02. Phase 1 — operational technology assessment

   A qualified CME assessor spends several days on site. They build a customized productivity improvement plan, based on existing assets and on the relevant advanced manufacturing technology. The assessment is offered at no cost to successful applicants.

   PHASE 1 · ON SITE, NO COST

3. 03. Action plan and investment decision

   The expert delivers recommendations that allow an informed decision: evaluate, purchase, adopt, implement, train, maintain. The plan also serves as supporting evidence for other funders.

   RECOMMENDATIONS

4. 04. Phase 2 — matching grant

   Direct financial support of up to $30,000, covering a maximum of 50% of the eligible costs of investing in the production assets and technology selected.

   PHASE 2 · UP TO $30,000

Activities funded by the program

Eligible technology, as listed by CME.

• Production equipment.
• Robotics.
• Automation.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Machine learning.
• Network upgrades.
• Equipment for Internet of Things investments.

Expenses covered by the program

• Capital equipment.
• Materials.
• Training on the new equipment.
• Installation of the new equipment.
• Professional service fees.
• The company's direct labour devoted to carrying out and managing the project.

Points to check before filing

• The specific inclusions and exclusions — which technology, which costs — are set out in the application guidelines published by CME. They have not been reproduced in this page: that is the document to read before committing to any expense.
• Phase 1 has value of its own, whatever happens next: the company leaves with an on-site assessment and an action plan, at no cost.
• This is a MATCHING grant: the company funds at least half of the eligible costs.
• The site's Alberta directory indicates that the program runs until March 31, 2027.
• Program office contact: AB.ProductivityInvestment@cme-mec.ca.