With the hiring of its first CEO, the Materials Joining Innovation Center (MaJIC) is ready to hit the ground running. Donald Jan Dekker, C.E.T., C.S.T., launches the Center’s operation May 1.
Mr. Dekker is a civil engineering technologist with extensive educational, management and international experience. He has practiced his trade in surveying, mining, and consulting; taught at the college level, managed college technical programs and been instrumental in building mining schools in Zimbabwe and Chile. Most recently, he has managed a PCB removal and metals recycling operation.
MaJIC is leasing lab and office space from the Kirkland Lake campus of Northern College. “Having access to Northern’s world-class lab facilities permits us to provide services right away, even as we begin setting up MaJIC’s own lab,” said Mr. Dekker. The facility is a CWB Test Centre, and companies may access these services immediately. The potential synergy between MaJIC and the College is particularly important as Northern extends itself into the international realm as an Authorized Training Body for the International Institute of Welding with new programs available on-line.
MaJIC has leveraged $2-million in government funding by securing contributions of $1-million from industry and other partnerships. The centre expects to provide five full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the first three years and 15 projects after 10 years od operation.
MaJIC offers a range of products and services to industry, all focused on helping solve problems for companies dependent on materials and resources. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can face challenges accessing specialized services and ready access to professionals with technical expertise will help these businesses remain competitive.
MaJIC’s strategy is to partner, rather than compete. In those areas where several agencies may be offering similar services, MaJIC will seek opportunities for niche excellence that will improve or enhance existing services and offer these in concert with others.
Funding support for this venture has been provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, FedNor, Rural Economic Development program, Ministry of Research and Innovation, Town of Kirkland Lake. Major contributors to MaJIC’s fundraising campaign are: CWB Group, Trans-Canada Pipelines, MTI Technologies, Lincoln Electric Canada, Wabi Iron and Steel, and Horton CBI.
