A well-known innovator in Northern Ontario’s mining supply and service sector has received an honorary degree from Cambrian College.
Walter Siggelkow, the president at Hard-Line in Sudbury, was presented last week with an honorary Bachelor of Business Degree in recognition of his professional achievements and his contributions to the community.
This marks the first time the Sudbury college has bestowed an honorary degree.
A 1991 graduate of Cambrian’s Electronics Engineering Technologist program, Siggelkow went on to co-found HLS Hard-Line Solutions in 1996.
The company, which is headquartered in the community of Dowling, north of the city, is a leading developer of remote control technology used to operate heavy equipment, particularly in the mining industry.
Hard-Line’s remote-operated systems are valued for helping to increase safety in the industry by removing workers from dangerous situations. The company’s tech is today used in mining operations around the globe.
Siggelkow has additionally been a long-time supporter of educational initiatives in the community, in providing student work placements, contributing to program development at Cambrian and at Collège Boréal, and providing financial support to Laurentian University’s Mechatronics program.
Hard-Line and Siggelkow have previously been recognized with a number of accolades, including Cambrian’s Employer Award of Distinction, the Canadian Innovation Award for Export Diversification, a Community Builders Award for economic development, and Northern Ontario Business Awards in 2005, 2011, and 2017.
Siggelkow was inducted into the MineConnect Hall of Fame in 2020.
