Burlington EcDev Advanced Manufacturing Initiative

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Burlington Economic Development Press Release:


Burlington’s Industrial Buildings Going Lean and Green
Community Development Committee Endorses BEDC Report

BURLINGTON, ON (July 21, 2011) – The goal is to make old buildings new again. The City of Burlington has taken the first step to upgrade and modernize industrial buildings in Burlington. On July 11, 2011 the Community Development Committee of Council endorsed a report by Burlington Economic Development Corporation entitled “Lean, Green & Connected: Innovative Industrial Buildings for Advanced Manufacturing”.

The report looks at how new trends in industrial building design can help to grow and strengthen Burlington’s manufacturers – today and for the future. BEDC is now moving forward to implement the initiative that was funded by the Government of Canada’s Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and done in partnership with the City of Burlington and Halton Region.

“The next generation manufacturers that belong in Burlington are the “twenty-somethings” of today: young entrepreneurs with the ideas and drive to build a business. So, it is critically important that Burlington have manufacturing facilities with the proper amenities and the right ambience, to attract young entrepreneurs to the City. Facilities which permit ongoing collaboration, sharing of expertise and equipment help to overcome some of the initial barriers to creating a successful business,” said Alf Zeuner, president and CEO of AXYZ Automation Inc., a Burlington-based manufacturing company.

Advanced manufacturing needs equally advanced buildings: buildings that provide modern physical systems, allow for production flexibility, reduce life-cycle costs related to energy use and that are environmentally sustainable. By encouraging developers to retrofit existing facilities (and design new smart buildings) that incorporate state-of-the-art design features, Burlington is in a better position to attract new advanced manufacturing investment as well as develop its existing manufacturing base.

“Like the cars of today, the exterior of modern industrial buildings hasn’t changed much. What is different is on the inside. Greater flexibility, green building standards coupled with smart grid, broadband and wireless technologies are shaping industrial design and functionality,” said Myron Karp (Karp Namisniak Yamamoto Architects Inc.) the lead designer on the project.

Five innovative industrial prototypes models were created using Whole Building Design to meet (LEED) Certification Standards. Their innovative green features, including energy efficient technologies, offer companies the prospect of substantial savings over the life of the building.

According to BEDC’s Executive Director, Kyle Benham, “Intelligent design will drive the industrial buildings of the future. BEDC’s task is now to demonstrate their value to the community,” adding that, “Over the coming months, BEDC will work with interested developers to find and retrofit an old factory to create a prototype manufacturing centre, using green technologies and innovative design features to encourage collaboration and reduce long-term operating costs.”

Over the next two years, BEDC will engage manufacturers, developers, landlords and municipal governments in implementing the action plan for the Lean, Green and Connected Innovative Buildings Project focussing on demonstration projects, education and awareness, and new planning and building standards.


There's greater detail in Burlington EcDev's LGC project reports.