Kitchener, ON – Nov 10, 2023 – The Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Laboratory is pleased to announce the official inauguration of its cutting-edge additive manufacturing facility, now located at 137 Glasgow Street, Kitchener, within the vibrant Catalyst137 innovation hub.

Members of the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory proudly pose in front of their new state-of-the-art facility, eagerly anticipating the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks the beginning of a transformative era in manufacturing excellence.

The grand opening ceremony, attended by distinguished guests including the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo; Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South-Hespeler; Mike Haris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga; Mayor Berry Vrbanovic of Kitchener; James Rush, Vice-President Academic & Provost at the University of Waterloo; David Clausi, Associate Dean of Research & External Partnerships at the University of Waterloo; and Michael Collins, Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, showcased a momentous gathering of industry, government, academic, and community figures. MSAM Director, Ehsan Toyserkani, reflected on the journey of MSAM, offering insights into its past and future, and Mihaela Vlasea, the Co-Director of MSAM, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony signifies a momentous milestone as government and university representatives officially inaugurate the new facility of the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory. From left to right: Dave Dietz, Director of Engineering Research at the University of Waterloo; The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo; David Clausi, Associate Dean of Research & External Partnerships at the University of Waterloo; Michael Collins, Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics at the University of Waterloo; Mihaela Vlasea, Associate Professor and MSAM co-Director; Ehsan Toyserkani, Professor and MSAM Director; Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South-Hespeler; Mike Haris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga; Mayor Berry Vrbanovic of Kitchener; James Rush, Vice-President Academic & Provost at the University of Waterloo.

MSAM extends gratitude to the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, industrial partners, the University of Waterloo, University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering, and the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering for their instrumental support in achieving this milestone.

The relocation to Catalyst137 signifies a strategic move for MSAM, now housing the latest additive manufacturing technologies to ensure precision, speed, and outstanding quality in collaborative R&D and training initiatives. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a nexus for students, researchers, and industry partners, fostering innovation through advanced technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. In a social media post, David Clausi, Associate Dean – Research and External Partnerships at the University of Waterloo, described the relocation of MSAM to the new facility as “the start of a new era for additive manufacturing in Canada.”

A glimpse inside MSAM’s metal additive manufacturing research space at Catalyst137.

In this new space, MSAM is committed to cultivating leadership in an environment that prioritizes safety, training, collaboration, efficiency, entrepreneurship, and a dedicated commitment to innovation. The facility is geared towards sustainable practices, contributing to a greener, more eco-friendly manufacturing landscape.

As the ribbon was cut today, MSAM marks the commencement of a new era in manufacturing excellence and looks forward to welcoming visitors to the new facility and the exciting opportunities it holds for the future of additive manufacturing.

For additional coverage on the opening, please refer to the following articles:

Canada’s largest metal additive manufacturing facility opens in Kitchener – CityNews

University of Waterloo opens new metal manufacturing research lab – CTV News