Hike Metal Products Ltd. in Wheatley, a leading Canadian ship builder, and ATMIS Protective Equipment Inc., an Indigenous advanced manufacturer of custom machined metal parts, fabrications and automated production systems with plants in Chatham and Windsor, are joining forces.
The two companies have signed an agreement to work together on mutually beneficial initiatives in Canada’s marine and defence sectors. Both companies said the deal is the only one of its kind in the country.
“This marks the first time an Indigenous manufacturer has ventured into the new vessel build market in support of the government and larger defence primes,” said ATMIS president Andy Valentine, explaining the focus will be on small and medium-sized boats. “We’re very excited to be working with Hike MetaI on Canadian maritime vessel builds and proud to think our high-quality work will one day be in the ships keeping our country safe.”
Valentine’s comments were echoed by Hike Metal president Steve Ingram, who said his company’s decades-long track record of vessel construction will be complemented by ATMIS’ advanced manufacturing capabilities and defence industry experience.
“By leveraging our core strengths, we believe we can strengthen both companies’ presence in the Canadian marine vessel market,” Ingram said. “Combining our skill sets in advanced marine metal product manufacturing is a win, not only for our companies, but for our customers.”
