Newsletter

 
Summerside’s economy is built on innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to diversification, positioning the city as a leader in several emerging sectors. From traditional industries to aerospace, information technology, and renewable energy, Summerside consistently showcases its strong value proposition for attracting investment and fostering business expansion. Each sector offers unique opportunities, solidifying Summerside as a compelling destination for business growth.

 

Aerospace
 
Summerside Aerospace MRO

 
Why have some of the world’s top aerospace companies, like Honeywell, StandardAero, Tronos, and MDS Coating, chosen to invest in Summerside, particularly in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector? The answer lies in Summerside’s strategic location, supportive government policies, and a dedicated, skilled workforce.
 
Over the past 30 years, these companies have flourished, consistently expanding and reinvesting in the region. The favourable business costs in Summerside, coupled with the provincial government’s corporate tax-free zone, enable aerospace firms to reinvest and maintain a competitive edge in the global MRO market.
 
With annual sales surpassing $400 million, Aerospace MRO has become one of Prince Edward Island’s fastest-growing industries. This sector, supported by a strong base of international companies, employs more than 1,350 skilled workers. Over the past five years, revenues from international markets have tripled, making aerospace engines one of the province's leading exports.

Summerside offers aerospace companies annual cost savings of 20-45% compared to other Canadian cities for operations including a 100-person staff, a 30,000 sq. ft. lease, 5,000 kWh electricity consumption, and $4 million in income. When compared to cities in the U.S. and Europe, the cost savings can be double or more.
 

 
Summerside in Focus: Driving Growth Across Key Sectors

MDS Coating  
 

Since 1997, MDS Coating has been a pivotal player in the Summerside aerospace industry, continually setting new standards with game-changing technologies. Employing 100 highly skilled and talented team members, we focus on providing unmatched customer service that is at the core of our company culture. Thanks to the many creative scientific minds on our team, we continue to innovate new technologies and lead the industry forward. High quality and precision go into everything we do; the way we design and manufacture our technology is unmatched. We aim to create a work environment where our team is acknowledged and rewarded for their contributions, and they feel proud of the difference they make. Offering innovative coating solutions that enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability, we strive to be the go-to supplier for quality, speed, and communication.
 

https://www.mdscoating.com




Information Technology

 
Summerside’s IT sector is rapidly expanding, with companies spanning diverse industries such as fintech, video games, managed services, e-health, business process outsourcing, government-shared services, clean energy, and product testing laboratories.
 
With reliable communication infrastructure and a skilled labour force, Summerside offers businesses the flexibility to select a location that suits their specific needs. This makes it an ideal destination for companies looking to reduce costs while providing an exceptional quality of life for their employees.
 
The city provides numerous advantages, including a strategic location, strong government support, fast-track loans, minimal bureaucratic red tape, move-in-ready facilities, a productive workforce, and a Living Lab for accelerating product development. Summerside’s IT sector also benefits from competitive business costs, a favourable tax environment, and a world-class telecommunications infrastructure.
 
Immediate opportunities exist for established companies with innovative products and strong leadership, particularly those targeting the North American market in areas like video game development, software, computer networks, and software testing.

 

Summerside offers IT companies 20-35% annual cost savings compared to other Canadian cities for operations with 30 staff, a 10,000 sq. ft. lease, 2.5 kWh electricity consumption, and $900,000 in corporate income. Compared to U.S. and European cities, these savings can reach millions.
 

 
Spotlight on Summerside: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

BluWave-ai  
 

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Ottawa, BluWave-ai began its expansion in early 2019 by establishing a Smart Grid AI Center of Excellence in Summerside, PEI. By expanding its team with expertise in power systems, data science, and real time software systems, the company tapped into Summerside's talent pool and open innovation ecosystem to fuel its growth.
 
Building on this foundation, BluWave-ai successfully delivered its first real-time, AI-enabled energy dispatch system for Summerside Electric in Canada in 2019, followed by Tata Power in Mumbai, India, in 2020—achievements made possible through the development and experience gained in Summerside where initial AI models were trained in the Canadian market and then exported worldwide (first in Mumbai and then many other regions globally). Starting with just two staff members, BluWave-ai embarked on an innovative journey to address real-world challenges through AI.
 
Today, the company continues to grow, diversifying its product range to include utilities and electric vehicle charge management while expanding its team to support ongoing innovation serving customers in Japan to India, Dubai, Europe, and North America with made in PEI innovation

 
https://www.bluwave-ai.com


Key Benefits for Expanding Your Business in Summerside:

 

• Robust Infrastructure: With city-owned infrastructure, including advanced water, sewer, and electric utilities, Summerside rivals major global cities. Our renewable energy assets—such as wind, solar, battery storage, and fibre networks—are designed to support innovative projects and pilot opportunities.
   
• Long-Term Partnerships: We foster lasting partnerships that drive mutual growth and innovation, ensuring success for both parties.
   
• Comprehensive Data Sets: Gain access to valuable data and key informatics to validate and enhance your business decisions.
   
• Quick Access to Decision Makers: Benefit from fast turnaround times and direct access to key decision-makers, ensuring your needs are addressed promptly.
   
• Extensive Professional Network: Leverage our vast network of partners, including lawyers, accountants, and industry experts, to support your business.
   
• Risk Mitigation: Minimize risks by integrating into Summerside’s existing infrastructure, facilitating a smoother start-up process.
   
• Accelerated Profitability: Our ecosystem is designed to accelerate your profitability, supported by over 20 years of innovation and commercialization experience.
   
• Proven Track Record: Benefit from a wealth of testimonials, case studies, and over 100 years of subject expertise, demonstrating our capability to support your success.
   
• Support Systems: Comprehensive systems are in place to back your business at every step, with government partners committed to investing in your success.
   
• Tailored Support for Your Needs: Summerside offers customized support options to meet your specific needs. Our cost-effective business model, government-backed innovation investments, proof-of-concept testing through Summerside Xchange, and market development expertise make doing business here seamless and efficient.
   
• Ideal Sectors for Expansion: If your business operates in Aerospace or Information Technology (including AI), Summerside provides unparalleled growth opportunities.