Canada’s marine and defence sectors witness a groundbreaking collaboration as veteran shipbuilder Hike Metal Products Ltd. joins forces with Indigenous manufacturer ATMIS Protective Equipment Inc. This partnership marks the first time an Indigenous manufacturer enters Canada’s new vessel construction market, creating new opportunities for innovation and representation in the marine industry.
The Partnership Agreement
On April 15th, 2024, Hike Metal Products Ltd. and ATMIS Protective Equipment Inc. signed an exclusive Canadian partnership agreement. This strategic alliance combines decades of shipbuilding expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities to build small and medium-sized vessels for Canada’s marine and defence sectors.
The collaboration represents a unique approach in the national market, bringing together traditional craftsmanship and modern automated production systems. Both companies describe this partnership as first-of-its-kind in Canada’s marine vessel industry.
Hike Metal Products: Six Decades of Marine Excellence
Company Background and History
Hike Metal Products Ltd. began operations in 1958, serving the local fishing industry on Lake Erie’s north shore. The company started with modest growth, supporting fishing vessels with new construction and ongoing repairs. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Hike Metal redefined its corporate goals and expanded its product range.
The company restructured its facilities during this period, creating one of the most modern and efficient shipbuilding operations on the Great Lakes. This transformation established Hike Metal as a world-class boat builder with an international reputation.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Expertise
Hike Metal operates from its strategic location in Wheatley, Ontario, near Detroit and Windsor, with direct access to the St. Lawrence Seaway. This position provides access to key suppliers throughout North America and enables global vessel delivery.
The company maintains climate-controlled facilities that accommodate vessels up to 100 feet in length. Their on-site capabilities include:
- Complete machine shop facilities
- Advanced metal fabrication equipment
- 100-ton travel lift for vessel maintenance
- 24/7 emergency response services
- Full dockside repair facilities
Vessel Portfolio and Specializations
Hike Metal has built an extensive portfolio of custom vessels serving multiple sectors:
Government and Defense Vessels:
- Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue vessels
- RCMP patrol boats
- Border patrol vessels
- Multi-purpose government craft
- Icebreaker vessels
Emergency Response Vessels:
- Fireboats with ice-breaking capabilities
- Search and rescue craft
- Multi-role emergency response boats
Commercial and Research Vessels:
- Commercial fishing boats
- Research vessels with laboratory facilities
- Passenger tour boats
- Ferry services
- Landing craft and barges
Construction Methods and Materials
Hike Metal specializes in steel and aluminum construction, often combining both materials for optimal performance. Steel construction provides durability and longevity, with well-maintained commercial steel boats lasting up to 100 years.
The company builds vessels to meet certification requirements from:
- American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
- Lloyd’s Registry (LR)
- Transport Canada standards
ATMIS Protective Equipment: Advanced Manufacturing Innovation
Indigenous Leadership in Manufacturing
ATMIS Protective Equipment Inc. brings Indigenous entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing capabilities to the partnership. The company operates production facilities in Windsor and Chatham, Ontario, maintaining ISO 9001 certification and federal government Indigenous Business Directory listing.
ATMIS president Andy Valentine emphasizes the historic nature of this partnership: “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.”
Manufacturing Expertise and Capabilities
ATMIS specializes in:
- Custom machined metal parts
- Advanced metal fabrications
- Automated production systems
- Robotics integration
- Precision manufacturing
The company operates a vertically integrated model that enables fast production turnarounds. This agility complements Hike Metal’s scale and precision in vessel construction.
Certifications and Government Recognition
ATMIS holds several important certifications:
- ISO 9001 quality management certification
- Controlled Goods Program certification
- Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) membership
- Federal Indigenous Business Directory listing
These certifications position ATMIS as a trusted supplier in Canada’s defense supply chain and government procurement processes.
More About the Companies:
Hike Metal Products Ltd. has been designing and manufacturing marine vessels since 1958. The company specializes in custom boats and ships for commercial, government, and private sectors, with vessels serving clients worldwide.
ATMIS Protective Equipment Inc. is an Indigenous-owned advanced manufacturer specializing in custom machined metal parts, fabrications, and automated production systems. The company operates from facilities in Windsor and Chatham, Ontario.
New Vessel Types and Partner Innovation Focus
Small and Medium-Sized Vessels
The partnership concentrates on building small and medium-sized vessels for specific market needs. These vessels typically range from 30 to 100 feet in length and serve multiple operational requirements.
Technology Integration and Innovation
The partnership combines Hike Metal’s traditional shipbuilding expertise with ATMIS’s advanced manufacturing technologies. This integration enables:
Advanced Manufacturing Processes:
- Robotic welding and fabrication
- Precision machining of components
- Automated production systems
- Quality control automation
Design and Engineering Innovation:
- Computer-aided design optimization
- Advanced materials integration
- Performance enhancement systems
- Custom engineering solutions
Production Efficiency:
- Streamlined manufacturing processes
- Reduced production timelines
- Cost-effective construction methods
- Scalable production capabilities
Market Impact and Marine Industry Significance
Defense and Government Sector Opportunities
This partnership addresses growing demand in Canada’s marine defense sector. Government agencies require specialized vessels for:
- Coastal security operations
- Search and rescue missions
- Environmental protection
- Research and survey work
- Law enforcement activities
The collaboration provides Canadian government agencies with domestic manufacturing capability, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and supporting Canadian industry.
Indigenous Representation in Marine Manufacturing
ATMIS’s entry into vessel construction represents significant progress for Indigenous participation in Canada’s marine industry. This partnership creates:
- New employment opportunities in Indigenous communities
- Technology transfer and skill development
- Increased Indigenous representation in defense supply chains
- Economic development in Indigenous regions
Combined Competitive Advantages
The partnership offers several competitive advantages:
Combined Expertise:
- Hike Metal’s 65+ years of shipbuilding experience
- ATMIS’s advanced manufacturing capabilities
- Integrated design and production processes
- Quality assurance and certification management
Operational Benefits:
- Faster production turnarounds
- Cost-effective manufacturing
- Flexible design capabilities
- Comprehensive customer support
Market Position:
- Unique partnership model in Canadian market
- Indigenous supplier qualification for government contracts
- Established reputation and new innovation capacity
- Strategic geographic positioning
Industry Leadership
This partnership establishes a new model for Canadian marine manufacturing, demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship combines with modern technology and Indigenous entrepreneurship to create innovative solutions.
Conclusion
The partnership between Hike Metal Products Ltd. and ATMIS Protective Equipment Inc. represents more than a business collaboration. It marks a historic moment in Canadian marine manufacturing, bringing together decades of shipbuilding expertise with advanced manufacturing innovation and Indigenous leadership.
This alliance addresses critical needs in Canada’s marine and defence sectors while creating new opportunities for Indigenous participation in the industry. The combination of Hike Metal’s proven vessel construction capabilities with ATMIS’s advanced manufacturing technologies positions both companies for continued growth and innovation.
As Canada’s marine industry evolves, this partnership sets new standards for collaboration, quality, and representation. The vessels produced through this alliance will serve critical missions across Canadian waters, from search and rescue operations to coastal security and scientific research.
The success of this partnership will likely inspire similar collaborations across Canada’s marine industry, demonstrating the value of combining traditional expertise with innovative manufacturing approaches and diverse perspectives.
