OTTAWA, Ontario, April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Canada opened the doors of its IMPACT Centre in Ottawa, with a ribbon cutting event showcasing the innovative demonstration centre. The centre is designed to be a significant economic driver across Canada, bringing Canadian industry and academia together for critical research, development and advancement of technology.

Lockheed Martin created the IMPACT Centre with a vision to promote the growth of small Canadian businesses, advance research, support sustainability and enhance Canada's capability for major exports in defence and technology sectors. At the heart of the IMPACT Centre, is an initial core focus on naval systems and the competitive naval combat systems world market. Work showcased at the centre will aim to meet Canada's needs for the Canadian surface combatant program and international opportunities. The company will also look to harness leading technologies in sustainment, performance-based logistics, training, solar energy and more - providing valuable expertise to participants and promoting a thriving culture of innovation.

"As we engage with Canadian businesses and universities on our programs, we continue to find a depth of knowledge and a quality of research being done in Canada equal to the best in the world," said Rosemary Chapdelaine, vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin Canada Mission Systems and Training.  "We are thrilled to invest in this Canadian capability to ensure a vibrant and technically superior supplier and partner base."

The IMPACT Centre's first engagement with local educational institutions enlisted third and fourth year design students at Ottawa's Algonquin College in a competition to come up with an inventive design concept for the space.

The teams presented their highly creative ideas to Lockheed Martin Canada in January. One team drew inspiration from Canada's Arctic, pulling edgy design and lighting elements of ice, glaciers, and snow into their submission. Another concept incorporated vibrant artistic elements into the space, using earth's elements and tying the theme to Lockheed Martin's business areas.

The winning team pitched a theme around the 'Eye of the Storm'. The winners were announced at the grand opening event, and attendees saw first-hand how the concept design came alive in the real-life space. Jessica Drolet, Sarah Taylor and Brooke Zacharuk made up the winning team, each receiving a cash prize and an opportunity to see their work incorporated on a real, large-scale project. They used materials and lighting to establish a setting that portrays strength and control, tying Lockheed Martin Canada's system integration capabilities across its naval portfolio to the "Eye of the Storm" theme.

The IMPACT Centre creates a unique business resource for domestic and international suppliers working alongside academia to expand and strengthen their product offering. Canadian companies can take advantage to prove and refine their product in a sophisticated synthetic environment as well as grow their international strategy. International companies can establish or enhance a Canadian footprint providing entry to the market and building a base for Canadian exports.

Ms. Chapdelaine adds, "We can offer industry tremendous value by sharing our broad range of knowledge and skills forged during the execution of large complex domestic and international programs – like the Halifax Class Modernization Project, New Zealand ANZAC Frigate Systems Upgrade, and Canada's new Arctic/Off-shore Patrol Ships. As Canada's only domestic combat system integrator, the IMPACT Centre will open the door for other companies to join in our success as well as drive innovation for future defence capability with products developed in Canada by Canadians."

IMPACT Centre Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L6Xzp8pU8U

For additional information, visit our newly launched website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ca.html

About Lockheed Martin Canada: 
Lockheed Martin Canada is a highly diversified global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, manufacture, and integration of advanced-technology products. By applying the innovative approaches of our highly skilled and experienced Canadian-based workforce, we have been Canada's trusted defence partner for over 75 years. The company employs more than 850 employees at major facilities in Ottawa, Montreal, Dartmouth, Calgary, and Victoria, working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/357682  
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141118/159313LOGO

SOURCE Lockheed Martin