Manufacturing, Energy, Construction & Ag Processing
Network Development Project
The Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance launched the MECAP Network Development Project on behalf of its 15 partner municipalities to support and strengthen four critical economic sectors: Manufacturing, Energy, Construction, and Ag Processing (MECAP).
These industries are key drivers of prosperity in southwest Alberta—powering jobs, innovation, and regional growth. MECAP's goal: build industry capacity, drive collaboration, and reduce barriers to business success.
Project Goals
Manufacturing, Energy, Construction, and Ag Processing are major economic engines and key employers in AlbertaSW.
They drive economic growth, support local jobs, and sustain the region’s prosperity, making them crucial to Alberta’s overall economic health and community well-being. Launched in October 2023, the AlbertaSW MECAP Network Development Project aims to connect businesses in Manufacturing, Energy, Construction, and Ag Processing. The project focuses on identifying challenges and opportunities, fostering collaboration among existing firms, and addressing market gaps. Its goal is to raise awareness, equip businesses with tools and resources to overcome challenges, facilitate connections with peers and industry experts, and attract investment to drive growth and success across southwest Alberta.
Objectives
the MECAP process focused on three core goals:
Build an inventory of MECAP companies (small, medium and large) operating within the region;
1
Identify key barriers and growth trends in the sector to pursue opportunities for increased profitability, expanded markets, and reduced business challenges, both individually and collectively; and
2
Explore ways to help the industry players connect, collaboration and support investment opportunities and/or expand market access.
3
175
Dec. 2024
List of Companies
50+
Network of Industry Experts
65
1-on-1 Business Interviews
15
Partner
Municipalities
Outcomes
01
A regional inventory of manufacturing, processing, clean tech, construction (MECAP) companies.
NAICS codes were used to systematically build an inventory of MECAP companies.
177+ Regional Companies Within Mecap Sectors
A gap analysis, barriers and opportunities related to the industry and/or individual businesses.
02
'What We Heard'
Think tank/roundtable of industry leaders and agency experts met regularly to share information and identify key challenges that impact growth and sustainability. Here are the top five issues most consistently mentioned:
65 Company & Agency Leaders provided detailed advice and resources
1. Workforce Shortages
2. Sustainability Pressures
3. Infrastructure Bottlenecks
4. Policy Shifts and Volatility
5. Access to Capital
03
AlbertaSW innovators and influencers speaker series.
AlbertaSW initiated the Industry Leaders Speaker Series to address critical gaps identified through Think Tank discussions and business interviews in the region.
5 Key Themes businesses leaders and organization representatives.
1. Manufacturing Excellence
2. Workforce Retention and Expansion
3. Ag Processing
4. Supply Chain and Transportation
5. Energy
04
Connect industry leaders to innovators, experts and resources to advance the business sustainability or expand their business investment AlbertaSW initiated the Industry Leaders Forum Speaker Series to address critical gaps identified through Think Tank discussions and business interviews in the region.
4 Key Areas of Opportunity
1. Education Partnerships
2. Workforce Development
3. Industry Awareness
4. Collaboration and Events
What We Built
This map transforms a static business inventory into a living economic asset—a tool for investment attraction, talent development, infrastructure planning, and regional marketing. It also supports local governments and service providers in better targeting resources, partnerships, and programming based on sectoral needs.
Ag Production
The process of cultivating crops and raising livestock to produce raw agricultural products at scale, providing the essential food, fiber, and materials that feed communities and supply related industries.
Agriculture – Food Processing
The transformation of raw agricultural products into consumable food items through cleaning, sorting, preserving, packaging, and distribution.
Agriculture – Beverages
The production, fermentation, bottling, and distribution of drinks derived from agricultural sources, including juices, dairy-based drinks, wine, beer, and other beverages.
Energy/Agriculture
The intersection of agricultural production and energy generation, including biofuels, agricultural waste-to-energy technologies, and renewable power solutions to support farm operations.
Energy
The generation, transmission, and distribution of power derived from renewable and non-renewable sources to support industries, communities, and economic growth.
Manufacturing
The industrial process of converting raw materials into finished products on a large scale, employing machinery, skilled labor, and advanced technologies to add value and meet market demand.
Construction
The planning, design, and building of structures and infrastructure — such as commercial and residential buildings, roads, and bridges — using specialized materials, equipment, and labor.
Transport
The movement of goods, materials, and people between locations using various modes like road, rail, air, and water, forming a vital link in the supply chain that supports all sectors of the economy.
© 2024 Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance