A new chapter in Canada’s marine and defence industry begins with the strategic partnership between Hike Metal Products Ltd. and ATMIS Protective Equipment Inc. (ATMIS). This first-of-its-kind alliance unites a leading shipbuilding company and an Indigenous advanced manufacturer of custom machined metal parts, fabrications, and automated production systems.
The two companies formalized their agreement on April 15th, establishing a cooperative venture to build small and medium-sized vessels—a collaboration that both describe as unique in the national market.
ATMIS brings to the table its expertise in robotics and metal fabrication. With production plants in Windsor and Chatham, Ontario, ATMIS is ISO 9001 certified and listed on the federal government’s Indigenous Business Directory.
According to ATMIS president Andy Valentine, this partnership is a major step forward for Indigenous representation in Canada’s marine vessel industry.
“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 Valentine.
This sentiment is shared by Hike Metal president Steve Ingram, who emphasizes the alignment of both companies’ strengths. Hike Metal’s deep-rooted experience in building vessels since 1958 positions it among the most respected custom boat manufacturers in the country. Its wide-ranging portfolio includes Canadian Coast Guard Search & Rescue vessels, Hovercrafts, fireboats, patrol boats, ferries, barges, landing crafts, and research vessels.
“By leveraging our core strengths, we believe we can strengthen both companies' presence in the Canadian marine vessel market,” said Ingram. “Combining our skill sets in advanced marine metal product manufacturing is a win, not only for our companies, but also for our customers.”
This collaboration aims to serve the growing needs of Canada’s maritime and defence sectors and opens opportunities for innovation in the construction of next-generation marine vessels. As one of the top Canadian boat manufacturers, Hike Metal continues to expand its influence through partnerships that combine technical knowledge with progressive, community-rooted manufacturing capabilities.
Hike Metal stands out in the Canadian ship builder industry for its commitment to custom solutions, ensuring vessel performance meets both safety and operational excellence. It serves clients across North America and has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, timely delivery, and cost-effective design-build services. The company’s ships have long supported critical missions, from research expeditions to coastal patrol and environmental protection.
ATMIS, on the other hand, brings agility, automation, and the value of Indigenous entrepreneurship to the partnership. Its vertically integrated model allows fast production turnarounds, which complements the scale and precision of Hike Metal’s existing operations. ATMIS’s inclusion in the CCIB and its Controlled Goods certification further solidify its role as a trusted supplier in Canada’s defence supply chain.
Together, these two Canadian innovators are breaking new ground, creating opportunity, advancing technological capabilities, and setting a new standard in shipbuilding partnerships.
For more information about the partnership between Hike Metal and ATMIS, visit Hike Metal’s website at https://hikemetal.com.
About Hike Metal Products & Shipbuilding Ltd.
Hike Metal Products & Shipbuilding Ltd. is a Canadian ship builder that has been designing and manufacturing marine vessels since 1958. It specializes in a wide range of vessels, including rescue boats, fireboats, ferries, barges, and research vessels for the public and private sectors.
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Media Contact
Hike Metal Products & Shipbuilding Ltd.
324 Milo Road, Wheatley, ON N0P 2P0
(519) 825-4691 Ext. 20
Source: 38 Digital Market News
Release ID: 1544092
