During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Surrey supported provincial and federal efforts to identify potential manufacturers capable of producing in-demand personal protective equipment. During this outreach, over 10 local manufacturers pivoted to develop PPE for communities across Canada during the height of the pandemic. Ultimately over $15 million in revenue was generated for local businesses because of this opportunity.
With funding from the Province of BC, the City of Surrey is implementing an Industrial Capabilities Inventory to understand manufacturing capabilities of local manufacturers and identify companies that could potentially support emergency supplies production beyond pandemic emergencies, as well as identify other business diversification opportunities.