Saltworks Technologies, a Richmond company focusing on treating “the toughest” wastewater in the world, received a $4.4 million investment from the federal government for its innovation.
Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, announced the grant on behalf of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains, on Tuesday at the company’s location at 13800 Steveston Hwy. (just west of No. 6 Road.)
“We know the economy grows when the government anchors corporations like Saltworks and makes more investment in a greener economy. (People at Saltworks) continue to build a sector that makes all Canadians proud.”
The funding was given through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). It is the fourth Saltworks project that SDTC has invested in — the company had received a total of $4.25 milllion from 2009 to 2016, according to the government.
The recent $4.4 million investment will support the company’s AirBreather innovation, which “addresses a critical problem in the oil and gas industry,” said Sajjan.
“It helps companies dispose of wastewater in an environmentally friendly manner while making sure it is good for the bottom line,” he added.
Without any chemical treatment, the technology can reduce liquid waste through evaporation and can crystalize solid waste in order to separate it from water, according to the company.
Peschisolido said the funding is an example of how the government gets involved with the private sector and creates well-paying jobs.
“It also demonstrates to those who say we can’t have a clean economy and a growing economy that actually, we can,” he said.
“I think this is wonderful. What people don’t fully understand is we have an industrial base here in Richmond; we have companies that create great products, good high paying middle-class jobs but also companies that produce for the economy of the future.”
