PAMI to close Portage la Prairie location
Revenue challenges in recent years blamed for Manitoba site's closure
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A mobile biomass densification system, developed at PAMI in Portage la Prairie and shown here in a 2012 video, was used to process biomass such as straw into solid blocks, for ease of transport or for use in biomass burners. (BioScience Association Manitoba video screengrab via YouTube)
The product development, testing and design firm Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), will be closing its Portage la Prairie, Man. location at the end of July.
Citing revenue challenges in recent years as the reason for downsizing, the institute informed staff and clients of the closure of its River Road facility in Portage, prior to releasing the news to the media.
There will be no jobs lost as a result of the closure. Many of the technicians and engineers employed by PAMI in Manitoba have been working remotely since the pandemic began and will continue to do so after the Portage location closes its doors.
The one full-time employee who did work on location has taken a position in Portage with one of PAMI’s industry partners.
As recently as January of this year, Prairie Economic Development Canada (PEDC) announced $600,000 funding for a major upgrade to the hydraulic machinery testing system for the Portage la Prairie site.
PAMI was formed in 1975 to provide Prairie farmers and farm equipment manufacturers access to testing facilities for new products. In recent years, PAMI has expanded its focus to include the mining and transportation industries.
PAMI’s head office, located in Humboldt, Sask., will remain open and services will be consolidated at that location. — Manitoba Co-operator staff
