Company Overview
Miller Technology is a privately owned Canadian manufacturer of underground mobile mining equipment based in North Bay, Ontario. Operating since 1979, the company specializes in personnel carriers, utility trucks, scissor lifts, and other rugged mobile units for mining and tunnelling. Miller focuses on custom-designed solutions built on platforms such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and other light and mid-range trucks, with an emphasis on safety, productivity, and long-term customer relationships in harsh underground environments.
Miller Technology has made battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) a core strategic focus, developing the "Relay" battery-electric utility and support vehicle. As a next-generation underground carrier, the Relay features zero tailpipe emissions, low noise, and a hybrid charging system that supports both fast off-board DC charging and on-board AC opportunity charging. Building on this platform, the company has also launched a battery-electric low-profile underground grader (E-Grader) and is positioning itself as a global leader in battery-electric utility vehicles for mining.
Project Overview
To help advance these goals, Miller Technology worked with Canadore College's Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping (ICAMP) on two separate initiatives:
Making low-volume diesel-to-electric conversions economically viable — For their diesel-to-electric conversions, Miller requires intricate plastic components manufactured in very low volumes—quantities that conventional manufacturing systems cannot produce at a viable cost. ICAMP identified and tested methods for producing production-quality plastic parts in low quantities for an economically viable price point.
R&D for electric axles to decarbonize its mining-vehicle lineup — This project focused on researching current advances in electric axle technology and how that technology could integrate with Miller's BEVs. Following the research phase, the team identified potential suppliers for Miller's production line.
Engaging with Core5
Miller Technology initially engaged with Core5 due to an existing relationship with Canadore College and ICAMP. The ICAMP team demonstrated the benefits of Core5 capabilities alongside supporting services and funding opportunities. This funding allowed Miller Technology to significantly reduce the risk associated with advancing these complex R&D projects.
With a foundation of trust and a reduced financial risk profile, Miller Technology moved forward with these initiatives. In working with Core5, Miller accessed ICAMP's researchers, technical expertise, design and prototyping services, product testing capabilities, and administrative support. (See: ICAMP at Canadore College)
Results
Through the engagement with Core5 and ICAMP, Miller successfully transitioned to new manufacturing methods for several plastic components needed for their diesel-to-electric conversions. Progress in identifying compatible electric axles allowed the company to advance the design of their new BEV. The projects also created crossover benefits: the data gathered in the plastic manufacturing research is now being used to design components for the BEV.
What's Next
Miller Technology is currently in discussion with Core5 and ICAMP at Canadore College regarding the next stages of research and development. These future phases will continue to advance their e-Vehicle initiatives while exploring new opportunities for operational efficiencies.
This project was made possible through the Core5 program, delivered by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).
Technical research, prototyping, and manufacturing validation were conducted in partnership with the Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping (ICAMP) at Canadore College.
Financial support for this project was provided by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT).
