History of the North Forge FabLab™
Discover the history of the North Forge FabLab™, the largest publicly accessible fabrication lab in North America, and how it became a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.
Building innovation since 2011
Since opening its doors in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District in 2011, the FabLab has helped over 3,000 entrepreneurs and innovators bring more than 7,500 prototypes to life using over $4 million worth of advanced manufacturing equipment.
Located in the red-bricked Swift Canadian Wholesale Market building located at 125 Adelaide, the FabLab is more than a facility, it’s a community.
The Origin Story
The idea for the FabLab began with a spark at TEDxManitoba. Kerry Stevenson, a 3D printing expert and founder of Fabbaloo, had just delivered a talk when he met Mike Legary. Both shared the same question: Why didn’t a space exist in Winnipeg for people like us to meet, collaborate, and build?
Over lunch at the Manitoba Club, they sketched out the idea for a community-driven fabrication lab, right on the back of a napkin.
Together, they co-founded AssentWorks, the predecessor to North Forge FabLab, with the goal of removing the financial and technical barriers that stop so many people from turning their ideas into physical products.
From AssentWorks to FabLab™
Launched on October 27, 2011, AssentWorks began with no walls, one lightbulb, and a lot of ambition. Volunteers and early supporters transformed the empty space into a functioning lab filled with specialized equipment and shared knowledge.
In 2016, AssentWorks became part of the newly formed North Forge Technology Exchange, evolving into the FabLab we know today. As the innovation community grew, so did the tools, the people, and the potential.
The Origin Story
In May 2014, Prince Charles toured AssentWorks (now FabLab) during his visit to Winnipeg, showcasing the facility’s role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. As a volunteer-run, non-profit prototyping space, the Fabrication Lab impressed the Prince with its array of advanced tools and equipment, designed to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. The tour highlighted the commitment to supporting Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem by providing affordable access to prototyping resources and collaborative opportunities. The visit underscored the importance of grassroots innovation in driving economic growth and community development.