First-of-Its-Kind Virtual Reality Platform Moves into Pilot to Transform Manufacturing Hiring
The next phase of Nventure’s Virtual Reality platform is now underway.
With support from the Province of Ontario-Skills Development Fund, the Vfactory platform has completed development which is designed to enhance recruitment and retention in the manufacturing sector. The platform now enters its formal pilot phase, marking a shift from development to commercialization and industry adoption through a 12-month commercialization agreement with the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA).
As of April 1, the NMA leads pilot operations, working in close partnership with Nventure and XpertVR to bring the platform into real-world use across manufacturing environments.
A first of its kind in Canada, Vfactory was developed by Nventure in collaboration with the NMA to address a challenge that manufacturers have identified for years: too many new hires leave within the first 90 days because the job is not what they expected. For manufacturers, high turnover directly impacts production efficiency, operational costs and undermines global competitiveness.
By simulating real workplace conditions, including pace, noise, repetition and safety protocols, Vfactory simulations give students and job seekers a clear, hands-on understanding of industrial work before day one, significantly improving retention and helping reduce early-stage turnover.
Over the past several months, the platform has been tested with local manufacturers, schools and post-secondary institutions. These sessions have provided practical feedback, helping refine the experience ahead of broader rollout. Three immersive simulations have been developed: Heavy Industrial Line, Robotic Line and Health and Safety Awareness. In addition, a youth-oriented version of the Heavy Industrial Line simulation was designed to spark early career interest and introduce manufacturing through a gamified, engaging experience.
“Vfactory was designed to solve a very real and very costly problem for manufacturers,” said Wendy Curtis, CEO of Nventure. “We have taken this from concept to a tested platform with direct input from industry, education and job seekers. Moving into the pilot phase with the NMA leading commercialization is a natural and important next step. It ensures the platform is not only built for industry but delivered by industry.”
With the pilot now in motion, the focus turns to adoption, delivery and measurable impact. Under a new commercialization agreement, the NMA will lead sales, outreach and training delivery, working directly with manufacturers to integrate Vfactory into recruitment and onboarding strategies. Nventure will continue to steward the platform’s intellectual property and overall vision, while XpertVR will maintain and support the technology that powers the simulations.
“This is exactly the kind of solution our members have been asking for,” said Arnaud Raymond, President of the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturers need better ways to connect with talent and set clear expectations before hiring. Vfactory gives us a practical tool to do that. As we take on the pilot, our focus is on getting this into the hands of employers and making sure it delivers real value on the shop floor.”
XpertVR, the Niagara-based company behind the platform’s development, will continue to support deployment and ongoing performance of the simulations as they scale into new environments. “From the beginning of this project, Vfactory has been grounded in real working conditions, not a simplified version of them,” said Evan Sitler, CEO of XpertVR. “As the pilot begins, our focus is on supporting deployment and ensuring the platform performs reliably and delivers a consistent and practical experience for both employers and learners.”
Learn more about Vfactory: www.vfactory.ca
About Nventure
Nventure is an innovation-oriented organization based at Venture13 Innovation Centre, focused on delivering financing and strategy services for entrepreneurs. Nventure drives economic advancement by investing in industry-led growth in Northumberland, southern Ontario and across the country. Its current initiatives include the Community Futures Program (CFP), DELIA lending, StrikeUP Canada, Vfactory and the V13 Policetech Accelerator, a joint initiative with the Cobourg Police Service that advances innovation in policing. These programs are supported by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), and the Province of Ontario-Skills Development Fund and the Rural Economic Development Program.
About the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association
The Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA) actively represents manufacturers across Eastern Ontario. The purpose of the NMA is to promote continuous improvement, innovation, high performance and productivity enhancements through collaboration, education and advocacy. The NMA works to achieve its goals through strategic partnerships with industry associations, government and stakeholders.
About XpertVR
XpertVR is an Ontario immersive training company that helps frontline teams in manufacturing, education and emergency response develop critical skills through virtual reality. By simulating high-stakes environments, XpertVR enables organizations to train faster, safer and without operational disruption. The company also supports specialized training for first responders through ongoing partnerships with provincial and industry leaders.
