On February 6, 2025, Morrissette Entrepreneurship officially opened the Hilti Tool Library.
Located at the Sabourin Family Foundation Maker Space in the Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Hilti Tool Library provides students the opportunity to work on prototype ideas with a range of professional state-of-the-art tools including circular saws, jigsaws, angle grinders, bench grinders, nail guns, impact drivers and more.
The Liechtenstein based, family-owned company is a world leader in construction hardware, software and services, and was represented by Anurag Sharma, President and General Manager Hilti Canada, and Mark Stewart, Executive Director, Marketing & Strategic Business.
“Entrepreneurship and Innovation is part of our company’s DNA,” said Sharma. “We started in 1941 out of a small garage, where our founder Martin Hilti was really focused on coming up with new tool solutions. Today, we are across the world in 120 countries, and we firmly believe that the construction industry needs innovation, and creative ideas to make it more productive, safer and sustainable.”
Speaking about the opportunity to work with Morrissette Entrepreneurship at Western University, Sharma was excited at the possibilities that would open up for students as they worked and experimented with different tools.
“Hilti firmly believes in trying things, ideating, and creating. Hilti’s values totally aligned with what Morrissette Entrepreneurship is doing,” said Sharma.
Eric Morse, Executive Director of Morrissette Entrepreneurship, echoed those remarks, citing how the library was another important piece in the grand vision for the Schmeichel Building as a place where ideas come to life.
“Thanks to Hilti’s generous gift, if our students can dream it, they can build it,” said Eric.
Throughout the past few months, Neil Enns, Master Maker at Morrissette Entrepreneurship, has been guiding students through the fundamentals of design and working with tools.
“What I love about it is that we can empower students through the ability to use tools. And that translates into them having a broader horizon for their vision.” Said Enns.
“Their dreams can be bigger.”
Over the next few months, Enns will be running several safety and training workshops to help students get familiar with the tool library.
“There is something special about working with your hands. Your hands have a brain of their own. You don't really know certain things until you've tried them,” said Enns.
Aariz Nathani, a second-year BMOS Accounting Student, has been a frequent participant at Enns’ workshops.
“Before the Makerspace, I had never used tools like drills or sand blocks due to a lack of resources, training, and just confidence. Building an organizer and laptop stand gave me hands-on experience and a new appreciation for craftsmanship,” said Nathani.
“These skills are valuable for my entrepreneurial journey as they helping me understand materials, product design, and sustainable production. And it gives me the freedom to explore.”