It's a rare message to hear.

For a thriving Mississauga firm, however, it's a statement that's become a mantra for success. Nytric Ltd. researches product ideas, designs prototypes and takes them to market.

If they like an idea, they'll back it with their money.

Founded nine years ago, Nytric employs 25 immigrants and three of its five managers are newcomers to Canada. CEO Avanindra Utukuri is from India.

"We like to call ourselves the United Nations because of all the different countries we come from," says Utukuri, who graduated from the University of Toronto in electrical engineering. He came to Canada with his family at age 6.

Utukuri is one of five founders of Nytric, winner of the RBC Best Immigrant Employer Award for companies with fewer than 500 employees that successfully recruit, retain and promote skilled immigrant employees.

The award is presented by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council.

"We always look for individuals who have the best capabilities for the job at hand," regardless of nationality, Utukuri says.

Products the company develops range from flight simulators and medical devices to an underwater flashlight.

Riddhesh Raval, a senior software designer from India, has created things such as technologies for a parking system, a gaming console and a DVD duplicator.

Jan 15, 2009

MIKE FUNSTON
STAFF REPORTER

Toronto Star Article