I don't think we should be too specific, but over the last year or two, for example, we began to hear about companies such as the auto parts sector--so let's say a tool and die maker--where traditionally the market has been autos and they are looking at whether they can apply that technology, that skill set, and sell it into the oil sands. More recently there have been questions such as whether there are auto parts manufacturers that could, for example, apply the types of technologies in terms of advanced materials and whether some of the R and D that is actually taking place there, that skill set, can be applied in aerospace. Wind turbines are another one we've heard about.
So without being too concrete, we are increasingly hearing about firms trying to look around creatively to explore different market opportunities through diversifying: “I'm a very good production manager. I'm coming in on spec. I'm meeting my customers' requirements, but now I need to look at what other kinds of markets might apply to this.”
When I spoke earlier about there being a level of optimism out there, that was for those firms that are doing what you're referring to. They're looking at where the opportunities are--for example, finding low-carbon footprint energy sources, whether it be reducing the impact of oil sands production through application of technologies, or wind turbines, or other opportunities out there.
Those are the kinds of things we're hearing stories about. When and how they come into fruition, time will tell.