Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing - July/August '24 - 6

NEWS
What We've Always Done in Manufacturing Won't
Work Going Forward
want less " grunt work " and more oversight and
responsibility. Experience shows that using
collaborative robots and remote controls achieves
this goal and elevates employee satisfaction.
While automation requires upfront investment,
" new technologies can provide transformational
opportunities for cost reduction, " Reko said.
" For example, the time required to manufacture
a machine part can be reduced from 18 to eight
hours by switching machines and revising CADCAM
programs. "
Reko explained that anyone considering a
With Canadian manufacturing eyes focused south of the
border on the upcoming US election and its potential impact
on business as we know it, a group of industry leaders is
sending Canada's manufacturers a wake-up call.
Their message? It's time to do things differently or
Canadian manufacturers risk being controlled or cut off by
foreign suppliers.
At FABTECH Canada 2024, the biannual event held
in June for the metal fabricating industry, these industry
leaders shared insights on transforming Canada's
manufacturing industry in a session entitled: The Future
State of Advanced Manufacturing in Canada.
Moderated by Stephanie Holko, director, project
development, NGen Canada, the panel included Max Ceron,
director, CWB Association, CWB Group, Diane Reko, chief
executive officer and chair of the Board of Directors, Reko
International Group Inc., and François Desmarais, director
for Trade and Industry Affairs, Canadian Steel Producers
Association.
" With the US being Canada's largest trading partner,
these months before the election are creating uncertainty
for businesses and historically result in delayed or cancelled
capital projects until the election is decided, " said Reko.
Added to these uncertainties are additional challenges
plaguing the industry, including global competition and a
shortage of skilled employees.
In fact, according to recent analyses undertaken by NGen,
manufacturers will be unable to rely on traditional sources
of new labour and skill supply to satisfy their growth. " The
only way to remain competitive will be to continue to adopt
advanced production technologies that are much more
knowledge and skill intense but that require fewer, more
highly skilled, workers, " Holko said
So what can Canadian manufacturers do to survive
and thrive? The panelists said that automation and homegrown
innovation are critical for Canada to maintain
manufacturing and production independence and compete
globally.
Technological advancements will also bode well for the
future workforce, they said, explaining that younger workers
6
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capital investment should take advantage of the
current state of flux in the US. " Now is an ideal
time to conduct research and find a partner who
can deliver the return on investment needed so
that you are ready to go whenever you have more
certainty about the future, " she said.
Ceron explained that cost reductions and efficiencies can
also be achieved by collaborating with and leveraging the
expertise of like-minded companies to be able to take on bigger
projects and technologies.
" The key is for Canadian manufacturers to keep their ears
to the ground for opportunities to improve the way they do
business and interact with customers, staff and suppliers, "
said Ceron. " Ongoing upskill training, digital and professional
education, and equipment and process development are
essential as part of this processes. "
According to the panelists, greening of the manufacturing
sector is also critical to maintain access to foreign markets,
especially Europe and increasingly the US.
" We're making good headway, yet there's much more to
be done, " said Desmarais, explaining that the steel sector in
Canada is leading the transformation and contributing to the
fight against climate change.
" While the Canadian steel industry is amongst the
cleanest in the world, much remains to do to improve carbon
footprints, " Desmarais said. " Canadian projects have been
announced to address different aspects of our footprint, such
as energy consumption and new technologies to produce
greener steel and while these initiatives are steps in the right
direction, partnership with governments is key, just like we
have seen in the US with the IRA. "
Done right, the panelists say they are confident that Canada
can be a leader in digital manufacturing transformation that
will enrich the lives of Canadians, deliver better products and
good jobs, and generate economic growth.
" While the Canadian steel industry
is amongst the cleanest in the world,
much remains to do to improve carbon
footprints. "
- François Desmarais, director for Trade and Industry Affairs,
Canadian Steel Producers Association.
http://www.cfcm.ca
Canadian Finishing & Coatings Manufacturing - July/August '24

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