I’m a big advocate for metrics and key performance indicator (KPI) driven workflows. I believe in the value of data-driven processes, and have seen first-hand the impact of KPI focused process improvement projects. For many manufacturers, the increased use of software systems that document all of their processes has allowed them to identify even more…
Kromet International is a leading engineer and manufacturer of finished metal components and assemblies. Their range of customized products serve the household appliance, automotive, LED lighting, health care, furniture, and transportation industries. As a multi-continent manufacturing network, the company provides low-cost manufacturing capabilities in addition to local, specialized support. For over 45 years the business…
The Mitacs Accelerate Ph.D. Fellowship grant is a small business funding program that provides companies with access to a Ph.D. fellow for up to three years. This program is designed to assist small businesses in Canada meet technical and research challenges through partnerships with academia. Research fellows are assigned to the project for three years…
The Ontario automotive industry continues to be an intense focus for the provincial and federal governments. Commitments from both levels of government to enable innovation and create a green economy has helped to secure new investments from Canadian businesses, of whom, General Motors (GM Canada) recently announced their expansion in southwestern Ontario. As part of…
Ontario has the second largest food and beverage manufacturing sector in North America and continues to grow year-over-year. The sector generates over $41 billion in annual revenue, of which over $7.6 billion is received from exports to other countries around the world. Growing food exports have helped to maintain Canada’s competitiveness among international food and…
For years, Growing Forward 2 (GF2) has provided agricultural producers and processors a critical source of business investment. The Canadian government funding program, administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), provides farms and food processors with small business grants to become more competitive and innovative. When Growing Forward 2 launched in 2013, the federal contributed…
New details have been released regarding the Government of Ontario’s commitment to green energy grants and incentives for business. The low-carbon economy that is being proposed by Ontario’s government will seek to raise funds from a variety of carbon-emitting activities and reinvest those funds into the economy by supporting clean technologies. Businesses in Ontario, especially…
The Canadian manufacturing industry remains cautiously optimistic moving forward in 2016. While some sectors within the manufacturing industry are seeing rapid growth, others are stagnant or contracting due to a variety of economic and labour issues. This type of uncertainty isn’t new to manufacturing executives, but being able to plan ahead and execute growth strategies…
Great Britain has officially begun the process of exiting the European Union after a highly contentious, and incredibly narrow vote to leave. There were immediate impacts in international markets – a global sell off of the Pound saw the currency hit its lowest point since 1985. Global markets (including the TSX) dropped substantially, and virtually…
20 wineries from across Ontario were announced as recipients of government funding during Ontario Wine Week 2016. These 20 growing businesses will receive a total of $856,000 to continue their growth and contribution to the local economy. This investment provided through Growing Forward 2 (GF2) Ontario renews the province’s commitment to aiding the expansion and…