Bell Helicopter's 505 Aircraft Gives Mirabel Plant Global Lift

APRIL 2017 | WWW.PLANT.CA | $12

GAME CHANGER Bell Helicopter’s 505 aircraft gives Mirabel plant global lift

Loop makes leftover paint new again TransPod’s fifth mode of transportation Tips for optimizing CMMS software Tap funding for training initiatives Opportunities in exporting, despite uncertainties Manufacturing News Daily www.plant.ca

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 1 2017-04-04 1:31 PM REIMAGINED WITH PROS IN MIND. SEE PROBLEMS CLEARLY WITH THE RE-IMAGINED, SIMPLE-TO-USE FLIR E75, E85, and E95 cameras offer the superior resolution and range performance needed to quickly identify hotspots and discover potential points of failure in electrical distribution and mechanical systems. Avoid costly shutdowns and lost production time through regular predictive maintenance routines with these rugged, intuitive cameras. Learn more at www.FLIR.ca.

PLT_Flir_March.inddPlant_April2017_AMS.indd 1 2 2017-03-022017-04-04 9:101:31 AMPM April 2017 CONTENTS Vol. 76, No. 03

REIMAGINED FEATURES WITH PROS IN MIND. 15 ELECTRICITY Many manufacturers won’t benefit from Ontario’s hydro rate cuts. SEE PROBLEMS CLEARLY WITH 16 CLEANTECH BC is cleaning up in THE RE-IMAGINED, SIMPLE-TO-USE cleantech. FLIR E75, E85, and E95 cameras offer the superior resolution and range 18 HEALTH Kindred’s sink innovation kills performance needed to quickly identify hotspots and discover potential infectious bacteria. points of failure in electrical distribution and mechanical systems. Avoid 21 EXPORTING There are reasons to be costly shutdowns and lost production time through regular predictive optimistic despite uncertainty about the US. maintenance routines with these rugged, intuitive cameras. Learn more at www.FLIR.ca. 24 TRAINING Measure your workforce’s skill levels.

25 SOFTWARE Getting the most out of CMMS/EMAS software. 12 AEROSPACE Bell Helicopter leverages a skilled workforce to secure 505 Jet Ranger X 26 THINK LEAN Embed operating principles production. into your business culture.

27 CCOHS SAFETY TIPS Understand the difference between hazard and risk.

28 RECYCLING Loop Recycled Products makes sustainable paint from leftovers.

30 AUTOMATION Some industries will be disrupted by technology more than others.

31 GOVERNMENT Budget 2017 lacks “wow” factor, but leaves room to manoeuvre.

17 TRANSPORTATION TransPod’s quest 20 COMPUTING D-Wave’s quantum computing to develop Hyperloop – a fifth mode of upgrade advances the development of transportation. artificial intelligence. DEPARTMENTS

4 Editorial 6 News 7 Feedback 8 Careers 11 PLANT Pulse 33 CIEN FEATURE: Develop an RBD. 34 Product Focus: Health & Safety 36 Products and Equipment 41 Plantware Events 42 postscript 22 TRADE Prepare your company for potential 23 TRAINING GRANTS Funding is available changes to the North American Free Trade for proactive manufacturers serious about Agreement. workforce training. COVER IMAGE: BELL HELICOPTER

PLANT— established 1941, is published 8 times per year by Annex Business Media. Publications Mail Agreement #40065710. Circulation email: [email protected] Tel: 416-442-5600 ext 3636 Fax: 416-510-5170 Mail: 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9. Occasionally, PLANT will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above. Annex Privacy Officer: [email protected] Tel: 800-668-2374.No part of the editorial content of this publication may be reprinted without the publisher’s written permission. ©2017 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. All rights reserved. Performance claims for products listed in this issue are made by contributing manufacturers and agencies. PLANT receives unsolicited materials including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images from time to time. PLANT, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. This statement does not apply to materials/pitches submitted by freelance writers, photographers or illustrators in accordance with known industry practices. Printed in Canada. ISSN: 1929-6606 (Print), 1929-6614 (Online)

www.plant.ca PLANT 3

PLT_Flir_March.indd 1 2017-03-02 9:10 AM Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 3 2017-04-04 1:31 PM EDITORIAL NON-MARRING PEEK SUPER AIR NOZZLES EFFICIENT AIR GUNS, COMFORTABLE GRIP NOZZLE CLUSTER, HIGHEST BLOWING FORCE PEEK (plastic) Super Safety Air Guns use Many blowoff, cleaning, Air Nozzles feature non- engineered Air Nozzles cooling and drying marring and excellent to provide superior applications require chemical compatibility performance. Safe high force and extensive properties. These award operation is assured reach. EXAIR’s Super winning nozzles come along with low air Air Nozzle Clusters in a variety of sizes consumption and noise deliver up to 9.8 lbs No benefit to Wynne’s with force from 2.0 level. Precision, Soft of force. Three sizes ounces to 1.9 pounds. Grip, Heavy Duty and for handheld and PEEK nozzles can be Super Blast Safety Air stationary mounting are used with temperatures Guns are available. ��i l ��l e � A ��i l ��l e o � hydro price bribe up to 320°F (160°C). Extensions and Stay Set Super Blast Safety Air Hoses are available. Guns for ease of use. Publisher ntario is supposed to be Canada’s manufacturing heartland. Someone should Michael King www.airnozzle.com/18/peek.htm www.airnozzle.info/18/sag.htm www.airnozzle.info/18/blast.htm remind Premier Kathleen Wynne. Her Liberal government’s hydro price cuts 416-510-5107 [email protected], UNIQUE FLAT NOZZLES USE PATENTED TECHNOLOGY don’t do much for most manufacturers, and it’s questionable whether this [email protected] O The 2" Flat Super Air attempt to bribe taxpayers is enough to buy an election win in 2018. Nozzle™ is a highly efficient, Editor With Wynne’s approval rating circling the bowl at around 12.7% and the top irri- unique flat air nozzle. Joe Terrett Using EXAIR’s patented tant among Ontarians being sky-high electricity rates, the government’s answer is 416-442-5600 ext. 3219 technology, a precise [email protected] to add a 17% cut to the 8% rebate. This will be paid for by spreading the $28 billion amount of air is released through the thin slot, across cost over a 30-year period, sticking future ratepayers with an extra $25 billion in Associate Editor a flat surface. The result interest payments. And that’s the Liberal estimate. The opposition parties suggest Matt Powell is a wide, forceful stream 416-510-5145 of high velocity, laminar it could be more like $42 billion. [email protected] airflow. 1" Flat Super Air The province’s over-priced, tragically inept green energy plan with its guaran- Nozzle™ available as well! Art Director teed high rates for wind and solar is covered by a global adjustment fee that’s Andrea M. Smith www.airnozzle.info/18/2san.htm crushing manufacturers. National Account Manager There are plenty of anecdotal horror stories that illustrate the carnage, like the Ilana Fawcett MICRO AIR NOZZLE FOR PRECISION BLOWOFF manufacturer that got a $162,000-plus hydro bill in November, almost $108,000 416-510-5202 The Micro Air Nozzle of which was for the global adjustment. This “adjustment” hobbles many manu- [email protected] is one of the smallest available. EX AIR’s facturers who would otherwise invest in their businesses. And it’s not surprising Account Coordinator “precision blowoff” companies with US parents are fearful Canadian operations will be shut down Barb Vowles provides optimum air 416-510-5103 entrainment for a directed because of the crazy, escalating costs, while others are opting to leave on their [email protected] high volume, high velocity own accord. Toronto-based fastener manufacturer Leland Industries is moving airflow. The compact Annex Business Media size permits mounting its operations to the US, while Plasticap Inc., a Richmond Hill, Ont. manufacturer Vice President/Executive Publisher where space is limited. of specialty caps and closures, intends to expand elsewhere (Ohio or Virginia). Tim Dimopoulos The automotive industry accounts for 12% of the province’s GDP and employs (416) 510-5100 www.airnozzle.info/18/micro.htm This small Super Air Nozzle costs [email protected] only $37. Installing it in place more than 124,000 people. It’s struggling to succeed in North America where its SUPER AIR NOZZLES™ share of the market and future investment is under siege. The Canadian Vehicle COO of one 1/4" copper tube can Ted Markle EXAIR’s Super Air Manufacturers’ Association says electricity rates have to be addressed. Costs are [email protected] Nozzles provide a high save you $592.80 per year. up to three times greater than competing jurisdictions. thrust, concentrated President & CEO stream of high velocity But high electricity cost isn’t the only reason Ontario will lose manufacturers. Mike Fredericks airflow and are engineered Here’s how: The province’s cap and trade program adds to their expenses, and then there’s the to reduce noise levels and air costs. The sound A 1/4" copper tube is a common homemade uncertainty of the Trump factor. It could lead to a scrapped or changed NAFTA Circulation Manager Beata Olechnowicz level is as low as 58 dBA blowoff that consumes 33 SCFM when at a with hard-hitting force agreement, a border tax and lower business taxes that will eliminate the Canadi- 416-442-5600 ext. 3543 normal supply pressure of 80 PSIG. EXAIR’s [email protected] up to 23 pounds. All an corporate advantage. That adds up to a lot of disadvantages that won’t attract meet OSHA noise and award winning Model 1100 Super Air Nozzle is investment or be compensated by the province’s skilled and educated workforce. Subscription Price pressure requirements. 1/4 NPT and consumes only 14 SCFM at 80 PSIG. The Wynne government should be very concerned about the competitive im- Canada $72.50 per year, US $146.95 (US) www.airnozzle.info/18/super.htm per year, Foregin $166 (US) per year. Single 33 SCFM (copper tube) - 14 SCFM (Super pediments manufacturers face. Yet economic development minister Brad Duguid Copy Canada $12.00. Add applicable BACK BLOW NOZZLES CLEAN INSIDE DIAMETERS Air Nozzle) = 19 SCFM compressed air saved. doesn’t appear to be too worried about companies leaving. He told the Financial taxes to all rates. Combined, expanded EXAIR’s Back Blow For this example, the blowoff is continuous. Post for every company that hits the road there are three or four setting up in On- or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues. Nozzles are engineered tario. His list of newcomers included IT, computer technology, life sciences and to clean inside of pipe, Most large plants know their cost per 1,000 cleantech companies, but manufacturers were noticeably absent. Mailing Address tube, hose or channels. Annex Business Media An array of holes provide standard cubic feet of compressed air. The new plan expands the Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI) to include 80 Valleybrook Dr., a forceful 360˚ airflow to If you don’t know your actual cost per 1,000 SCF, smaller users, but does nothing for companies with a peak power demand of less Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 clear out coolant, chips 25¢ is a reasonable average to use. plant.ca or debris created from than 500 kilowatts. machining processes. Tel: 416-442-5600, SCFM saved x 60 minutes x cost/1,000 Fax: 416-510-5167 This nozzle prevents Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (Ontario) wants the ICI program to be blowing chips further = (if busy use 416-510-6875) SCF Dollars saved per hour. more accessible to SMEs, and like the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers, into a pipe or out the In this case, 19 SCFM x 60 minutes x opposite end of the pipe. calls for a competitive industrial electricity rate that entices manufacturers to Customer Service .25/1,000 = 28.5 cents per hour. stay and invest in Ontario. Bona Lao www.airnozzle.info/18/back.htm x = 416-442-5600 ext. 3552 28.5 cents per hour 40 hour work week $11.40 per week. Manufacturing accounts for about 12.7% of the province’s GDP and almost [email protected] BUILD YOUR OWN SYSTEM $11.40 per week x 52 weeks = $592.80 per year. 753,000 jobs. Growth means jobs that pay higher wages. Ontario needs a govern- EXAIR’s Swivel Fittings, The Super Air Nozzle pays for itself in three weeks. ment that’s focused on eliminating rather than perpetuating barriers to manufac- available for all our nozzles For more information, visit www.exair.com/18/410.htm up to 1 NPT, make it turing growth. easy to adjust the aim of If you would like to discuss an application, That might require an election colonic next year. the Air Nozzles and Jets. contact an Application Engineer at: Correct placement of the blowing angle can help Joe Terrett, Editor optimize performance, Comments? E-mail [email protected]. reduce noise levels and We acknowledge the [financial] support improve efficiency. of the Government of Canada. www.airnozzle.info/18/swivel.htm 4 PLANT April 2017

EXAIR_ROI_AirNozzleJet.indd 1 3/27/17 8:32 AM Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 4 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PLT_Exair_April.indd 1 2017-03-30 1:45 PM NON-MARRING PEEK SUPER AIR NOZZLES EFFICIENT AIR GUNS, COMFORTABLE GRIP NOZZLE CLUSTER, HIGHEST BLOWING FORCE PEEK (plastic) Super Safety Air Guns use Many blowoff, cleaning, Air Nozzles feature non- engineered Air Nozzles cooling and drying marring and excellent to provide superior applications require chemical compatibility performance. Safe high force and extensive properties. These award operation is assured reach. EXAIR’s Super winning nozzles come along with low air Air Nozzle Clusters in a variety of sizes consumption and noise deliver up to 9.8 lbs with force from 2.0 level. Precision, Soft of force. Three sizes ounces to 1.9 pounds. Grip, Heavy Duty and for handheld and PEEK nozzles can be Super Blast Safety Air stationary mounting are used with temperatures Guns are available. available. Available on up to 320°F (160°C). Extensions and Stay Set Super Blast Safety Air Hoses are available. Guns for ease of use. www.airnozzle.com/18/peek.htm www.airnozzle.info/18/sag.htm www.airnozzle.info/18/blast.htm UNIQUE FLAT NOZZLES USE PATENTED TECHNOLOGY The 2" Flat Super Air Nozzle™ is a highly efficient, unique flat air nozzle. Using EXAIR’s patented technology, a precise amount of air is released through the thin slot, across a flat surface. The result is a wide, forceful stream of high velocity, laminar airflow. 1" Flat Super Air Nozzle™ available as well! www.airnozzle.info/18/2san.htm

MICRO AIR NOZZLE FOR PRECISION BLOWOFF The Micro Air Nozzle is one of the smallest available. EX AIR’s “precision blowoff” provides optimum air entrainment for a directed high volume, high velocity airflow. The compact size permits mounting where space is limited.

www.airnozzle.info/18/micro.htm This small Super Air Nozzle costs only $37. Installing it in place SUPER AIR NOZZLES™ of one 1/4" copper tube can EXAIR’s Super Air Nozzles provide a high save you $592.80 per year. thrust, concentrated stream of high velocity airflow and are engineered Here’s how: to reduce noise levels and air costs. The sound A 1/4" copper tube is a common homemade level is as low as 58 dBA blowoff that consumes 33 SCFM when at a with hard-hitting force up to 23 pounds. All normal supply pressure of 80 PSIG. EXAIR’s meet OSHA noise and award winning Model 1100 Super Air Nozzle is pressure requirements. 1/4 NPT and consumes only 14 SCFM at 80 PSIG. www.airnozzle.info/18/super.htm 33 SCFM (copper tube) - 14 SCFM (Super BACK BLOW NOZZLES CLEAN INSIDE DIAMETERS Air Nozzle) = 19 SCFM compressed air saved. EXAIR’s Back Blow For this example, the blowoff is continuous. Nozzles are engineered to clean inside of pipe, Most large plants know their cost per 1,000 tube, hose or channels. An array of holes provide standard cubic feet of compressed air. a forceful 360˚ airflow to If you don’t know your actual cost per 1,000 SCF, clear out coolant, chips or debris created from 25¢ is a reasonable average to use. machining processes. This nozzle prevents SCFM saved x 60 minutes x cost/1,000 blowing chips further SCF = Dollars saved per hour. into a pipe or out the In this case, 19 SCFM x 60 minutes x opposite end of the pipe. .25/1,000 = 28.5 cents per hour. www.airnozzle.info/18/back.htm 28.5 cents per hour x 40 hour work week = $11.40 per week. BUILD YOUR OWN SYSTEM $11.40 per week x 52 weeks = $592.80 per year. EXAIR’s Swivel Fittings, The Super Air Nozzle pays for itself in three weeks. available for all our nozzles For more information, visit www.exair.com/18/410.htm up to 1 NPT, make it easy to adjust the aim of If you would like to discuss an application, the Air Nozzles and Jets. contact an Application Engineer at: Correct placement of the blowing angle can help optimize performance, reduce noise levels and improve efficiency.

www.airnozzle.info/18/swivel.htm

EXAIR_ROI_AirNozzleJet.indd 1 4/4/17 2:30 PM PLT_Exair_April.inddPlant_April2017_AMS.indd 1 5 2017-04-04 2:402:43 PM NEWS

Magna lowers subframe weight Forest sector BULLETINS Carbon fibre project with Ford yields 34% partners with FCM Magellan Aerospace Corp., a man- mass reduction compared to steel equivalent WHISTLER, BC — The Forest Products ufacturer of aerospace systems and SAILAUF, Germany — Association of Canada (FPAC) is part- components based in Mississauga, Ont., Magna International Inc. nering with the Federation of Canadian has won a multi-year contract extension is using a carbon fibre Municipalities (FCM) to help advance with European plane maker Airbus composite to significant- economic growth, innovation and sus- Group to supply crown modules for the ly reduce the weight of tainable land-use management. twin-engine A350 XWB jet program. The vehicle subframes. Canada’s forest sector provides components will be built at Magellan’s The Aurora, Ont.- more than 230,000 jobs in more than plants in the UK, Poland and India. based global auto parts 200 communities across the country, manufacturer, working including many rural communities, Premier Tech, an industrial equipment with Ford Motor Co., has said FCM president Clark Somerville, manufacturer, is investing $7 million in developed a prototype who noted tackling climate change one of its plants at its Rivière-du-Loup, carbon fibre composite and creating a green economy are pri- Que. campus. The expansion includes Prototype reduces the number of version that reduces orities shared with the municipalities. final assembly and start-up areas for required parts by 87%. PHOTO: MAGNA mass by 34% compared Under the new agreement, FPAC automated packaging systems, and an to making a stamped will share information and work isolated area for stainless steel work. steel equivalent. directly with FCM’s 2,000 member Over the next three years, 30 new work- The subframe provides a place to attach the engine and municipalities on policies and initia- ers will join the 60-person workforce at wheels while contributing rigidity and crash management. tives that address climate change and the 75,000 square-foot facility. The prototype replaces 45 steel parts with two moulded support local job creation. This in- and four metallic parts. Mouldings are joined by adhesive cludes participating in FCM’s national Metal 7 Inc. has acquired Enduride, a bonding and structural rivets. conferences. manufacturer of rollers and idlers for The subframe is the result of a Magna and Ford research FPAC represents Canada’s wood, power-driven or gravity conveyors based and development project that’s investigating potential pulp and paper producers nationally in Quebec City. Metal 7, based in Sept- mass-reduction benefits and the technical challenges and internationally. Iles, Que., makes equipment for the iron posed by using carbon fibre-reinforced composites in chas- The $65-billion-a-year forest ore and aluminum industries. sis applications. products industry represents 2% of Prototype subframes are being produced by Magna for Canada’s GDP and provides 230,000 Canada Bread Co. Ltd. has acquired component and vehicle-level testing at Ford to evaluate direct jobs across the country. Toronto’s Stonemill Bakehouse Ltd., a corrosion, stone chipping and bolt load retention. producer of slow fermented craft breads baked in stone ovens using natural, non- GMO certified and organic ingredients. Math research hub $10M for BC fuel cell joint venture Stonemill employs approximately 100 VANCOUVER — A Ford insiders expect fuel cell ve- people and operates one production gets $12.8M Motor Co. and Daimler hicles to eventually replace facility in Scarborough, plus a store at CALGARY — Mathematics research gets AG joint venture aimed at gas-powered cars. Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market. a boost with $12.8 million in funding for bringing automotive fuel Major automakers are the Banff International Research Station cells to the mass market working on FCVs in some iS5 Communications Inc., a manufac- (BIRS), which provides more than 2,000 is getting a boost from the capacity and several, in- turer of industrial ethernet products, researchers from 60-plus countries a federal government. cluding Honda, Toyota and has received $750,000 in funding from place to network. Sustainable Development Hyundai, have introduced FedDev Ontario to develop faster, more Their collaboration leads to research Technology Canada has set hydrogen-powered cars to secure ethernet switches and other ventures in clean energy technology, aside $10 million in fresh the mass market. network equipment. The investment will advanced manufacturing, computer funding for Burnaby, BC’s Ford and Daimler picked add 12 skilled positions to the Mississau- science, climate science, biology, and Automotive Fuel Cell Coop- Vancouver based on its ga, Ont.-based company’s workforce, the prediction and mitigation of natural eration (AFCC). track record with fuel cells, bringing the total to 24. disasters. The company has been as well as the province’s Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engi- working on fuel cell stacks hydroelectric resources, BIOX Corp. is working with Forge Hydro- neering Research Council (NSERC) has in Metro Vancouver since which can produce hydro- carbons on a potential co-location of a committed $3.4 million, while Alberta 2008 and will use the funds gen through electrolysis renewable diesel production facility us- is contributing another $4 million. The to develop and test its next emissions-free. ing Forge technology. BIOX has acquired US and Mexico are contributing $5.3 generation. The joint venture already a 50-million litre plant with 25 acres million. Though a number of works with the fuel cell in Sombra, Ont. Forge will lease up to BRIS also received $400,000 in challenges remain, in- stack manufacturing group four acres to build a new 25 million-litre support from the University of British cluding a lack of hydrogen at Mercedes-Benz. renewable diesel production facility and Columbia, plus in-kind support from the infrastructure and the SDTC pegs the annual will be responsible for obtaining funding University of Alberta and the University rising popularity of battery production of FCVs at more for the $25 million project. of Calgary. electrics, a recent study than 70,000 vehicles by found most auto industry 2027.

6 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 6 2017-04-04 1:31 PM G4 Insights gets $2.15M to fuel RNG development OTTAWA — Natural Resources Can- gas emissions than fossil fuels. Con- FEEDBACK ada (NRC) is investing $800,000 in G4 verting forest residue that includes all Insights to develop a technology that parts of the tree into solid, liquid or converts forestry waste into renew- gaseous biofuels such as renewable Carbon pricing’s high cost able natural gas (RNG) for distribu- natural gas creates fuel substitutes for Re: Carbon pricing a triumph of ideology over reason, tion through natural gas pipelines. transportation or industrial processes. Postscript, PLANT March 2017. The Burnaby, BC cleantech compa- G4’s PyroCatalytic Hydrogenation I am in total agreement with ny is partnering with Canadian Gas is a low temperature thermochemical Gwyn (Morgan) on this one. Not Association members Enbridge Gas process that can be produced on a only will we get, say, a Distribution, FortisBC, Gaz Metro, distributed basis in forestry regions 2% tax added on to everything Union Gas, utility host ATCO, the and delivered to end users through we buy, it will be doubled Natural Gas Innovation Fund, Alberta existing natural gas pipelines. because all manufacturers will Innovates and FPInnovations. Togeth- The main input is sawmill waste, have to add their share of the er, they are contributing $1.35 million slash, thinning and hog fuel. tax onto their product to cover towards the project. G4 Insights will build a RNG the cost. Renewable natural gas produced demonstration plant in Edmonton and That’s a cost produced from sustainably managed forest res- test it under operational conditions elsewhere will not have. idue emits up to 85% less greenhouse with a range of biomass types. This government is killing PHOTO: FOTOLIA our economy. The extreme desire to appear to be doing something about climate change is merely a cash grab, without any KATFISH completes first round of sea trials plan. It will turn into a redistribution of tax dollars to “green” criteria-meeting companies. Tests will increase the system’s operational depth to 200 metres Our weak dollar is killing businesses. The Canadian plastics tra-high resolution seabed images industry is in trouble. We are buying resin in US dollars and and 3D maps for a variety of mili- trying to compete on pricing that often means a penny a pound tary and commercial applications. will raise a quote by $3,000 or $4,000. Other system sensors tested in- Shipping costs, duty, brokerage fees, fees to convert into US cluded a high accuracy Ultra Short dollars, and so on, are crushing our industry. Base Line positioning system with The federal government should focus on other things. topside and underwater inertial navigation; and platform sensors Terry Manick for velocity, current, temperature International Pipe, KATFISH uses sonar to generate real-time, ultra-high and depth measurements. Selkirk, Man. resolution seabed images and 3D maps. PHOTO: KRAKEN The Conception Bay, NL-based marine technology company Send comments to [email protected] with your name, address ST. JOHN’S, NL — Kraken Sonar said its manually operated KATFISH and phone number. Comments will be edited. Inc. has successfully completed phase launch and recovery system was also one sea trials of its KATFISH towed tested. It reached speeds to 8 knots synthetic aperture sonar system. in depths of 50 metres in sea state Irving invests $4.5M in NS The tests were to validate KAT- conditions meeting Beaufort 5 scale, ocean innovation centre FISH’s towing performance at various and exceeded expectations. HALIFAX — Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is investing $4.52 speeds and in a variety of sea condi- Phase Two will increase operation- million in the newly established Centre for Ocean Ventures tions; to validate hydrodynamic flight al depth to 200 metres to produce and Entrepreneurship (COVE). The ocean innovation cen- sensors; and to operate onboard so- higher drag forces and a larger ver- tre will be located on the waterfront in Dartmouth, right nars, including the AquaPix MINSAS tical manoeuvring envelope. Opera- across the harbour from Irving’s Halifax shipyard. 180 Synthetic Aperture Sonar. tors will also be evaluating the first Ocean science researchers, start-ups, R&D-intensive The actively controlled, intelligent version of Kraken’s new SASView 3D companies, industry and Nova Scotia post-secondary towfish generates real-time, ul- visualization software. institutions will work together at the centre on marine innovation projects. COVE, operated by the Institute for Ocean Research Businesses not offering professional training Enterprise, is in the early stages of transforming a former TORONTO — A business is only as strong company rarely or never provides them Canadian Coast Guard base at the Halifax Harbour into ex- as its employees, and a recent survey by with career development support, while tensive marine facilities with two deep-water piers, office ADP Canada finds Canadian companies ar- 39% would take a pay cut from another space, a startup incubator and space for shops and labs. en’t doing enough to help their employees employer that offered better professional In September, the Government of Canada committed improve and grow professionally. development opportunities. $7.17 million to COVE, and Nova Scotia has committed ADP Canada Sentiment Survey, a Skills development programs, technical $12.55 million. research series put together by the training, career mapping and mentoring Irving Shipbuilding’s funding is part of its commitments human resources specialist, reveals are the services many Canadians feel are under the National Shipbuilding Strategy – Canada’s 30- 40% of working Canadians say that their missing from their workplace. year plan to renew the fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.

www.plant.ca PLANT 7

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 7 2017-04-04 1:31 PM

NEWS

Skills shortages prevents Gaz Métro acquires m CAREERS u business growth: CME report US solar developer r o

Factora Solutions TORONTO — Not finding the right people with the right Opens the door to combined F has appointed Barry skills is preventing Canadian manufacturers from pursu- energy sources s

Lynch vice-president ing business opportunities, while driving up costs, and r

of sales and market- undermining productivity, according to a new report from Organized by: e d

ing. Previously he Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME). a

was with GE Digital The fourth of five reports from CME’s Industrie 2030

um y g r r E e initiative blames the shortages on an inability to attract o n and has more than 25 n F years of experience youth into skilled trades relevant to manufacturing; a dis- io helping manufac- Barry Lynch connect between the formal training system and industry t a turers implement needs; and an aging workforce. v o wa operational excellence on the plant floor. “Today nearly 40% of companies are telling us that they S A rds n P Factora Solutions is a global company are unable to find the right people with the right skills to Deal extends Gaz Metro’s reach into the US. G

I with Canadian offices in Trois-Rivières, help grow their companies. As a result, nearly 20% are for- PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES e

Que. that plans, designs and implements going business opportunities,” said Mathew Wilson, CME’s n

MES and MOM solutions. senior vice-president. MONTREAL — Gaz Métro has ac- o

e b

Nearly 60% of companies expect labour shortages to quired Standard Solar Inc., a US solar r r

Aurora Cannabis Inc. has promoted Neil affect their operations within five years, he said. energy firm specializing in the devel- a e

f C

Belot from chief brand officer to chief Building a Strong and Skilled Workforce for Growth opment, installation and financing of n w

global business development officer. In calls for coordinated national action on skills develop- commercial solar electric systems. o o L

his new role, he’ll focus on developing ment, including improved engagement with youth, women The deal, through Gaz Metro’s

business opportunities that drive the and underrepresented workers in manufacturing. Valener subsidiary, expands the Que- u

company’s international growth. Aurora The sector must also strengthen links between indus- bec natural gas distributor’s reach in In en dig

Cannabis Enterprises Inc. is a licensed try and postsecondary institutions to improve alignment the rapidly growing US solar industry,

producer of medical cannabis, with a of skills with the needs of industry. The report calls for and opens the door to combining

expanded government support for business-led training, solar with other energy sources.

production facility in Mountain View

County, Alta. management leadership development and improved access Standard Solar, based in Rockville,

Share Technologies, to foreign trained workers. Md., operates in California, Connecti- BioAmber Inc.’s Jean-Francois Huc has cut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New resigned as president and CEO. Fabrice Mexico, New York, North Carolina Orecchioni, the company’s COO, has Polycorp launches $17M and Washington DC. Network and do Business replaced him. Orecchioni oversaw the expansion of its Elora plant Gaz Métro, through its Vermont-run construction, start-up and operation of subsidiary Green Mountain Power, Annually, Global Petroleum Show brings together more than the company’s Sarnia, Ont. manufactur- Will purchase new equipment, establish a test lab manages approximately 30 megawatts ing plant and management of the Mitsui of solar in the state, and has spon- 50,000 visitors from over 90 countries to meet and do business joint venture. Huc stepped down for per- sored hundreds of solar air preheat- sonal reasons, but will remain a member ing system projects in Québec. with over 1,000 exhibiting companies. And now with interactive of the board of directors and assume an advisory role. specialty zones and hundreds of FREE presentations, there are Rail cars delivered more reasons than ever to attend GPS 2017. Hugo Lafontaine joins energy man- for potash miner agement company Schneider Electric Canada Inc. in Mississuaga, Ont. as SASKATOON, Sask. — K+S Potash national sales manager for its building Canada has accepted delivery of 177 of automation systems division in Canada. 531 custom-built rail cars for its Legacy He’ll be based in the company’s Ottawa Project, a potash production facility near office. Lafontaine brings more than 15 Bethune, Sask. years of experience in building control Polycorp makes engineered rubber products in Elora, Ont. PHOTO: POLYCORP The cars, manufactured by National systems. He was previously a sales Steel Car, are enough to complete one director at Regulvar Canada Inc. ELORA, Ont. — Polycorp. to buy new equipment, cre- of three trains to transport product to Register today and use the promo code Ltd. has partnered with ate a new testing laborato- a handling and storage facility in Port High-end bike manufacturer Argon the Ontario government ry and expand the plant. Moody, BC. GPS2C to gain FREE entry to the exhibition. 18 has appointed Claude LeBlond on a $17 million expansion The company, a manufac- The train will travel along 30 kilo- To book exhibit space, please call vice-president of global sales. A senior at the company’s manu- turer of engineered rubber metres of Canadian Pacific’s recently executive with more than 30 years of ex- facturing facility in Elora, products for the transpor- constructed Belle Plaine subdivision, +1 (888) 799-2545 or email Ont., adding 26 jobs to its tation, mining and protec- June 13-15 perience in international sales, LeBlond which connects CP’s main line at Belle [email protected] Calgary, Canada has in the past worked with Segway and current 146 positions. tive lining industries, has Plaine, Sask. to 14 kilometres of newly Bauer. Argon 18, based in Montreal, sells The $17 million project customers in 38 countries. constructed industrial rail line owned its bikes in 70 countries. includes $2.5 million from The project is to be com- and to be operated by K+S. globalpetroleumshow.com the provincial government pleted in 2022.

8 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 8 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PLT_DMG_April.indd 1 2017-04-04 10:13 AM

m u

s r

Organized by: e d

um y g r r E e o n n F o ti a v o Awa PS rds n G

I e

n o

e b

r r a e

f C

o o L

In en

dig

Share Technologies, Network and do Business Annually, Global Petroleum Show brings together more than 50,000 visitors from over 90 countries to meet and do business with over 1,000 exhibiting companies. And now with interactive specialty zones and hundreds of FREE presentations, there are more reasons than ever to attend GPS 2017.

Register today and use the promo code GPS2C to gain FREE entry to the exhibition. To book exhibit space, please call +1 (888) 799-2545 or email June 13-15 [email protected] Calgary, Canada globalpetroleumshow.com

PLT_DMG_April.inddPlant_April2017_AMS.indd 1 9 2017-04-042017-04-04 10:13 1:31 PMAM NEWS

$2M for UBC cyber, Shell sells oil sands assets Reduces share in development projects risk initiatives CALGARY — Shell Canada has signed a pair Funding will also aid of agreements that will see the energy produc- financial risk research er sell its in-situ and undeveloped oil sands interests in Canada and reduce its share in the Athabasca Oil Sands Project (AOSP) from 60% to 10%. Shell will sell its 60% interest in AOSP to a subsidiary of Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) and its 100% interest in the Peace Workers stand in front of the Quest carbon capture storage River Complex in-situ assets, including Carmon project in Alberta. PHOTO: SHELL Creek, plus a number of undeveloped oil sands Focus is on cyber-attack impacts and risk leases in Alberta. storage project. management tools. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES The sale is valued at $11.1 billion. Quest was designed to capture and store about Under the second agreement, Shell and CNRL one third of the emissions from Shell’s Scotford VANCOUVER — Scotiabank is helping will jointly acquire and own equally Marathon Upgrader (near Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.). the University of British Columbia (UBC) Oil Canada Corp., which holds a 20% interest in Quest captured 1 million tonnes of CO2 by accelerate cybersecurity and financial AOSP, for $1.25 billion each. September, its first year of operation, which is risk research in Canada with $2-million CNRL will operate the AOSP upstream mining equivalent to the annual emissions from about in funding. assets, and Shell will continue to operate the 250,000 cars. Over the next five years, the Scotia- Scotford upgrader and Quest carbon capture The transactions are to close mid-year. bank Cybersecurity and Risk Analytics Initiative will support research and Infrastructure spending unlikely educational initiatives, advance under- $28.8M challenge standing of cyber-attacks and refine to drive innovation to grow economy: study risk management tools. TORONTO — The Ontario govern- VANCOUVER — Only 11 cents of every dollar in new federal The bank’s donation is supporting ment has launched a $28.8 million government infrastructure spending will be spent on highways, work by UBC researchers Konstantin challenge to help innovative startups bridges, railways and ports, finds a Fraser Institute study. Beznosov and Hasan Cavusoglu, who and SMEs address public sector busi- The Canadian public policy think-tank’s study notes most of specialize in cyber-attack research, ness and service challenges. the new spending will go to green and social infrastructure such privacy and security; and statistics pro- The Small Business Innovation as new parks, community centres and hockey arenas. fessors John Braun, Natalia Nolde and Challenge (SBIC) will be managed Of the nearly $100 billion in announced spending within the Harry Joe, who are furthering financial by Ontario Centres of Excellence last year, only 10.6% will be spent on projects relating to trans- risk modelling and probability theory. (OCE) and support SMEs developing portation and trade. These areas have the potential to strength- The Creative Destruction Lab West and demonstrating technologies that en the economy by moving people and goods across the country (CDL West) at the UBC Sauder School of drive innovation. and to international markets. Business will also be supported. Participating Ontario government Provincial governments are also spending just a small fraction of CDL West, an extension of the Cre- ministries will issue innovation infrastructure dollars on projects that can improve the economy. ative Destruction Lab at the University challenges and invite companies from Of the Ontario government’s $138 billion spending over the of Toronto’s Rotman School of Manage- the start-up level to SMEs with 500 next 10 years, only 18.8% will be spent on highways. ment, helps entrepreneurs transition employees or less to develop and test In Alberta, 20.6% of the $34.8 billion capital plan is being from science-based innovations to com- novel technology solutions. spent on roads and bridges. mercialization. Successful applicants will receive The study argues Canada’s total infrastructure is currently at funding for feasibility and demonstra- the highest level in 40 years, claiming it’s a myth governments New production line tion projects. have neglected spending in this area. for Fabspec SOREL-TRACY, Que. — Fabspec, Mars expands Newmarket plant a manufacturer of machined metal parts and components is commission- $70 million project adds 60,000 square-feet ing a new production line at one of its NEWMARKET, Ont. — Mars The plant is North America’s three plants. Canada has completed a $70 first site to produce the 80-year New tooling equipment will be pur- million expansion at its New- old chocolate-coated treats, chased and headcount will increase, market, Ont. chocolate plant, previously made overseas including a number of new welding where it will now produce exclusively. It also manufac- and specialized technical positions. Maltesers. tures Mars, Milky Way and 3 The company, based in Sorel-Tra- The project added 60,000 Musketeers bars. cy, Que., serves the energy, iron and square-feet of floor place and The company said the steel mill, mining, and petrochemical First in North America to produce Mal- added new manufacturing and expansion is adding 30 jobs to sectors. tesers. PHOTO: MARS CANADA packaging equipment. the 150-employee workforce.

10 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 10 2017-04-04 1:31 PM Auto sales strengthen Canada exceeds 2 million units uxury vehicles drove Canadian automotive sales in February after Manufacturing capacity utilization takes a dip global car sales moved higher in L % January, according to the Scotiabank The capacity utilization rate of all 83 Economics global auto report. manufacturing industries declined 0.1% Global purchases advanced 3% in Q4 to 81.7%, after rising 0.6 points 82 higher than a year ago as volumes in Q3. Statistics Canada attributes 81 in developing markets began 2017 most of the decline to durable goods

with the strongest gain in nearly four manufacturing. All industries operated 80 years, excluding China. at 82.2%, up from 81.6% in the previous Most automakers reported lower quarter, the second consecutive gain. 79 sales there due to an increase in the Mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, 78 sales tax applicable on vehicles with construction and non-durable goods

1.6 L or smaller engines. manufacturing drove the increase, 77 February data points to ongoing offsetting declines in durable goods, strength across North America. The electric power generation, transmission 76 III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV report shows purchases in Canada and distribution, and forestry and logging. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 exceeded the annualized 2 million Source(s): CANSIM units for the second consecutive month, climbing to a record high for February. The improvement was led by a 16% year-over-year surge in luxury cars 1.5% to 2.5% and trucks that posted double-digit EBITDA growth for North American advances. manufacturers (mostly thanks to US In the US, car and light truck sales companies) over the next 12 to 18 months, totalled an annualized 17.5 million based on Moody’s forecast for G20 GDP units in February, in-line with the Canada’s projected economic growth of 3%. The investor services previous month’s performance and growth for the year. It equals firm has changed its previous the 2016 total. the US and is ahead of the other 2.4% outlook from negative The report says automakers will Group of Seven countries, according to estimates released to stable. ramp up production to record highs in by the OECD. That’s up from a previous estimate of 2%. the second quarter. Rising vehicle assemblies are to add an annualized 0.6 percentage points to economic growth in the April-June period, helping to lift overall US growth to 2.3% in 2017, up from 1.6% in 2016. $807M Momentum continues Canada’s Prospects have been improving for merchandise manufacturing. Canadian sales were trade balance The amount of power generated up 0.6% in January and TD Economics with the world from all renewable sources in sees this as continuing momentum in January. It’s up from $447 million in December, 65% Canada as of 2015 (and 60% of from the later months of 2016. the third consecutive monthly surplus, according to that is hydro), according to the It cited encouraging forward-look- Statistics Canada. Exports were up 0.5% thanks to National Energy Board. That’s up ing indicators. New orders were up motor vehicles and canola. Imports were down 0.3%. from 60% in 2005. 4.6% and unfilled orders were up 0.3%. Global growth is projected to pick- up to 3.3% through 2018. TD Economics is calling for 2.3% The amount of sales activity generated by off-highway equipment Canadian growth this year, an up- manufacturers in Canada ($15.5 billion direct sales), according to a report grade of 0.5 points. by IHS Economics for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. These Oil and gas will rebound and lead $34B manufacturers support 64,000 jobs directly and another 84,000 jobs associated the growth, but there are still risks with their supply chains. Overall, this segment of industrial activity posed by a renegotiation of NAFTA contributes 4.1% of Canada’s manufacturing GDP. The US-based and tax policy reform that may im- AEM represents manufacturers serving the mining, agricultural, pede investment in Canada. construction and utility industries.

www.plant.ca PLANT 11

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 11 2017-04-04 1:31 PM AEROSPACE CLEARED FOR BELL’S 505 JET RANGER X SECURES LIFT OFF MIRABEL JOBS New mandate leverages a skilled workforce to attract global product platforms.

BY MATT POWELL, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

he future of a Quebec helicopter manufacturing plant is brighter today than it Twas a little less than two years ago. Trouble started in 2015 when persistent weakness in the oil and gas sector (and the growing use of drones) created a lot of turbulence for Bell Helicopter Textron Can- ada in Mirabel, Que. The company, which has been building helicopters in Quebec. since 1983, was forced to cut 300 positions despite winning two Canadian Coast Guard contracts worth $328 million. The cuts were part of a global downsizing that eliminated 1,100 jobs. By 2016, global demand for rotorcraft had plunged by 16.1% in the first half of the year, with billings down more than 32.5% according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Bell Helicopter, owned by Fort Worth, Tex.-based Textron Inc. (a global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses) describes 2015 and 2016 as challenging years. Global deliveries fell 35% last year to 114 aircraft, while revenues declined to $3.2 billion from $3.5 billion. But there were signs of optimism that Bell’s fortunes were about to (pardon the pun) take off. In November, Bell announced it would test, certify and manufacture its next two commercial aircraft at its Quebec manufacturing plant. Part of the plan included moving production of the new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X – a five-passenger commercial helicopter – from a facility in Louisiana to Mirabel, creating 100 highly-skilled jobs and securing 900 or so current positions. Trans- port Canada certification quickly followed in December, and there’s a multi-year order backlog of more than 400 aircraft. Bell’s Canadian operations are led by Bell’s 505 Jet Ranger X production is in full flight at the aerospace company’s Mirabel, Que. plant. PHOTOS: BELL HELICOPTER Cynthia Garneau. She joined the company in

12 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 12 2017-04-04 1:31 PM 2004 as a contracts and compliance manager at the Mirabel site before holding other leadership roles in supply chain management and government relations. A lawyer and member of the Quebec Bar since 1994, she has more than 20 years of aerospace experience, and was named president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada in January last year. She’s also a member of the Aerospace Industry Association of Canada and Aero Montreal boards. “The size of Quebec’s aerospace cluster is an incredible help to companies like us, and I’d argue it’s a big reason behind why the 505 is being produced in Mirabel. That mainly relates to the skilled workforce we have not only in Quebec, but across the country for aerospace manufacturing,” says Garneau. “In our case, academia and industry, the tools we need for research and development and innovation are like a well- oiled machine.” The 505 backlog has grown to 400 aircraft, which will keep the plant busy. Aerospace investment Bell plays a significant role in Canada’s massive aerospace sector, which employs 180,000 people and drives annual revenues of $29 billion. Aerospace invests $1.9 billion annually in research and development, which is five times the intensity of Canada’s manufacturing sector. Mirabel, an off-island Montreal suburb that’s home to about 42,000 residents, accounts for 55% of Canada’s aerospace jobs and sales, and about 70% of total R&D investments. Bombardier Aerospace has a significant presence there, where it’s producing the CSeries jets at a facility close to the Montreal-Mirabel International Airport. The 505, Bell’s highest-tech commercial offering, was unveiled at the 2013 Paris Airshow as the Bell SLS (Short Light Single). It’s a “clean sheet design,” but will use some dynamic components such as the rotor systems from Bell’s 206L-4 chopper. The airframe is made from a combination of metals and composites, with a 22 square-foot flat floor and an 18 cubic-foot luggage bay. The aircraft also accommodates extras such as a cargo hook. The cockpit is equipped with the Garmin G1000H glass avionics suite and the aircraft is powered by an Turbom- eca Arrius 2R turboshaft engine capable of producing speeds up to 232 kilometres per hour across a maximum range of about 650 kilometres. Main production was to start last year at A 505 being prepped in the paint shop.

www.plant.ca PLANT 13

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 13 2017-04-04 1:31 PM Bell Helicopter’s Mirabel plant now handles all of the company’s commercial production.

an 82,300 square-foot $26.3 million hangar two years. A production-quality aircraft was defence manufacturer Northrop Grumman facility at Lafayette Regional Airport in delivered in less than a year, which complet- to develop unmanned aircraft using Bell’s Louisiana. The state offered Bell $8 million ed its first flight in January. Production roll- 407 airframe. as a job creation incentive to bring 250 new out commenced in February and deliveries Despite the cyclical nature of the aero- jobs to the plant, and construction started began in March. space industry, Garneau is confident the in 2014. The facility opened in August 2015, 505 has established Bell’s Mirabel plant as but by May last year CEO Mitch Snyder Future opportunities a grassroots manufacturing and innovation announced a number of changes to the com- Manufacturing at the Mirabel plant secures centre for the company globally. The skilled pany’s supply chain, which included moving opportunities for future models of commer- workforce available to Quebec’s aerospace production of the 505 to Mirabel. The Lafay- cial helicopters to be tested, certified and cluster is certainly key, but Garneau would ette Assembly Center, which was specifically assembled, and there’s a commitment to like to see more done with training and designed to manufacture and deliver the relocate and manufacture some components skills development by the various levels of 505, will instead complete Bell 525 sub-as- for the 429, 505 and 525 models currently government. semblies and perform work on Northrop produced by subcontractors. “Our workforce has to evolve with the Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout UAVs. Innovation and R&D efforts will be technology we’re now using, and to do that The Mirabel plant is now home to all of increased for advanced vertical takeoff and we have to leverage available government Bell’s commercial helicopter manufacturing, landing designs, hybrid and clean propul- programs, but those can be hard to navi- where the six-passenger, single-engine 407, sion, assisted and automated flight technol- gate,” she says. The company is working with dual-engine composite 429, and 13-passenger ogies, more flexible avionics systems and a number of colleges to help students work dual-engine 412 models are manufactured. material technologies that would boost craft through specific trades that may benefit “The team approached the 505 program survivability. aerospace. from what it means to manufacture in a way Bell’s 638,000 square-feet of hangar, as- “We’ve been here for 30 years. We’ve been that enforces our competitiveness as a com- sembly and office space has produced more able to develop a stable and loyal relation- pany,” says Garneau. than 4,900 commercial variant helicopters ship with academia and the government. The Mirabel plant has deployed a “pulse” since 1983, and directs more than $150 When you have your own government buying production line that isn’t typically adopted million to more than 500 suppliers across your product, that says a lot about the quali- in slow moving manufacturing systems like Canada. Mirabel’s airport, spread over 152 ty of what you’re manufacturing.” aerospace. acres, provides Bell with two runways and a Having a backlog to work through also “We’re working differently with suppliers control tower that offers complete flight test says something about product’s value. Bell – a kind of kanban system to minimize im- and delivery capability. Helicopter’s Mirabel plant will be busy and in pacts to the production line. Kits and options Although drones have eaten into market a good position to leverage its highly-skilled are all developed to meet customer needs share because they’re cheaper to operate in workforce and a commitment to R&D by from the get-go.” industrial applications (such as pipeline and bringing in more global platforms. The Mirabel team completed a tight power line inspection), Bell is turning that timeline. Design to production took just over into an opportunity. It’s partnering with US Comments? E-mail [email protected].

14 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 14 2017-04-04 1:31 PM ELECTRICITY

The plan to cut hydro rates by 25% shifts costs of up to $25 billion to future taxpayers.

BY MATT POWELL, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ntario’s Wynne government has unveiled a plan to Oreduce sky high electricity bills by 25%, but many manufacturers won’t benefit. The reduction announced March 2 includes an 8% rebate introduced in January and a further 17% reduction that will come into effect this summer if the Liberal’s Fair Hydro Plan bill is approved by the legislature. The Fair Hydro Plan is aimed at peak demand of 500 kilowatts. PHOTO: FOTOLIA Premier Kathleen Wynne has likened the plan to re-amortizing Manufacturers and vice-presi- a mortgage over 30 years instead dent of Automatic Coatings Ltd. of 20, and Energy Minister Glenn Ontario cuts hydro in Scarborough, Ont., says the Thibeault expects it to cost new plan and the expansion about $25 billion. Opposition to the ICI doesn’t do enough parties suggest that figure is to address the needs of manu- more like $42 billion. facturers, particularly smaller Critics have been quick to pan companies that feel the most the plan that refinances up to pain from high power costs. $28 billion costs destined to land Automatic Coatings, which in the laps of future taxpay- COSTS has 75 employees, feels the pain ers. The Wynne government BUT MOST MANUFACTURERS daily. Its hydro costs increased hopes the move will improve its by more than $8,000 in a single prospects ahead of next year’s ARE LEFT OUT month last year – the extra costs election, although the party not from using more power, but currently trails the Progressive make much-needed investments. power demand of more than 5 instead government add-ons, Conservatives by 14% according And the province’s time-of-use megawatts. The threshold has including the global adjustment. to a number of polls. pricing system has increased been lowered twice already, “The problem with programs How do the people view it? peak time energy use costs by now sitting at a single megawatt, like ICI is that the majority of A Mainstreet Research poll 81% since 2010, according to and the new Fair Hydro Plan Ontario’s manufacturers employ commissioned by Postmedia Ontario Energy Board data. proposes opening the program 50 people or fewer – a lot of shows 41% of respondents see to businesses with peak power them don’t have the resourc- the reduction as a political Relief in sight? demands of just 500 kilowatts. es to have visibility in those move, but 47% approve of the Ontario’s plan includes the This could benefit manufactur- programs,” she says. “And if plan compared to 35% who expansion of the Industrial ers too small to take advantage you choose to pursue one of the disapprove. Conservation Initiative (ICI), of the program’s original re- available programs, you’re going The rate cut is a welcome open to manufacturers and quirements. Yet it does nothing to have to bring in consultants development for residential large industrial consumers that for smaller companies with a and external energy managers, customers already dealing can save up to 33% of the global peak power demand lower than resources that essentially elimi- with the highest energy costs adjustment. Instead of paying the 500-kilowatt requirement, nate any savings you’d see from in country, and it also delivers the wholesale global adjust- and it’s a miss for the largest participating in the program to some benefits to business, but ment rate, eligible companies manufacturers, while many me- begin with.” the scope depends on the size pay based on their share of the dium-sized manufacturers aren’t She says the Ontario govern- of the organization. This is of demand for power used during eligible for the original 8% rebate ment needs to develop a plan particular concern for manufac- the highest five peak hours of because they consume more with a competitive per kilo- turers who blame skyrocketing the year. than 250,000 kilowatt-hours of watt-hour rate to keep compa- and uncompetitive energy costs Introduced in 2011, only power annually. nies from moving to lower cost (plus a cap and trade program) Ontario’s largest companies Jocelyn Bamford, founder jurisdictions in the US. That for impairing their ability to could join – those with a peak of the Coalition of Concerned means rolling money available

www.plant.ca PLANT 15

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 15 2017-04-04 1:31 PM to manufacturers from com- Ian Howcroft, vice-president tise and knowledge that many Ontario. plicated and labourious green of Canadian Manufacturers manufacturers, particularly “It’s a complicated system energy and energy efficiency & Exporters – Ontario, was SMEs, don’t have in-house,” he we have here, so everything programs into a competitive rate pleased with the expansion of says. “We have to find ways to won’t change at once. We want for industrial power users. the ICI program, but he shares simplify these processes and an industrial rate that provides “The reality is that companies Bamford’s concern about the allow everyone to participate.” manufacturers with the ability need to get their operational ability of manufacturers to Howcroft is also seeking a to remain competitive. [Manu- costs in order, and that starts participate in the cost reduc- commitment from the govern- facturing] is the largest [sector] with energy costs,” she says. “If tion programs, particularly the ment to develop an industrial we have – we need those jobs not, Ontario is going to continue “enormous” numbers of SMEs energy rate that would cut costs and investment – and right now to lose manufacturing capacity that don’t qualify. to manufacturers and increase the cost of energy is an incredi- to the US and companies will “To participate in these pro- their competitiveness while ble deterrent to both.” continue to go out of business.” grams you have to have exper- encouraging investment in Comments? E-mail [email protected]. PLANT EXPO October 11, 2017 CLEANTECH Bingemans Centre, Kitchener, Ontario Growing fast in BC: KPMG PLANT Largest export market is the US

VANCOUVER — BC’s Cleantech entrepreneurs are expanding the EPLANT OPERATIONS PROPDUCTION AND AUTOMATION province’s economy, according to a cleantech status report. They’re launching dozens of This one-day tabletop show will bring new, high-growth companies, together buyers and specifiers from the creating thousands of high-paying industries your company is trying to technology jobs, and attracting reach… billions of dollars of investment to commercialize products and ser- Automotive  Food Processing  Plastics vices for export around the world,  Chemical Processing  Mining  Oil & Gas says the report by KPMG and the  Utilities Aerospace  Custom Fabricators  BC Cleantech Alliance. And more… The sector’s employment growth remains high. Put your products in front of hundreds The number of cleantech of potential buyers including… companies is up 35% to 273 and Plant Managers  Engineers  Technologists employees are up 20% to 8,560. Plant Operations  Production Managers Total employment increased by 9%  Designers Maintenance Managers in 2014 and 18% last year. Average  Safety Managers  Purchasing Managers  wages have increased 24% to And more… $84,000, up from $68,000 in 2009. Don’t miss out – BC’s cleantech companies sell Reserve your table today! a significant amount of their products and services to customers outside BC. The survey shows To view more information go to www.PLANTExpo.ca the largest export market is the US, and this is expected to remain the case for the next three to five EXHIBIT SALES HAVE STARTED AND SPACE IS FILLING QUICKLY! years. Combined sales to Europe, Asia To discuss sponsor and exhibitor options, Presented by: and other countries are expect- contact Mike King, Publisher 416-510-5107  [email protected] ed to grow to one-third of total revenue by 2021.

16 PLANT April 2017 PLNT_Apr2017_PlntExpo_AMS.indd 1 2017-04-04 7:56 AM

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 16 2017-04-04 1:31 PM TRANSPORTATION

Toronto startup will manufacture high-speed pods and establish a consortium to build tube infrastructure.

BY MATT POWELL, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lon Musk’s push to develop a fifth mode of transportation E has acquired a distinctly Canadian flavour. TransPod, a Toronto-based startup focused on creating a hyperloop, is leading a global charge to bring the ultra high- tech, ultra-fast transportation system to life. It has an academic collaboration agreement with the University of Toronto’s Institute of for Multidisciplinary Design and Innovation, and A rendering of TransPod’s hyperloop system along the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto. ILLUSTRATION: TRANSPOD a corporate partnership with REC Canada. Hyperloop is an imagined high-speed transportation sys- Travel by tem, first floated by Tesla and SpaceX founder Musk in 2012, which would carry cargo or passengers in pods that travel through large tubes at speeds of up to 700 miles per hour. To put HYPERLOOP that into perspective, a Toron- to-to-Montreal jaunt would take TRANSPOD’S QUEST FOR A FIFTH MODE a mere 45 minutes, compared to a five-hour car ride along OF ULTRA-FAST TRANSPORTATION the 401. In November, TransPod tition quickly evolved to focus public-private partnerships with Canada, but Gendron concedes announced a $20 million seed on student teams, but TransPod construction companies and the company must be open to round to continue supporting ef- decided to skip ahead to develop financial partners. other options based on current forts led by Angelo Investments, the full-scale concept. “In addition to developing and future investment scenarios. an Italian high-tech holding The company, now with 20 em- new technologies, we’re utiliz- The seed funding received group specializing in advanced ployees and plans to double that ing concepts and designs from in November helped finalize a technologies for the railway, number by year’s end, has se- the aerospace industry. Many conceptual design, so the next space and aviation industries. cured IP patents for its designs subsystems, such as the vehicle step is development of the full The funding will position Trans- and is expanding its network structure, control systems and hyperloop system. Its pod’s pro- Pod for commercial viability and of global industry partners, vehicle dynamics, are very pulsion and levitation systems increased global growth. including leaders in the railway, similar to what we can find are magnetic-based components And the timeline is ambitious. space, aviation, engineering and on an aircraft,” says Gendron. attached to a carbon fibre struc- Founder and CEO Sebastien architectural spaces. “Railway technologies are ture. The vehicle is 82 feet long Gendron says TransPod plans to also being adapted, including and capable of carrying 10 tons, work for two years with indus- Designing the system communication, signalling and passengers or freight. A com- try partners before moving on It’s in the process of designing energy management. Much of pressor at the front of the pod to government, municipalities, the entire hyperloop system, the work we are doing integrates draws in any air that remains and Transport Canada to get including the pod and infra- these existing technologies with in the near-vacuum tube, and approval to build a line between structure, with an emphasis on our own proprietary designs to pumps it to the back to minimize 2020 and 2025. physics and safety. The plan is create a new high-speed trans- drag. TransPod was born in 2015 to to manufacture the pods while portation system.” “We’re not using pre-existing meet Musk’s challenge to create establishing a consortium to TransPod intends to design concepts of hyperloop, and a half-scale model. The compe- build the infrastructure through and manufacture the pod in we’re not crowdsourcing or

www.plant.ca PLANT 17

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 17 2017-04-04 1:31 PM A closer look at the hyperloop pod, which is 82 feet long and can carry 10 tons of cargo, human or freight. PHOTO: HUGH READ

delivery and affordability. It will COMPANY drastically change how com- B EVENT NAME® is produced by SME merce is conducted between cities and across countries, allowing businesses to transport products at high speeds at affordable rates, while being environmentally responsible. TransPod is seeking support from the federal and provincial governments to prospect and build a test track in Ontario. It’s also in discussions with other governments to devel- harvesting ideas and trying to like population booms, all There’s also an economic op hyperloop lines around make them fit with each other,” calling for a deeper investiga- benefit associated with the hy- the world. Gendron believes says Gendron. “We’re developing tion into how to most effectively perloop system: commuters will they’ll be most interested in every aspect of the hyperloop meet demands for public trans- no longer be forced to choose the innovation, and will find system, from design to systems portation in major cities,” says where to live based on where a way to plan hyperloop into June 6-8, 2017 engineering, all in-house and Gendron. “There is an incredible they work. transportation strategies – just EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE with our partners, which means need right now for a new means “You could live six hours away the momentum needed to drive EDMONTON, AB WMTS.CA everything is designed to work of transportation as an alterna- from work, and still get home in the fifth mode of transportation together seamlessly.” tive to the relatively expensive, 45 minutes,” Gendron says. into the future. TransPod is focused on slow, and environmentally For businesses that need to proving the technology and has harmful conventional travel we ship goods, hyperloop adds Comments? secured IP patents for the pod’s currently have.” a layer of choice related to E-mail [email protected]. design. Gendron has more than 12 years of experience working on HEALTH aircraft development programs, including stints with Airbus, Safran and Bombardier. Much Kindred’s sanitary sink COME TOGETHER. of his career has focused on Ozonator kills infectious bacteria testing and executing complex WHEN IT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER! industrial strategies, flight test ranke Kindred Canada has been manufacturing sinks activities and manufactur- Ffor 55 years. In fact, it’s likely the stainless steel sink ing strategies. He holds two in your kitchen was made at the company’s Midland, Plan ahead - discover the latest Master’s degrees in mechanical Ont. plant where more than 100 employees work. aeronautical engineering at While the company’s processes have changed little innovative technologies. the Aix-Marseille II University over time, the manufacturer is aiming to increase sales and the French Aeronautical in the US, and it hopes to make inroads with a new sink. Make strategic industry and Aerospace National School Created specifically for hospitals, it doesn’t have a connections. in France. His Master’s thesis faucet, knobs or levels, it reduces splashing and has a focused on aerospace debris. built-in ozonator that kills bacteria. Kindred’s Medi-Flo hand hygiene sink. PHOTO: KINDRED When he joined Airbus Group The Medi-Flo hand hygiene sink limits patient, staff Access the resources you need. as an industrial engineer, he and visitor exposure to potential infection and exceeds as bleach – and it kills bacteria 3,000 times faster. worked on the development and CSA Z8000 safety standards. The disinfecting technolo- The sinks are already proving to be popular. Four were commercialization of new indus- gy combats poor hand hygiene methods and biofilms on installed at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, trial products and applications, the sink and in traps, and its laminar flow chamber is a which is undergoing an emergency room modernization. including the final assembly of first in the industry. Franke Kindred is leveraging the current focus on the A320 passenger jet. Water is infused with ozone and other mixed oxidants infectious disease control to get its sinks installed in “The transportation indus- generated on demand to keep hands and the sink waste- healthcare facilities across the US. By entering new try is rapidly changing, influ- free of bacteria and pathogens. Ozone is among the markets it hopes to maintain jobs in Midland, and even- enced by disruptions such as world’s most powerful disinfectants – twice as effective tually create new ones. ride-sharing services and trends

18 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 18 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PLT_WMTS_March.indd 1 2017-03-02 11:40 AM COMPANYB EVENT NAME® is produced by SME

June 6-8, 2017 EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE EDMONTON, AB WMTS.CA

COME TOGETHER. WHEN IT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER!

Plan ahead - discover the latest innovative technologies.

Make strategic industry connections.

Access the resources you need.

www.plant.ca PLANT 19

PLT_WMTS_March.inddPlant_April2017_AMS.indd 1 19 2017-03-022017-04-04 11:40 1:31 PMAM COMPUTING

The Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab in California will upgrade its computing power with the new 2000Q System.

BY PLANT STAFF

-Wave Systems Inc. has been making quantum leaps and Dbounds recently as it fur- thers the development and application of its unique, advanced superconducting computing technology. Indeed, this Canadian rising star based in Burnaby, BC (with offices in Pal Alto, Calif.), and grown from roots established at the University of British Colum- The 2000Q system in the laboratory. PHOTOS: D-WAVE bia, is the first company in the world to sell quantum computers. And it has just provided an upgrade to a triumvirate of tech Quantum heavy-weights that are gauging the potential of artificial intelli- D-Wave quantum processor. gence. Google, NASA and the Univer- rity and Technology. Hume leads sities Space Research Associa- Virginia Tech’s research, edu- tion (USRA) are getting D-Wave’s UPGRADE cation and outreach programs, new 2000Q computer as an D-WAVE TECH ADVANCES which focus on the challenges upgrade for the Quantum Artifi- of cybersecurity and autonomy cial Intelligence Lab (QuAIL ) at ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE in the context of national and NASA’s Ames Research Centre homeland security. in Moffett Field, Calif. IDC, described the leap from for solving QUBO problems on D-Wave will work with Virgin- The multi-year agreement sup- 1,000 to 2,000 qubits as a “major quantum processors and classic ia Tech to enable staff, faculty ports research on how quantum technical achievement and an hardware architectures. and affiliates to build new computing could be applied to important advance in the field of And Volkswagen has been applications and software tools artificial intelligence, machine quantum computing.” working with D-Wave on a for D-Wave quantum computers. learning and difficult optimiza- The first D-Wave system was research project involving traffic Participants will be selected tion problems. installed at Ames in 2013. Sci- flow optimization that has used by Virginia Tech and include “The new system will be the entists have been using it for a data from 10,000 taxis in Beijing. experts in artificial intelligence, third generation of D-Wave tech- range of complex problems such machine learning, optimization, nology installed at Ames,” says as web search, speech recogni- Solving complex issues and sampling. D-Wave CEO Vern Brownell. tion, planning and scheduling, The two companies were to What’s ahead for D-Wave? It replaces D-Wave’s 2X air-traffic management, robotic announce their strategic coop- Jeremy Hilton, SVP Systems, system, a 1000+ qubit quantum missions to other planets, and eration at CeBit 2017 in Hanover, says the 2000Q represents an computer installed at QuAIL support operations in mission Germany and demonstrate the important step toward more in September 2015. The 2000Q control centres. advanced mobility software. general purpose quantum com- doubles up the qubits to 2,000 to “The new processor offers D-Wave is also working with puting. handle bigger problems. more controls for each qubit, Virginia Tech, and its research “We will continue to increase Qubits separate the quantum which enables us to experiment institution to set up a joint effort performance of our quantum from conventional computing. A with new quantum-enhanced that will provide researchers computers by adding more qu- computer encodes data in binary optimization and sampling algo- from the Intelligence Communi- bits, richer connections between digits (1 and 0). Qubits exist in rithms,” says Hartmut Neven, di- ty and Department of Defense qubits and more features by two states – on and off, simulta- rector of engineering for Google with greater access to quantum lowering noise and by provid- neously – to speed up calcula- and head of QuAIL. computers. ing more efficient, easy-to-use tions of complex problems. D-Wave’s 2000Q system will be The plan is to create a perma- software.” Earl Joseph, vice-president for installed at Ames later this year. nent quantum computing centre high-performance computing, In January, D-Wave released to house a D-Wave system at the Comments? an IT market research firm at Qbsolv, open-source software Hume Center for National Secu- E-mail [email protected].

20 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 20 2017-04-04 1:31 PM EXPORTING

US protectionist sentiment, it remains to be seen how the eco- Reasons to be nomic picture will unfold with respect to Canada. Political reaction was similar last year regarding the Brexit vote, but following an initial economic slowdown, there was OPTIMISTIC a quick, strong recovery and many believe Brexit will not OPPORTUNITIES DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTIES take a significant toll on our UK and Europe trade relations. The US economy is Nonetheless, the Canadian performing well, the loonie dollar has appreciated against a number of other foreign curren- is fairly low and emerging cies, adversely impacting the markets appear to be price of our exported goods in strong. those countries. Executives responding to the BY JIM MENZIES Manufacturers’ Outlook 2017 survey certainly expect to face anadian manufacturers are a number of challenges. Many fairly optimistic these days. foresee their top pressures CPLANT’s Manufacturers’ over the next three years to Outlook 2017 survey, co-spon- revolve around pricing (50%), sored by Grant Thornton LLP controlling/reducing costs (50%) and SYSPRO Canada, suggests and increasing sales/orders that, while they’re by no means (48%). Addressing the skilled overconfident, manufacturers labour shortage is also high on by and large see the potential the list. for good things in this year, with increased exports driving Export opportunity opportunity. Clearly, these concerns are How optimistic are they? significant. Yet even tempered When specifically asked to by today’s economic realities, assess their business prospects optimism remains – driven in the coming year, over 90% of by the potential for increased survey participants are either manufacturing exports. In fact, optimistic or cautiously opti- we’re likely to see more export mistic while less than 10% are activity, with 32% of respon- pessimistic. Within this positive dents planning to enter the US picture, almost 90% expect their A stable economy and promising export opportunities are driving business confidence. market and a significant number orders, revenue and pricing PHOTO: FOTOLIA planning to enter other global to increase or at least stay the (often made with Canadian-man- From an exchange rate markets in the next three years. same, while about 80% expect a ufactured components) more perspective, since the loonie Still, exports remain a largely similar outcome for profits. appealing to global consumers remains fairly low in relation to untapped opportunity for many Some may be surprised by – and the oil and gas sector the US dollar, the price of goods companies. Many feel they lack this outlook, given that Canada’s rebounding, Canadian GDP manufactured in Canada and the necessary cultural knowl- economic performance last year growth should increase and exported to the US is relatively edge around consumer tastes underwhelmed despite seeming- have a positive impact on Cana- favourable. and business practices to sell ly positive conditions. However, dian manufacturing. Of course, optimism should effectively into foreign countries looking at the big picture, there’s Emerging market forecasts always be tempered by caution, – a valid concern. good reason for their confidence. appear strong as well, with both and there are some red flags to By accepting that what works For one thing, Canada contin- China’s and India’s middle class be aware of – US political uncer- at home may not work elsewhere ues to enjoy a relatively stable continuing to become more tainty, for example. Interestingly and by diligently researching economy and banking system, consumer-oriented – a boon for though, despite pre-election business culture in potential along with fairly low interest Canadian export prospects. And anxiety, the US economy has markets, manufacturers should rates to encourage industrial while oil prices are showing performed very well of late, and be able to effectively address and consumer spending. Addi- signs of rebounding, which may many economic pundits believe those fears. tionally, with last year’s rapid increase energy costs for some that will continue, at least in the Some may also be hesitant due appreciation of the US dollar manufacturers, it will also bene- near term. to the potential impact of “Buy slowing – making US exports fit those supplying the industry. However, with prevailing American” and other potential

www.plant.ca PLANT 21

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 21 2017-04-04 1:31 PM TRADE

protectionist policies. Such grated North American supply measures may come to pass, but chain. Have a clear understand- it would be premature to suggest Changes to ing of your supply chain and its that economies will significantly vulnerabilities, which includes backtrack on the idea of global- identifying alternative sources ization. for manufacturing inputs. Get While significant challenges advice from legal and customs may arise, companies shouldn’t experts on what a potential abandon export strategies or change to the rules of origin ambitions just because of the may mean as it would pertain threat, or even the implemen- NAFTA to the preferential treatment of tation, of foreign protectionist HOW WILL RENEGOTIATION Canadian goods. policies. Push your industry to be Between Brexit, the Trump AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? proactive. There is strength in presidency and a fluctuating numbers. Reach out to industry loonie, 2017 is still something associations and let them know of a conundrum, but there are how your position relates to enough positive signs that many the upcoming NAFTA renego- Canadian manufacturers believe tiations. Consider reaching out they’ll achieve export gains in a to US and Mexican partners. If healthy US economy. there is common ground, ask And why not? We have certain them to lobby local associations natural advantages when export- and governments. Businesses ing to the US, such as proximity, should also be engaging with similar consumer tastes and an provincial and federal members advantageous exchange rate. of parliament. When you factor in the sheer size Communicate your trade of the US economy, the extent position to negotiators. As and potential of the opportunity the Canadian government gears seems clear. up for NAFTA renegotiations, We must also not undersell our it’s identifying offensive and reputation. “Made in Canada” on defensive interests. Provincial any product can have strong and and municipal governments are distinctive international cachet. doing the same on a regional We have repeated experiences The US is Canada’s top trading partner. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES and local basis. Convey your with foreign business people and interests and objectives to consumers making a conscious Be proactive and prepare Your goal should be noth- Canada’s negotiators. They will choice to purchase Canadian by focusing on your trade ing less than protecting your be aware of the big issues but products because of the per- position or, ideally, improving are likely unaware a particular ceived quality and trust that profile and engaging with it. Companies that don’t prepare irritant affecting your business comes with the product. other stakeholders. may find themselves reacting to or industry, or an interest you’d It’s an advantage many Cana- less or decidedly unfavourable like to see protected. Now is the dian manufacturers undervalue, BY IMRAN AHMAD circumstances. time to communicate your posi- but one that – combined with How can you prepare? Proac- tion. Don’t miss this opportunity key positive economic trends – f your company exports to the tive companies are implement- to be heard – trade agreements could help realize their export US, you’re likely concerned ing these measures: aren’t renegotiated often. potential in 2017. Iabout the impact US president Appoint a trade lead. It Take immediate action to Donald Trump and Company should be someone within deploy resources and tap trade Jim Menzies is National Leader, will have on your business, es- the organization who will be experts who will assist your Manufacturing Industry, at pecially his commitment to rene- responsible for the trade file. business and minimize any Grant Thornton LLP, a tax, gotiate the North American Free That person must build a team shocks that may result from accounting and advisory firm Trade Agreement (NAFTA). of internal and external experts, changes to NAFTA. with offices across Canada. To Much of the Trump coverage collect and digest trade news learn more about the manufac- has created confusion about that may impact the business, Imran Ahmad is a partner turing landscape for 2017 or the what a renegotiation of this im- and develop practical recom- specializing in cybersecurity Manufacturers’ Outlook study portant trade deal would mean, mendations for protecting and law at Miller Thomson LLP in call (416) 360-5008, e-mail jim. but some Canadian companies improving the company’s trade Toronto. E-mail iahmad@mil- [email protected]. are preparing themselves by position. lerthomson.com. engaging with industry associa- Understand your supply Comments? tions, government agencies and chain and its vulnerabilities. Comments? E-mail [email protected]. ministries. Most businesses rely on an inte- E-mail [email protected].

22 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 22 2017-04-04 1:31 PM TRAINING GRANTS

Getting serious about workforce training? Here are some programs to get your company started.

BY JEFF SHEPHERD

strong, diverse, and skilled workforce opens the door A to new opportunities for Canadian manufacturers. Being proactive in your approach to hiring and training ensures skills gaps are closed and productivity is strengthened. As technology and innovation become even more important Training will help narrow your skills gap. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES to manufacturing, ensure your company has the talent to serve support the hiring of recent market demand is essential. post-secondary graduates Skills gaps are a challenge who are either unemployed or faced by many manufactur- Build your underemployed. In most cases, ers. PLANT’s Manufacturers’ successful applicants receive up Outlook 2017 report shows 35% to 50% of the employee’s wages of surveyed businesses believe up to $14,000 to $20,000. These they’re limited by skills shortages. programs typically provide Over the next three years, 60% funding to support the first few of manufacturers plan to invest months of employment. in training, delivered internally SKILLS Apprenticeship funding. or led by third-party trainers. The Apprenticeship Job Cre- This is a wise strategy but cost GOVERNMENT FUNDING IS ation Tax Credit is specific to a common barrier to implement- Red Seal Trades and provides ing training. As a result, many AVAILABLE – BE PROACTIVE a tax credit of up to 10% of companies perform infrequent ries. Some provinces place a cap duction processes. eligible wages, to an annual and internal training that meets on the total. Applicants are eligible for maximum of $2,000 per appren- minimum requirements. The program is open to Ca- up to $50,000. Manufacturers tice for the first two years of But there is funding for train- nadian-based businesses with who haven’t received program apprenticeship. ing initiatives by leveraging a $2 million in liability insurance. funding in the past can get up to The Apprenticeship Training mix of government grants, loans, Trainees must be permanent 50% of their training costs cov- Tax Credit (Ontario) covers up and tax incentives. Canadian citizens or be granted ered. Those who have received to 25% of eligible expenses (or The following training incen- refugee status, and projects must funding may be eligible for up to 30% for small businesses) to an tives offset the costs of building be completed within the year. 25% of their expenses, based on annual maximum of $5,000 per a skilled workforce: Project themes include lean when they last applied. apprentice, and a maximum The Canada Job Grant manufacturing, software and Eligible Ontario companies $15,000 over a 36-month period. (CJG). This federal grant is technology, sales and market- must have three years of solid Manufacturers expect available in provincial variants, ing project management, food financial performance, between industrial innovation and except Québec, which opted to safety, strategic planning and 10 to 1,000 employees and more sophisticated production manage its training support ser- leadership. Outcomes include export or be willing to export methods to widen the skills gap. vices separately. Initiatives can wage increases, new job titles, when the program is completed. Accessing funding programs be one-time or multiple profes- avoidance of job loss and new Training focuses on new tech- for training initiatives will help sional development sessions, but employee training. nology adoption and developing narrow it. they must deliver benefits to the FedDev Ontario Produc- a more skilled, innovative and employee and company in the tivity Training Incentive. export-focused workforce. Jeff Shepherd is a marketing home province. Funding is for internal and third Employee onboarding coordinator at Kitchener, Manufacturers receive up to party training aimed at improv- grants. Federal government Ont.-based Mentorworks, a 66% of expenses to a maximum ing productivity and export grants are used strategically business support organization $10,000 per trainee. In some sales. Two types of training to reduce payroll costs for new that specializes in Canadian provinces, such as Ontario, projects are supported: improv- employees while they develop government funding. small businesses with fewer ing productivity and capabilities; required skills to effectively than 50 employees can access and developing more innovative, carry out their roles. Comments? compensation for trainees’ sala- efficient, export-oriented pro- Grants are available to E-mail [email protected].

www.plant.ca PLANT 23

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 23 2017-04-04 1:31 PM TRAINING Measuring MATTERS

CHECK YOUR TEAM’S SKILLS Poor measuring skills can lead to significant errors. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

BY HUGH ALLEY read volume in a beaker. He and a dial gauge. The result – variation or rework that isn’t knew measuring was a learned there was some training to do. accounted for, look into your was recently in a plant where skill, and he knew it was critical Indeed, in almost every situ- team’s measuring skills. the ratio of ingredients used for our lab experiments to ation where ability to measure I in a process was critical. The succeed. is tested, I’ve been surprised by Hugh Alley is an industrial managers knew that being off Same goes in a plant. the lack of skill. It hasn’t been engineer based in the Vancouver just a percent or two had a Measurement matters in so universal, but enough to account area who helps organizations significantly impact on yield many tasks. In one plant, a test for significant errors and costs. achieve significant performance – much bigger than the mea- was instituted to ensure all em- When addressed, plant perfor- gains in delivery, quality and surement error itself. But as I ployees could read a tape mea- mance improved. cost in a short timeframe. watched employees measuring sure. Some couldn’t. At another Customers are increasingly Call (604) 866-1502 or e-mail additives, I saw huge variation. plant, people were tested to asking for precision and repeat- [email protected]. It got me thinking about Mr. determine if they could correct- ability, which helps reduce costs Gilbert, my Grade 7 science ly use a vernier (a high-precision and improve delivery. Comments? teacher, who taught us how to device that measures length) If you’re running into product E-mail [email protected].

Medium duty. Conforms to Lighter-duty. Contractor-grade Extra tough. The ‘gold standard’ ‘industry standard’ impact rating. and also protects your budget. in protective guard rail. THREE LEVELS OF PROTECTION. THE CHOICE IS YOURS. More guard rail designs than any other U.S. manufacturer. When it comes to protective guard rail for your facility – you now have three powerful choices to protect your equipment, machinery, and most importantly, your people.With the expansion of Wildeck’s industry-leading Wilgard® guard rail brand, the new Wilgard® XT, MT and LT offer a wide range of impact resistance to best fit your application. One tough family. Three levels of protection. The choice is yours.

800-325-6939 | WWW.WILDECK.COM

©Wildeck, Inc. 2016 WGD 1604 AD

24 PLANT April 2017 PLT_WilDeck_June.indd 1 2016-05-26 9:56 AM

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 24 2017-04-04 1:31 PM SOFTWARE

Develop strategies for a successful implementation and continuous improvement of maintenance operations.

lants need maintenance software to help maintain P the health of their physical assets – repairing, modifying, Get the most out of software by developing guidelines and tools to support maintenance activities. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES improving or replacing them as necessary to support availability meaningful and you have to and reliability of production. decide who selects, collects and Maintenance is also the largest Optimizing feeds data into the system, Kelly controllable operating cost in warns. “Watch out for incom- a capital-intensive industry. plete data sets and for possible Implementing the right software inconsistencies if several people for Computerized Maintenance CMMS/EAMS are assigned to the data collec- Management Systems (CMMS) tion and input process.” and for Enterprise Asset HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS There will be challenges. Management (EAM) systems is Implementing any CMMS or critical. FROM YOUR SOFTWARE EAM software has an impact on Any CMMS/EAM software has individuals and on day-to-day the potential to be a mainte- maintenance operations. This integrity of an EAM system. maintenance activities. Have nance pro’s most powerful tool inevitably leads to frustration Reports and results are directly a strategy for managing these when strategies guide success- and additional costs. related to the accuracy, quality impacts. Change management ful implementations followed by Kelly listed conditions that in- and consistency of the data. must start at the beginning of continuous improvement. Plants evitably lead to disappointment: Seven points cover how to get the implementation. It requires need to make sure policies, • Lack of strategy. the most out of the software: the involvement of all those procedures and practices are • Lack of defined business • Develop guidelines and tools affected. in place for improved assets processes. to support maintenance prac- There’s often a disconnect reliability. • Lack of change management tices. between operations and mainte- Raymond Kelly, senior ICS strategy. • Document processes, roles nance. consultant at Infor Canada Ltd., • Lack of a project champion. and responsibilities and make An EAM system can help, but an enterprise software com- • Poor communications. the documentation accessible it needs a project champion, ade- pany with offices in Toronto, • Poor data quality. to everyone. quate training, proper empower- addressed these issues during a • Focus on software training • Set data requirements. ment and, above all, meticulous MainTrain conference, convened rather than on learning the • Involve everyone in changes. implementation. EAM may by the Plant Engineering and process. • Develop meaningful KPIs and include materials management Maintenance Association of • Failure to include the EAM as benchmarks. but not procurement and labour Canada (PEMAC). part of the corporate report- • Apply role-based training on resources. Most EAMs are not He prefaced his remarks by ing systems. needs, not on software. financial or payroll systems, so emphasizing that all CMMS/ • A desire for a quick fix. • Make sure that the “right” consider the integrations as part EAM programs are simply soft- person “owns” the system. of the overall strategy. ware tools designed to support Empower users So how do you start? Develop Improved business process- business processes related Indeed, there are no quick fixes. a vision or mission statement es, availability and reliability, to maintaining plant assets. It takes time to develop the defining the “why” and the bene- reduced production and main- They’re modelled on current right culture, to empower users fits, and communicate this to the tenance costs, and the ability best practices for maintenance with training and understand- entire organization. Begin with a to make use of advanced EAM operations and regardless of the ing, and to develop accurate comprehensive maintenance re- functions hinge on planning and software that’s selected, there and consistent data sets. Ask view, then decide on the level of understanding the commitment must be a culture of change and what a properly implemented complexity required. Define key that has to be made to succeed, continuous improvement to reap EAM system is costing you, and positions, activities and respon- even before the maintenance any of the benefits. remember: more than half of the sibilities, set milestones and end department begins a CMMS or One of the most common maintenance is likely reactive date, then determine how you EAM implementation. issues to arise is the expecta- and unplanned. And he warned will measure success. tion that the implementation against short cuts. They can EAM software supports huge Comments? will miraculously transform seriously impact the quality and stores of data, but it has to be E-mail [email protected].

www.plant.ca PLANT 25

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 25 2017-04-04 1:31 PM THINK LEAN

Establish a learning culture to foster teamwork. PHOTO: FOTOLIA

their control empowers people to make decisions that are consistent with overall business objectives, beliefs and values. This improves teamwork, communication and an engaged workforce. Optimize processes through balanced implementation of interdependent elements. Each element of your operating system supports and complements the other elements to form an interdependent system. Balanced implementation successfully impacts business goals and sustains gains. Demonstrate capability in each element. Like a chain, the any volume and be flexible to system will only be as strong as any request. Replace para- the element that’s “weakest.” digms regarding mass produc- Relentlessly pursue the Operating tion with time-based, mixed elimination of waste. Con- model, flexible systems. Equip- tinuously identifying and ment and people must support eliminating it from processes changes in volume as well as reduces cost and lead-times features within a product family while improving your company’s PRINCIPLES and across families of products. competitive position. Drive out Have process measure- correction, over-production, WHAT TO EMBED IN YOUR ments that contribute to material movement, motion, business goals. Meaningful waiting, inventory, and pro- BUSINESS CULTURE process measurements drive cessing. The key to “relentless overall performance improve- pursuit” is to go back a second, Focus strategy by defining erly implemented and applied. ment. Establish a feedback third and fourth time, and so how the organization Create a learning, support- system that reinforces decisions on. It’s impossible to eliminate ive and cooperative culture people make based on a set of all waste, so prioritize issues must operate to achieve dedicated to continuous im- standard measures that cascade and address them as resources success. provement. Learning must be down from the business at all become available. Consider in place at all levels to develop levels of the organization. issues from a flow perspective to BY RICHARD KUNST the knowledge necessary to Drive transformation pro- establish priorities. transform the organization. The cess through knowledge and Establish principles and uccessful manufacturers transfer of knowledge, sharing involved leadership. Leader- engage team members to focus embed a suite of operating of lessons learned and recog- ship must champion the creation their efforts on achieving goals Sprinciples within their orga- nizing mistakes/errors as an of an environment for change that support the business. nizations. These principals are opportunity to improve are the that will gain the co-operative documented and communicated foundation of a learning culture. support of the entire organiza- Richard Kunst is president and to all employees. Aggressively improve tion. Put in place a clear vision, CEO of Cambridge, Ont.-based How do you define an organi- customer response time. Re- appropriate skills, proper incen- Kunst Solutions Corp., which zation? It’s a company, but also a sponding to the changing global tives, necessary resources and a helps companies become more natural work group, department, market conditions requires realistic master plan. agile, develop evolutionary facility or division. Here are a transition from traditional Define and understand management and implement some useful operating principles time-based process principles roles and responsibilities. lean solutions. Visit www.kunst- and the expected behaviours: to those that involve quality Identify the structure, roles solutions.com. E-mail rkunst@ Ensure health and safety outputs, shorter lead times at and responsibilities required kunstartofsolutions.com. is the top priority. Safety a reduced cost, and increased to implement process chang- programs save lives and prevent value-add content. es. Clearly define boundaries. Comments? injuries, but only if they’re prop- Produce competitively at Understanding the scope of E-mail [email protected].

26 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 26 2017-04-04 1:31 PM CCOHS SAFETY TIPS

Hazard and RISK UNDERSTANDING

THE DIFFERENCE A wet floor is a hazard that poses a risk of injury. PHOTO: FOTOLIA

A hazard has the potential and control” defines harm as • Biological – bacteria, viruses, work towards eliminating it or to cause damage or harm; physical injury or damage to insects, plants, birds, animals, controlling the associated risks. health, and hazard as a potential and humans. A risk assessment involves: risk is the chance or source of harm to a worker. • Chemical – physical, chemical • Identifying hazards and risk probability of damage There’s a wide range of work- and toxic properties. factors that have the potential or harm. place hazards that could involve • Ergonomic – repetitive move- to cause harm. a substance, product, process ments, improper set up of • Analyzing and evaluating wo words that appear fre- or practice that cause harm to workstation. the risks associated with a quently in your health and property or result in an adverse • Physical – radiation, magnet- hazard. Tsafety manual are “hazard” health effect. ic fields, pressure extremes, • Determining appropriate ways and “risk”. They’re often used Knives cut, welding fumes noise. to eliminate a hazard, or if interchangeably yet each means can cause metal fume fever, • Psychosocial – stress, vio- that’s not possible, controlling something very different. Is a and bullying affects the victim lence. the risk. wet floor in a workplace a haz- by creating anxiety, fear and • Safety – slipping/tripping, The health and safety com- ard or a risk? depression. inappropriate machine guard- mittee’s responsibilities include There are many definitions for Practices or conditions that ing, equipment malfunctions determining possible causes of hazard but the most common is release uncontrolled energy or breakdowns. health conditions reported by any source of potential damage, are also hazards. As an object employees, informing employ- harm or adverse health effects. falls, it gains momentum and it Risk factors ees about potential and actual Examples include wet floors, could seriously harm anyone or How does risk differ from a haz- hazards, recommending control direct exposure to the sun or to anything it lands on. Or consider ard? It’s the chance or probabili- measures to management, and toxic chemicals. the danger posed by rotating ty a person exposed to a hazard participating in evaluating the The CSA Z1002 Standard machinery that could entangle will be harmed, or experience effectiveness of the control “Occupational health and safety loose hair or clothing. an adverse health effect. For ex- measures. – Hazard identification and Think of hazards in ample there is a risk of slipping Every workplace has hazards. elimination and risk assessment groups. Categories include: on the wet floor and breaking a Ensuring a plant is safe begins bone, or developing skin cancer with a clear understanding of from long-term exposure to the how to identify hazards and the sun. Risk also applies to proper- risks they pose. Portal to gender diversity ty or equipment loss, or harmful How it impacts the workplace effects on the environment. This article was contributed new web portal will help bridge the gap between gender diversity, sex Many factors influence the by the Hamilton-based Cana- A and health, and their impact on the Canadian workplace. degree of risk. They include the dian Centre for Occupational The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), a nature of the hazard and level Health and Safety (CCOHS). It federal government organization based in Hamilton, launched the portal of exposure. For example, a provides information, train- to further understand of how sex and socio-cultural (gender) differences product with a low hazard level ing, education, management between women, men and gender-diverse people influence work and health. poses a high risk if exposure systems and solutions that The Gender, Work and Health web portal (www.ccohs.ca/genderhealth) is high. A product with a high support health and safety pro- provides links to information, tools, research, and resources on topics hazard level poses less risk if grams as well as the prevention such as sex and gender differences in workplace injury and illness, gaps in exposure is low. of injury and illness in the knowledge and improving risk prevention. The goal is to minimize ex- workplace. Visit www.ccohs.ca. CCOHS created the portal in partnership with the Institute of Gender and posure to hazards to minimize Health and its Gender, Work and Health Chair Program. risks. Comments? When a hazard is identified, E-mail [email protected].

www.plant.ca PLANT 27

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 27 2017-04-04 1:31 PM RECYCLING

Leftover paint is given new life by Loop. PHOTO: LOOP

such as grocery stores. Loop is also developing a recyclable plastic pouch to re- SEPTEMBER 25–28, 2017 place the cans, making its paint THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, MISSISSAUGA (TORONTO), ONTARIO completely sustainable. Because the paints are ready to use right out of the can without mixing, Loop has won THE EVOLUTION OF clients such as Giant Tiger, which hasn’t sold paint because CANADIAN MANUFACTURING of the need to invest in specialized equipment such as mixers, or staff a paint department. CANADA’S NATIONAL STAGE FOR MANUFACTURING The Loop brand is the compa- TECHNOLOGIES, BEST PRACTICES AND INDUSTRY ny’s signature product, available CONNECTIONS. in 11 nature-inspired colours and sells for about $18 per gallon For more than 30 years, CMTS’s audience has influenced the buying at Walmart. A five-gallon tub for contractors retails for $63, decisions within Canada’s leading industries, including automotive and Loop Recycled Products which compares to competitors aerospace. They come together to source solutions and knowledge impresses CBC’s Dragons, whose prices range from $80 from the global leaders in machine tools & tooling, metalworking to $92. securing a $500,000 Closing the The company has one chal- and advanced manufacturing. investment. lenge: the choice of colours depends on what’s donated at u 9,000+ attending manufacturing professionals BY MATT POWELL, production time. u ASSOCIATE EDITOR Loop Recycled works with lo- 4,600 attending companies cal municipalities to collect the u 77% influence purchase decisions n Ontario paint manufactur- paint. The Regional Municipality er has hit it big, attracting LOOP of Niagara is helping to close the u 65% are company managers, Acustomers with a taste MAKING A SUSTAINABLE sustainability loop by keeping corporate executives, for sustainable products and and managing its waste within owners or engineers gaining support from three of PAINT FROM LEFTOVERS its borders. Niagara has also Canada’s top business personal- taken steps to ease hazardous ities who star on CBC’s popular is revitalized into a fresh, a quality control process. Each waste disposal and make it more Dragon’s Den TV show. They middle-grade product that the colour and batch is personally convenient for residents to drop made a $500,000 investment in company claims is better quality approved by president Josh off materials such as paint. the company. than new. And a $30 per can Wiwcharky before it moves to And the company is giving So, what to do with perfectly price is enticing to customers. packaging, labelling and distri- back to the community. It’s do- good leftover paint? It’s mostly Photech, founded in 1997, bution. nating paint to groups and non- incinerated or sent to landfill, specializes in environmental profits such as Red Roof Retreat, where it releases toxic chemi- solutions for underserviced Green supply chain the David Suzuki Foundation Your partners, peers and competitors will be on-hand to showcase their cals into the environment. Recy- businesses such as dentists and Everything in the Loop supply and the City of St. Catharines. cling keeps those toxins out of veterinarians across Ontario chain is environmentally sus- Loop’s recycled paints caught products and services. Join them and ensure that attendees have the the air and groundwater, while that produce photo-chemicals tainable. Boxes and labelling are the attention of three Dragons opportunity to compare your solutions side-by-side. delivering a high-quality product and hazardous waste materials. produced from recycled prod- when the company appeared on that’s easier on the wallet and Loop Recycled Products and ucts, and even used paint cans the show in April last year. Loop closes the sustainability loop. Photech recently combined their are crushed and sent to other secured the $500,000 investment GET INVOLVED. That’s what Loop Recyled three facilities into one location recycling facilities where they from tech investor Michael Paint is about. It’s a brand in St. Catharines to improve are repurposed. Wekerele, Joe Fresh founder Joe EXHIBIT | SPONSOR | ADVERTISE | PRESENT of waste collector and recy- productivity, and have more The paint is sold under three Mimran and Boston Pizza czar cler Photech Environmental space and capacity to make brand names – Loop, Port Weller Jim Treliving, who took a 20% cmts.ca Solutions. The St. Catharines, production more efficient. Loop Paint Co. and Blue Moose Paint stake. The company is hopeful Strategic Event Partners Official Media Partners Ont. company, launched in now employs 60 workers. – and found in Wal Mart, Lowe’s this relationship with the Drag- 2012, is the result of a request When the paint enters the and Giant Tiger stores across ons will help it make inroads in from Stewardship Ontario for facility, it’s assessed for quali- Canada. They’re also available the US market. Photech to increase its recy- ty and sorted, then made into online through Amazon.ca. A cled paint processing capacity. a feedstock and undergoes fourth brand, Païnt, is sold in Comments? Donated and unwanted paint about 30 specifications during unconventional retail outlets E-mail [email protected].

28 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 28 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PLT_CMTS_April.indd 1 2017-04-04 1:23 PM COMPANYB EVENT NAME® is produced by SME SEPTEMBER 25–28, 2017 THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, MISSISSAUGA (TORONTO), ONTARIO THE EVOLUTION OF CANADIAN MANUFACTURING CANADA’S NATIONAL STAGE FOR MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES, BEST PRACTICES AND INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS. For more than 30 years, CMTS’s audience has influenced the buying decisions within Canada’s leading industries, including automotive and aerospace. They come together to source solutions and knowledge from the global leaders in machine tools & tooling, metalworking and advanced manufacturing.

u 9,000+ attending manufacturing professionals u 4,600 attending companies u 77% influence purchase decisions u 65% are company managers, corporate executives, owners or engineers

Your partners, peers and competitors will be on-hand to showcase their products and services. Join them and ensure that attendees have the opportunity to compare your solutions side-by-side. GET INVOLVED. EXHIBIT | SPONSOR | ADVERTISE | PRESENT cmts.ca Strategic Event Partners Official Media Partners

PLT_CMTS_April.inddPlant_April2017_AMS.indd 1 29 2017-04-04 1:231:31 PM COMPANYB EVENT NAME® is produced by SME AUTOMATION

A C.D. Howe Institute report finds some Is technology industries’ occupations will be disrupted more than others. BY PLANT STAFF KILLING JOBS? rtificial intelligence, driv- erless cars and automated RELAX, NO DOOMSDAY SCENARIO HERE Aproduction lines are raising What does that mean for Cana- red flags in North America da? The report notes several where some technology prog- important factors: nosticators are warning that au- • Canadian employment is con- tomation will displace millions centrated in industries that of workers. have a low risk of automation. Global consulting firm Industries with less than a McKinsey and Co. concludes quarter of the jobs susceptible 60 million in the US will face to automation account for some form of automation and 27.5% of total employment (4.9 warns of job losses coming in million jobs). the white-collar world. We’re • Industries where more than seeing it in retail (automat- three-quarters of the jobs are ed checkouts), but McKinsey at high risk of automation offers a broad list that includes account for only 1.7% of em- transportation, agriculture, arts, ployment (310,000 jobs). This medicine, stock trading and implies that Canada’s diversi- even prostitution (something We’re not about to be replaced by robots but expect some disruption. PHOTO: FOTOLIA fied economy and labour force about robotic companions that are well positioned to adapt to are decent conversationalists has conducted an analysis of The PLANT Manufacturers’ rapid technological change. and good listeners). global trends and contends Outlook 2017 report shows • Occupations high in abstract, Closer to home, a report by automation poses no doomsday only 16% of respondents use complex-decision-making the Mowat Centre, part of the scenario for jobs in Canada. automated materials handling skills with a strong focus on University of Toronto’s School The Toronto-based research technologies and 10% make use creativity, critical thinking of Public Policy & Governance, firm finds a drastic shift in of robotics. and interpersonal social skills warns 1.7 million to 7.5 million employment is unlikely in the The pace of automation adop- are relatively low risk. Canadian jobs could be at risk near future, although particular tion in manufacturing has room • It’s very unlikely jobs highly over the next 10 to 15 years. industries and types of occu- to pick up, but as it does so, will susceptible to automation And federal government pations will be disrupted more it lead directly to job losses? (35%) will be completely officials have been warned than others. replaced by smart machines machines are going to replace Future Shock? The Impact of Robotic use over the next few years. people in the workforce over the Automation on Canada’s La- Based on density (the number of But the report observes as the coming years. That will require bour Market finds trends show a robots in service per 1,000 work- rate of technological progress a rethink of how government gradual shift to jobs that require ers), the C.D. Howe research increases, technical job-specific helps the unemployed. higher skill levels. shows Korea is at the highest skills might become obsolete But the C.D. Howe Institute “New technology does not level followed by Japan and Ger- relatively quickly. This indicates simply make people redundant; many. Canada, incidentally, is a need to increase opportunities Robotics in rather, it reduces the labour well above the world average. So for continuous education and required for a given level of you’d think the highest density lifelong learning. Canada production,” says report co-au- countries would experience the Oschinski recommended pol- 69,000 – Automotive manufacturing thor Matthias Oschinski. “This greatest job losses. But the data icies that encourage collabora- 36,200 – Electrical/electronics means that more of the same says otherwise. tion between public and private 16,500 – Metal and machinery goods can be produced or peo- Looking at robotics use in institutions to ensure workers 12,200 – Rubber and plastics ple can be redeployed in areas manufacturing among a variety have the necessary skills for 6,200 – Food manufacturing that otherwise might not have of industrialized countries (1993 new employment. That’s sound 2,000 – Pharmaceuticals and been developed.” to 2007), there was no signifi- advice as technology continues cosmetics Canadian manufacturers, cant effect on overall employ- its rapid advance.

Source: International Federation of especially smaller ones, have ment, but increased robotics Robotics 2015 been slow to adopt advanced density led to GDP growth and Comments? technologies. labour productivity gains. E-mail [email protected].

30 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 30 2017-04-04 1:31 PM GOVERNMENT

The Trudeau government’s second budget offers few policy changes but provides lots of room to manoeuvre.

BY MICHAEL OUELLETTE

he term Filibudget doesn’t exist. At least, it didn’t until Tyesterday. In the minutes before Finance Minister Bill Morneau was set to Parliament Hill where Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivered his “wait and see what the Americans do” budget. PHOTO: FOTOLIA stand and announce the budget, Rona Ambrose’s Conservative Party of Canada launched an Nothing much to see here honest-to-goodness filibuster. The move delayed the budget announcement by 30 minutes and added a much-needed sense of drama and a wee bit of irony to the afternoon. BUDGET 2017 The drama was needed be- HERE’S A LOOK AT WHAT’S IN IT FOR BUSINESS cause the actual budget offered none. The irony comes in the “Unfortunately, this is the Justin Trudeau and his cabinet the government doesn’t want sense that the budget, bereft position we are in,” says Jim likely decided now was not the to tinker with that. Come the of the builder-style initiatives Menzies, Canadian Manufactur- best time to lay all their cards fall, there will be a lot more we provided in last year’s policy ing Industry Leader and Partner on the table. It’s better to sit understand about the actions of document, was essentially a at Grant Thornton LLP, a tax quietly, with a steely gaze and the US,” says Menzies. filibuster in paper form. services and advisory firm. steady demeanour, and wait Gone are the “sunny ways” “Certainly, this is the most for the Americans to get their Business perspective and sweeping optimism of the significant impact the US has House in order. Here are some highlights: year prior. What we got was a had on Canada’s policy in some Important negotiations are Infrastructure. The infra- pause. A delay – and a “let’s wait time,” he adds. coming – NAFTA, immigration, structure bank was mentioned, and see how this plays out.” With a very large cloud of security, dairy, softwood lum- but not with anywhere near the And just maybe, that’s exactly uncertainty hovering just south ber, border taxes and Buy Amer- kind of pomp that came with its what Canada needs right now. of our border, Prime Minister ican provisions – everything will initial introduction and $35-bil- be on the table, and none of it is lion promise. going to be easy. Menzies doesn’t think the in- PRIORITIES “The impact of the US on frastructure bank is going to be Canadian manufacturers is obvi- up-and-running before the end Budget pleases CME ous, and this is the first time I’ve of the year. seen Canada act so cautiously “Given that, it’s going to be a It supports manufacturing priorities on policy,” said Menzies. couple of years before the in- ederal Budget 2017 may be lacking in “wow” factor but the parts per- From a business perspective, frastructure bank will have any Ftaining to manufacturing have the support of Canadian Manufacturers & there are no immediate boosts meaningful impact,” he says. Exporters (CME). in Budget 2017, but there’s noth- Deficit. It’s going up, and not The Ottawa-based association is happy with the emphasis on innovation ing that stings either. everyone seems to care. and pleased the government is following through with the group’s recom- Tax rates weren’t tinkered “Most were not expecting the mendation for an industry-led supercluster strategy, particularly its focus with, the capital gains tax was deficit to be reduced in the near on digital technology and advanced manufacturing. left as-is and there were no term,” Menzies says. “This bud- “We expect government will work with manufacturers to get this cluster changes to the accelerated capi- get was never going to focus on off the ground quickly. The need is urgent: 36% of our members identify the tal cost allowance for writing off deficit, and its impact in the near cost and risk of seeking new opportunities as the leading domestic barrier a portion of investments in new term won’t be significant.” to achieving export success,” said Dennis Darby, CME’s president and CEO. technology. Forecast to hit $28.5 billion He’s also encouraged by the budget’s commitments to invest in a com- “In relation to tax rates, [the for this fiscal year, Morneau still prehensive skills training strategy. One quarter of CME’s members are re- government] is purposefully believes the key is growth, and stricting production due to a shortage of skilled labour, with 40% currently holding back on that right he’s not inclined to jeopardize experiencing labour shortages. now. Canada currently has a the growth rate to get closer to tax advantage over the US and balance.

www.plant.ca PLANT 31

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 31 2017-04-04 1:31 PM Superclusters. While Budget The plan identifies six sectors The program’s superclusters form and disruptive technolo- 2017 is in most aspects a pause that will be the engines of job include: Advanced Manufactur- gies that will boost Canada’s document, it includes some creation in the coming decades ing; Agri-food; Clean Technolo- competitiveness in areas of forward-looking initiatives to and earmarks $950 million gy; Digital Technology; Health, economic strength. advance the economy and one over five years to accelerate Bio-sciences and Clean Re- • Strong connections between of those is the Innovation Can- growth in these areas. None of sources; and Infrastructure and businesses, from large ada platform. Managed by Inno- it is new money: $800 million Transportation. anchor firms to start-ups, vation, Science and Economic will be drawn from the Budget post-secondary institutions Development Canada (we used 2016 provision for innovation How it will work and research institutions that to call this Industry Canada), networks and clusters, and $150 There aren’t a lot of details on support private sector-led the goal is to place the country million will be drawn from the how these will work, but the research and development firmly in the centre of the pend- public transit and green infra- budget outlines a few ideas: that’s linked to commercial ing innovation economy. structure allocations. • Risk sharing to develop plat- outcomes with application in the real economy. • Create opportunities to grow through globally integrated supply chains. • Diverse and skilled talent Be a LUBExpert pools enhanced by advisory services and business mentoring for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises that lead to opportunities for Canadians to access high-value, well-paying jobs. • Focus on innovative solutions that will improve the quality of life of Canadians and allow businesses to better perform in a competitive environment. Strategic Innovation Fund. This $1.26 billion, five-year funding initiative combines four previous funds: the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initia- tive, Technology Demonstration Program, Automotive Innovation Fund and Automotive Supplier Innovation Program. The budget sets aside a further $200 million over three years, starting in 2017-18, on top of existing money. However, $100 Grease Bearings Right million will be new funding and $100 million will be pulled from the $1 billion announced in Budget 2016 that was meant to Right Lubricant Right Quantity support clean technology. With this budget, the Trudeau Right Location Right Indicators government is in a holding pattern. Now we wait to see which cards the Trump administration Right Interval intends to play…

Michael Ouellette is the editor of Canadianmanufacturing, part of Annex Business Media. 1-800-667-5325 905-377-1313 E-mail mouellette@canadian- sdtultrasound.com/lubexpert manufacturing.com. Comments? E-mail [email protected].

32 PLANT April 2017 PLT_SDT_April.indd 1 2017-04-03 10:40 AM

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 32 2017-04-04 1:31 PM CANADIAN INDUSTRIAL CIEN EQUIPMENT NEWS

RELIABILITY SUPPLY LINES

(L-R) Armstrong CEO Lex van der Weerd; Nefertiti Saleh, corporate partnership manager, WaterAid Canada; Nicole Hurtubise, president of WaterAid Canada; and Armstrong chairman Charles Armstrong. PHOTO: ARMSTRONG

$40,000 FOR WORLDAID Employees at Armstrong Fluid Technology’s global locations have raised $10,000 for WorldAid, an international charity dedicated to providing access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation worldwide. The money, to which the Canadian government added Challenges in the digital age. PHOTO: FOTOLIA $30,000, was raised as part of an innovative employee recognition program called Rising Stars. Fortune 500 list in 1995 don’t Armstrong’s international exist today. talent show involved videos Develop an Changes and challenges in the submitted by employees who digital age that impact asset man- sang, played musical instruments, agement and maintenance were danced, acted, performed magic addressed during a MainTrain tricks and demonstrated arts and conference convened by the Plant crafts. Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada (PEMAC). CHANNEL PARTNER RBD Nicolas Castaneda, a reliabil- Gerrie Electric, a provider of A TOOL FOR STAYING ON ity engineer at ARMS Reliabil- electrical, automation, lighting ity, a global consulting firm in and IP Network products with 24 TOP OF TECHNOLOGY Calgary, suggested developing a locations in Ontario, is now an En- reliability block diagram (RBD) dress+Hauser Canada authorized Dealing with changing tions impacting their markets as a useful tool in technically channel partner. technology in the digital or risk being overcome by the challenging times. This partnership combined with disrupters or falling behind An RBD evaluates plant/sys- Rockwell Automation extends age requires a lot of competitors and perishing. tem performance in terms of reli- Endress+Hauser’s ability to help preparation. History is littered with ability, availability, maintenance modernize Canadian plants. companies and even industries and cost. Castaneda said RBDs Gerrie, based in Burlington, BY STEVE GAHBAUER blindsided by innovation (think help identify improvement oppor- Ont., now has access to Rockwell Eastman Kodak, which decided tunities and achieve new goals. Automation’s PlantPAx distribut- echnologies are advancing to stick with film production and Once an improvement plan is ed control system. so fast it seems what’s new photo processing, while missing defined, an RBD will derive tan- Endress+Hauser Canada Tthis morning is obsolete the window digital photography gible benefits. This applies in a provides tools for integration, by the afternoon. However, opened) because it was dismis- variety of scenarios and provides plant-wide advanced diagnostics, manufacturers must find ways sive of a seemingly distant threat. feedback to the design, project or and managing process system to adapt to the rapid evolution of This explains, at least par- process team about cost, asset lifecycles. digital tech and other innova- tially, why 88% of firms on the and plant performance.

www.plant.ca PLANT 33

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 33 2017-04-04 1:31 PM RELIABILITY PRODUCT FOCUS HEALTH & SAFETY

ROLLER SAFELY MOVES HEAVY LOADS Appleton Mfg.’s battery-pow- ufacturer of materials handling ered RollMover safely moves products based in Neenah, Wis. loads ranging from 100 to www.appletonmfg.com An example of a reliability block diagram. more than 100,000 lb. SOURCE: US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE The material handler has a durable steel frame, but is So how do you develop an RBD? for analysis or as a baseline for lightweight and compact, easy It starts with a base model, alternate scenarios already de- to use and simple to store. It followed by a result evaluation, fined, and identify improvement also eliminates the need for air leading and an improvement opportunities. For this purpose hoses, which have length limita- plan. Various software packages the ranking and cost profile tions and pose a trip hazard on will help you create an alternate quickly highlight issues in the the work floor. scenario model and select the plant, whether it’s a block having Four models include: Standard best one. long or repetitive failures, lack Duty (6,500 lb.); Heavy Duty of redundancy or bottlenecks in (50,000 lb. plus); Extra Heavy Equipment failure the model. The cost profile acts Duty (100,000 lb. plus); and the The RBD illustrates plant as a guide to identify what will HD Large Roller for damage-free systems, subsystems and assets drive cost under performance, moving of soft material rolls. No air hoses. arranged in a way that reflects whether it’s maintenance, oper- Appleton Mfg. Division is man- the impact of equipment failure ations, labour, spares (including on system performance, and downtime) or plant downtime. COVER VERTICAL MILL MATERIAL REMOVAL shows how a failure or sched- The next step is creating an Vertical mills remove material from the sur- uled equipment outage affects improvement plan. Scenarios to face of metal work pieces, but they present a process throughput. RBDs be evaluated may include: danger to operators who come into contact simulate equipment in series and • root cause analysis; with their high-speed rotating draw bars. parallel arrangements, including • redesign for repetitive or cost- The Milling Machine Draw Bar Cover from redundancy and intermediate ly failure modes with mainte- Rockford Systems LLC protects vertical mill surge capacity, or bypass facil- nance being performed; workers from rotating shafts 2 m or less ities that offer partial or total • removal or inclusion of redun- from the floor or working platform. Simple redundancy. They’re used in dancy; to install, it prevents clothing, hair or hands system analysis to simplify and • updating or changing the from being grabbed by the moving shaft. understand availability/capacity maintenance strategy on The non-rotating, smooth, welded-steel in complex systems, provide a equipment and changing in- Prevents grabbing of hair, enclosure is secured firmly to the mill with means to display system perfor- spection technology; and/or clothing. a powerful ring magnet and safety anchor mance, show interdependences • reducing the size of equipment. chain. between equipment items and Scenarios evaluated in the It’s used on any vertical mill that has up to a 18-cm (7-in.) extrusion. describe the consequences of model expose mid- and long- Rockford Systems is a manufacturer of machine safeguarding sys- equipment failure at a system or term savings that will lead to the tems based in Rockford, Ill. plant level. creation of an alternative model. www.rockfordsystems.com Blocks are divided by system Compare results and choose the and components. System blocks best one. TETHER PROTECTS AGAINST FALLING TOOLS group a set of one or more. Com- New thinking will help you KNIPEX Tools has an answer for ponent blocks are used either to deal with and manage change. hazards created by falling tools. represent equipment or a failure Once everyone accepts the It provides 24 pliers with tether mode and can be assigned reason and need for change, the attachment mounts as part of its failure models using statistical learning process begins, leading Tethered Tool program. distributions. Failure rates are to the integration of new habits The attachment point is a plas- attached to maintenance times that will help your plant stay on tic bracket with a closed wire through corrective, planned or top of advancing technology. clamp that’s securely welded to inspection tasks. The model the multi-component handle of must have review simulation Steve Gahbauer is an engineer, the tool. The tether doesn’t inter- Secures tools to a lanyard. parameters, including lifetime, a Toronto-based business writer fere with functionality and the KNIPEX Tools LP, based in Ar- consequence of plant downtime, and a regular contributing user’s comfort, but secures tools lington Heights, Ill., is the North maximum system capacity and editor. E-mail gahbauer@rogers. to a lanyard to prevent falling American sales and marketing the number of simulation and com. during use with cherry pickers, organization of KNIPEX‐Werk, a data collection intervals. scaffolding and ladders. Indus- German manufacturer of profes- Results for initial simulations Comments? trial climbers with wire ropes sional quality pliers. may be used as either a trigger E-mail [email protected]. also use the tools. http://knipex-tools.com

34 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 34 2017-04-04 1:31 PM DRIVE HAS ONBOARD SAFETY FEATURES The Sinamics G110M drive for Siemens’ Simogear gear motors used in materials handling applications provides onboard safety features and communications. MEASURE NOISE IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENTS Plug connections for onboard The world’s first wire- I/O ensure fast installation, Real-time exposure data. less noise dosimeter, while optional power connec- developed by Casella, tors deliver more time savings. Fast installation. has Intrinsic Safety For uses requiring safety certification for use in technology, integrated functions simultaneous operation — and industries that operate in include Safe Torque Off (STO), integrated features such as highly explosive environ- which activates via a fail-safe Quick Stop and the limit switch ments, such as oil and input or Profisafe, without addi- make this system suitable for gas, chemical and other tional monitoring components. conveyor applications. sectors. The pre-configured system Siemens is a global manufac- Equipped with Booth- has simple, comprehensive turer of industrial technology tooth 4.0 and Casella’s Airwave mobile app, the device is incapable of onboard diagnostic features. based in Germany with Canadi- igniting an explosion even under fault conditions. Options such as internal braking an headquarters in Oakville, Ont. It’s certified for hazardous locations where high concentrations resistors and motor brakes — www.siemens.com of flammable gases, vapours or dusts are always present or for long periods under normal operating conditions. Users wirelessly control multiple units from distances of up to 30.5 ANTI-FOG COATING FOR SAFETY GLASSES or more metres away – including starting, pausing or stopping noise Honeywell has expanded the num- sampling – even without a clear line of sight between devices. They ber of eye protection products then transmit real-time noise exposure data via IS approved mobile with Uvex HydroShield anti-fog devices from the most hazardous zones to off-site managers. lens coating. The reinforced, rugged case is sealed against the elements and Resists Uvex HydroShield eliminates covers an ambient temperature range of -20 to 45 degrees C. scratching. fog 60 times longer and resists Casella CEL Inc., based in Buffalo, NY, is a supplier of Casella im- scratching two times longer than any other Uvex coated products port and distribute noise, dust and vibration monitoring instruments. (based on the comparative lens life test using a Bayer Abrasion Test www.casellasolutions.com method). Honeywell says HydroShield’s performance exceeds the EN166 anti-fog standard and its dual-action coating is permanently bonded to the lens to withstand extended wear and repeated washings. HIGH-SPEED PALLETIZER WITH NEXT LEVEL PROTECTION All HydroShield anti-fog coated products meet ANSI Z87.1-2015 and hoist pins, case are certified to CSA Z94.3 standards, except Hypershock. It’s available infeed tunnel and on the Uvex Flex Seal Goggle in Clear lens; Uvex Stealth OTG in Clear, interlocked load Gray and Amber lenses; and in three more lens tints on Uvex Livewire. building area ac- HydroShield is also available on Hypershock, Genesis, Genesis XC, cess doors. Protégé and Stealth. Product Manager Honeywell is an industrial solutions conglomerate based in Morris HMI, servo-actu- Plains, NJ. ated layer transfer www.honeywell.com Fully integrated guarding. and load building area hoists, servo actuated bi-parting GAS DETECTOR PROVIDES REAL-TIME NOTIFICATION Columbia Machine’s FL6200 apron plates and modular con- The MSA ALTAIR allows integration of high-speed palletizer combines struction accommodates multiple 4XR Multigas Detec- third-party engineered robotic-like precision with the layouts to fit site constraints. tor delivers real-time systems or subscrip- simplicity and load build quality Users create and modify layer event notification tion safety services. of a conventional palletizer with patterns, view and export produc- using Bluetooth con- Its rugged housing “next level” protection. tion reports, adjust component nectivity. will survive a 7.6-m It handles up to 120 cases speeds and timer settings, and This four-gas (LEL, drop and the large, per minute, depending on layer access manuals and schematics, CO, O, H2S and O2) glove-friendly buttons pattern and manages standard all through the HMI. Graphic pat- monitor with MSA with high-contrast dis- as well as challenging products tern screens created at the HMI XCell sensors is fast play makes the device such as shallow unwrapped aid recovery and provide graphic and when paired with easy to operate in any Monitors four gases. trays, shrink pads and film-only representation of diagnostics. the MSA ALTAIR work environment. bundles. Columbia is a manufacturer of Connect app, it texts alarm MSA is a manufacturer of safe- It incorporates fulIy integrat- palletizers based in Vancouver, notifications to supervisors, ty equipment based in Cranberry ed guarding, full height light Wash. team members or other users. Township, Pa. curtains, automatic four-point www.palletizing.com A virtual control room platform MSAsafety.com

www.plant.ca PLANT 35

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 35 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT

MOTORS Nippon Pulse is a manufactur- X-RAY PLATFORM DETECTS plasma deposition systems use er of motion control products DENSE CONTAMINANTS polymerization to uniformly IRONHORSE DELIVERS based in Radford, Va. Thermo deposit thin films in precision HIGH EFFICIENCIES www.nipponpulse.com Scientific’s manufacturing and assembly NextGuard processes to change the surface INSPECTION Pro X-ray characteristics of a substrate. inspection Plasma deposition is used in MICROSCOPE IDENTIFIES platform han- medical, industrial, semicon- INTERNAL DEFECTS dles heavy ductor, plastics and electronics products that applications. weigh up to Easy maintenance The PD system uses gas 4:1 constant torque. 50 kilograms. and repair. vapour or heated liquid mono- AutomationDirect’s IronHorse The long, rugged washdown mer vapour to deposit coatings general purpose three-phase conveyor is completely remov- that reduce (and in certain motors include MTRP 56HC- able for easy maintenance and cases eliminate tackiness). This frame premium efficiency units Reduces repair. provides a tie layer and makes from 1 to 3 hp that deliver 1,800 vibration. Additional shielding options surfaces more slippery or corro- and 3,600 rpm. are available to accommodate sion-resistant. The motors with 4:1 constant more stringent X-ray radiation Polymers are attached directly torque and 10:1 variable torque Sonoscan’s J610 acoustic micro- regulations. while the chains are growing, speed ranges, have TEFC scope is a semi-automated tool The product verification reducing necessary steps for frames, cast aluminum end bells for production environments. software option executes a other coating processes such and removable mounting bases. Its large scan area finds internal range of size, position and count as grafting. This is useful for They meet RoHS and low structural defects by screen- inspections. Additional algo- pinhole-free coatings of 100 pm voltage directives, and are CSA- ing trays of loose components, rithms target the detection of to 1 µm thickness with solvent- and EU-approved. Accessories wafers and board-mounted less dense contaminants such insoluble polymers. include bases, junction boxes, components. as glass or rocks in complex, Nordson MARCH is a manu- fans and fan shrouds. A 610- x 610-mm scan area textured products. facturer of plasma processing AutomationDirect is a supplier accommodates six JEDEC-style Optional mass estimation technology based in Concord, of industrial automation prod- trays or one or more printed cir- software uses the density Calif. ucts based in Cumming, Ga. cuit boards. The system’s inertial information in the X-ray image www.nordsonmarch.com www.automationdirect.com balanced linear scanner is coun- to estimate weight and detect terweighted to reduce vibrations under- or over-filled products. FILTRATION MOTORS ARE FREQUENCY and maximize image quality. A 0.4 mm-pixel detector deliv- SYNCHRONIZED The unit learns the x, y and z ers 3.2 times better resolution to FILTER ELEMENTS BOOST extent of specific user-defined improve metal detection in light- PROCESSING EFFICIENCY areas of interest within a com- weight, homogeneous products. ponent. By comparing anoma- The Thermo Scientific Versa lies to the user’s standards, it Flex (fixed height) and Versa Flex automatically accepts or rejects GP (height-adjustable cantilever) components. checkweighers suit dry applica- Sonoscan’s PolyGate software tions. They control accuracy and High torque, smooth motion. creates a separate image for reliability to decrease product Nippon Pulse’ PF/PFC series each of the multiple depths of giveaway, maintenance and total tin-can stepping motors with a interest in a component, without cost of ownership. Safer changeouts. permanent magnet in their rotor increasing scan time. Thermo Fisher Scientific is Clark-Reliance Corp.’s Vertex- core are used for printing and The Q-BAM module creates a manufacturer of inspection Core coalescing filter elements packaging applications. non-destructive cross sections equipment based in Minneapolis. eliminate unsafe changeout They rotate in proportion to through a component. www.thermofisher.com techniques while increasing the number of pulses sent to When scanning printed circuit filtration efficiencies for critical the motor, and are frequency boards, the system accurately SURFACE TREATMENT use applications in power synchronized, changing speed finds and scans a component generation, oil and gas and gas depending on the frequency of even if it’s slightly out of place on SYSTEM DELIVERS processing applications. the pulse signal. the board. If defects repeatedly UNIFORM FILM COATING The elements have a fixed Optional gearheads that appear in the same component on extension welded to the end cap, increase torque (up to a 2,500 multiple boards, steps are taken which allows maintenance staff mNm) are also available. to find and eliminate the cause. to remove and replace elements The geared motors are also Sonoscan is a manufacturer of without exposing their head, used in fluid dispensing, pumps, industrial imaging and inspec- shoulders, torso or legs to a valves and other applications tion technologies based in Elk confined space. that require higher torque and Grove Village, Ill. Reduces processes. VertexCore extensions and smoother motion. www.sonoscan.com Nordson MARCH PD series hold-down rods provide a barri-

36 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 36 2017-04-04 1:31 PM er to prevent operator entry and to save weight and traps the Works, Linux and other operat- local process positive reinforcement to con- vacuum if there is any air inter- ing systems. temperature fined space safety regulations. uption to tooling. Abaco is a manufacturer of indications with- Multi-layer construction max- Piab is a manufacturer of industrial computing systems out wiring or imizes efficiency and is rated to industrial vacuum technologies based in Huntsville, Ala. electricity with ANSI/CAGI 400 test standards. based in Hingham, Mass. www.abaco.com an accuracy of Removal efficiencies are down www.piab.com Easy ± 1%. to 0.3 µm at 99.98% with maxi- TEST AND MEASUREMENT viewing. The stainless mum carryover of 0.1 ppm/w. COMPUTING steel thermom- Because they are more MEASURE PROCESS eters, which come in multiple efficient, the elements retrofit PCI EXPRESS CARDS TEMPERATURE dial sizes, lens materials and to existing pressure vessels to HANDLE SHOCK, SOR Controls Group Ltd.’s mounting connections, are cor- eliminate carryover created by VIBRATION Bimetal Thermometer delivers rosion-resistant and adjustable inadequate spacing. Clark-Reliance is a manufacturer of filtration, separation and coalescing equipment for the oil and gas industry based in Strongsville, Ohio. www.clark-reliance.com Small form factor.

TOOLING Abaco Systems’ R15-MPCIE MIL-STD-1553 and RAR-MPCIE Relax, tomorrow has already been tested. TOOLING SYSTEM ARINC 429 mini PCI Express Say goodbye to hardwiring with CUSTOMIZES ASSEMBLY cards handle harsh environ- HARTING connectors. LINES ments where shock and vibration cause reliability challenges such as data logging applications. Both units are small, mea- Multiple mounting options. suring 30 x 50.95 x 4.7 mm, and Piab’s PMAT modular automa- lightweight for deployment in tion tooling system delivers highly-constrained platforms secure, flexible and adjustable where size, weight and power gripper and fixture tools for need to be minimized. assembly lines. The R15-MPCIE supports two The system is machined from dual redundant channels for lightweight anodized aluminum better functional density. The alloy, and is easy to assemble RAR-MPCIE has eight receive without welding or special tools. and four transmit channels, and There are multiple mounting is configured to include one options. receive and one transmit ARINC It’s used to design robot 717 channel. end-effector, ergonomic or They fit portable devices, such fixture tools for automation as tablets and hand-held test and equipment. measurement systems or mission PMAT is used in automo- critical systems for I/O density, tive body-in-white (BIW) and flexibility and modularity. stamping assembly areas, but The API is consistent with ex- is also applicable to general isting Abaco avionics products assembly. Attachments include and allows re-use of existing vacuum ejector units based on code for faster development, Reduce the number of wiring errors, save time Piab’s COAX technology, which qualification and deployment. and headache. provides both grip and release An IRIG-B signal receiver/ mechanisms. generator with GPS synchroni- HARTING, first established in 1945, delivers unrivaled PMAT comes with an option- zation and 100% monitoring of reliability, efficiency, innovation and performance in connectors. al inline filter and an external fully loaded buses are standard. check-valve to metre air flow to A PCIe carrier card hosts four With HARTING you have a partner who ensures you dependable connections that stand the test of time. the unit, protecting it from over Mini PCI Express modules. pressurization while saving air. Support is provided for Windows

The included vacuum check 7, 8, 8.1, 10, XP, Vista (32- and HARTING.ca valve is an alternative to clamps 64-bit), Server 2012 R1/R2, Vx-

www.plant.ca PLANT 37

PLT_Harting_April.indd 1 2017-03-27 10:12 AM

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 37 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT

for easy viewing from any angle. SOR Controls Group Ltd. is Accelerations also cause A calibration screw on the back a manufacturer of of measure- the mass to shift relative to its of the dial eases recalibration ment and control devices based support structure and introduce and the gauge is hermetically in Lenexa, Kan. errors in the tilt measurements. sealed from the process. It’s sil- www.sorinc.com The inclinometers have a set icone fillable to protect against of electromechanical gyro- vibration. CLAMPS RECORS DATA scopes to eliminate this issue. The case is IP67 and NEMA 6 AT PRE-SET INTERVALS A signal from the gyroscopes rated to protect against fluid in- Fluke Corp.’s 1630-2 FC stake- compensates for the effects of gress. Stem lengths range from less earth ground clamp acceleration, allowing the units 2 to 80 in. and a thermowell to measures loop resistances for to be used in applications where Compatible with Fluke Connect. protect the stem from process multi-grounded systems using sudden movements, shocks and flow is also available. only a dual-clamp jaw safely without exposing conductors. vibrations are likely. The clamp automatically The inclinometers, in either records data at pre-set intervals plastic or aluminum housings, and saves up to 32,760 mea- have a measurement range of surements at the set logging +180 degrees around their X-axis intervals. The heavy-duty clamp (pitch) and + 90 degrees around Power Meets jaw stays aligned and calibrated their Y-axis (roll) to cover a full even in harsh environments. range of motions. The CANopen The 1630-2 FC is part of Fluke communications interface is Profitability Connect. It allows technicians supported with analogue, SAE to view, record, and share mea- J-1939 and Modbus interfaces. Guaranteed. surements from the clamp in Posital is a manufacturer of real time via their smartphones position sensors and motion The Model 1020 is not only incredibly powerful—recovering up to 5 tons of even the heaviest materials per hour—it’s also uniquely or tablets and automatically control products based in Hamil- portable, so it goes almost anywhere. With a 99% efficiency rating, uploads them to the cloud along ton, NJ. noise levels below OSHA standards, and a performance guarantee, with tags and the asset’s GPS www.posital.com it’s more than a cleaning system; it’s a business asset. location. There’s also a non-Fluke Con- LIGHTING nect model. VAC-U-MAX 1020MFS 10 & 15 HP Continuous Duty Vacuum Fluke is a manufacturer of LEDS CUT ENERGY COSTS • 50% more vacuum power than other test, measurement and vision industrial vacuums tools based in Everett, Wash. • Move mountains of material through hundreds of feet of hose www.fluke.com • Vacuum rates up to 10,000 lbs per hour • One-man portable, fits through TILTIX MEASURES a 34” doorway Explosion-proof. • Versatile: Portable Vac or Breakaway MOVING EQUIPMENT Central Vac Appleton Electric’s FELED Lu- • XP electrics and HEPA filtration available minaires deliver high efficiency, reliability and longer lifespan in Let us solve your industrial harsh and hazardous industrial vacuum cleaning challenges. Visit vac-u-max.com/vacuum environments. or call 800-VAC-U-MAX. The non-metallic, explosion-proof linear LEDs are Full range of motions. certified for Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 hazardous locations. These Posital’s TILTIX inclinometers include petrochemical and deliver tilt measurements for chemical plants, plus industries moving equipment using a com- where flammable gases, vapours bination of electro-mechanical and dusts are present. gyroscopes and accelerometers. The light output range is 2,000 The inclinometers rely on to 8,000 lumens, with a high monitoring the effect of gravity T-code rating and efficacy. Uni- on a tiny mass suspended in an form bright light and superior elastic support structure. When colour rendering ensure safer the device tilts, the mass moves working conditions in areas such slightly, causing a change of as walkways, bridges, tunnels, capacitance between the mass operation floors and roadways WET/DRY • AIR OPERATED AND ELECTRIC DRUM-TOP • CONTINUOUS DUTY • COMBUSTIBLE DUST CENTRAL SYSTEMS • CONTINUOUS-BAGGING • LIQUID & SLUDGE • FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS and the supporting structure. where sub-optimal lighting SUBMERGED RECOVERY • METALWORKING • PHARMACEUTICAL • STEEL SHOT INTERCEPT HOPPERS & PRE-SEPARATORS • HSE / INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE SOLUTIONS Tilt angle is calculated from the conditions may cause serious measured capacitances. accidents.

38 PLANT April 2017

Plant_March_Vacumax.indd 1 2016-03-03 10:08 AM

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 38 2017-04-04 1:31 PM They’re fitted with a cor- such as steel and aluminum WELDING rosion-resistant, fibreglass (ISO material groups P, M, K reinforced polyester body and and N) and cut inventory costs WELD MONITOR hinged polycarbonate lens. An by reducing the number needed ELIMINATES GUESSWORK elastomer gasket protects infor complex machining appli- Hunting- ternal components against dirt, cations. don Fusion water and moisture. Advanced Both taps have HSS-E bod- Tech- LED thermal management meets ies and come in either TiN or niques’ a range of ambient temperature Stainless steel construction. vapourized coating, which PurgEye requirements from -30 to 55 pneumatic conveying systems increases process reliability 100 weld degrees C. delivers higher accuracy than with tough ISO-M materials. The purge mon- The LEDs are mainte- loss-of-weight systems that re- TiN coating extends tool life and itor doesn’t nance-free with a life rating of quire higher-capacity load cells. increases cutting speeds. have to over 60,000 hours of operation. The hoppers are suspended Dimensions for the line fill entire When maintenance is required, from three small-scale load cells include metric fine (MF) M8 × 1 tubes and Leak-tight buttons. the lens is removed quickly to and the gain-in-weight single or to M18 × 1.5; and UNC #6, 8, 10, pipes with access the internal components. multiple hoppers are positioned plus 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4. inert gas and eliminates guess- Appleton is a lighting manu- along a common vacuum or The TC115 blind-hole tap ing related to oxygen levels in facturer based in Rosemont, Ill. positive pressure pneumatic has a 45-degree helix angle welding applications. www.appletonelec.com conveying line. This discharges (for thread depth of 3×D) and The IP65-rated system comes dry bulk solids into single or a C-form chamfer. The TC216 with leak-tight push buttons, MATERIAL HANDLING multiple process equipment, through-hole tap has a spiral auto calibration, vacuum-sealed storage vessels or downstream point for forward chip evacua- leak-tight probe assembly, a MATERIAL LIFT TRAVELS use points by weight. tion and a thread depth capabil- wrist and neck strap and a tri- BETWEEN LEVELS The system’s controller weighs ity of 3.5×D. pod mount for easy mobility. a batch by changing the position Walter is a manufacturer of An extra long life sensor of the valve to divert conveyed metalworking tools based in lasts up to 18 months. A 24-mm material into the hopper. As it Waukesha, Wis. high-quality LCD display is easy fills, load cells transmit weight www.walter-tools.com to read and when the monitor gain information to a PLC. Once the batch weight is reached, the valve redirects material away C or Z loading patterns. from the hopper. The controller then actuates a slide gate DEPENDABLE. Wildeck Inc.’s RML RiderLift valve to open, discharging the Type B rideable material lift weighed batch. RELIABLE. boosts efficiency and saves time Rated for the pressure by allowing workers to travel differentials associated with AIR / WATER SERVICES QUALITY WHEN IT between levels. pneumatic conveying, the con- The RiderLift increases the ical hopper is eccentric with MATTERS MOST. utilization of facility capacity a vertical sidewall for com- gained from mezzanines, rack plete discharge and batching every time. systems and pick modules. accuracy. Standard car size is 6 x 6 ft. x 80 Flexicon is a manufacturer of in. high, with a lifting capacity material handling technologies of 2,500 lb. Standard top lifting based in Bethlehem, Pa. height is 14 ft. and lifting speed www.flexicon.com is 20 fpm. The lift comes in either C or Z MACHINING loading patterns and has a keyed enable switch inside the car to TAPS TACKLE HARD-TO- ensure use only by authorized MACHINE MATERIALS personnel. It meets ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 code requirements. Cuts inventory Wildeck is a manufacturer of costs. material handling technologies based in Waukesha, Wis. WASHDOWN POWER VACUUM WELDING www.wildeck.com SOURCE GAS HOPPER DELIVERS FOLLOW US: #COXREELS HIGH-ACCURACY Walter’s Titex Perform TC115 FOR OUR COMPLETE LINE OF HOSE, CORD, & CABLE REELS: Flexicon’s weigh hopper with and TC216 taps come in a vari- www.coxreels.com | 800.269.7335 | [email protected] fill/pass valve for dilute-phase ety of sizes to tackle materials

www.plant.ca PLANT 39 PLT_Coxreels_JanFeb.indd 1 2017-01-27 11:45 AM

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 39 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENT

isn’t in use, an automatic sleep the welding power source. of welding products based in incorporating only approved mode conserves battery life. Operators dial in the exact Cleveland. materials, while measuring just Huntingdon is a manufacturer settings required for each weld www.lincolnelectric.com 1/2 to 2 in. of weld purging technologies and the remote auto-detects Mechanical assembly methods based in Carms, UK. the mode setting at the power PUMPS within a clean manufacturing www.huntingdonfusion.com source to control CC or CV pro- process eliminate substances cesses. It also displays actual REDUCE ENERGY USE that could cause outgassing and ADJUST WELD SETTINGS voltage or current. BY 30% contamination. AT THE ARC When in SMAW mode and DC Armstrong High energy Neodymium Iron output, the remote uses polar- Fluid Boron (NeFeB) magnets opti- Increases ity sensing to automatically Technolo- mize operating efficiencies. productivity. optimize power source settings gy’s Tango BEI Kimco is a manufacturer for scratch-start TIG operations. pumps de- of rotary and linear motion com- This speeds up process changes liver energy ponents based in Vista, Calif. between stick and TIG welding. savings of www.beikimco.com Users choose to display cur- up to 30% rent or voltage during welding, thanks to WORKHOLDING Lincoln Electric’s CrossLinc reset the machine to factory built-in par- Intelligent variable speed. Remote adjusts welding settings default setting and use an arc allel sensor- FLEXIBLE CHUCK JAW at the arc, including current for timer. less pump controls, redundancy MONITORING stick and TIG welding or voltage A digital metre indicates and efficient staging. on select wire feeders. This polarity and an LED display in- The pumps that range from streamlines welding setup. dicates if the voltage or amper- 1 to 10 hp are completely inte- The remote boosts productiv- age is preset or actual values. A grated. ity and makes operations safer memory function recalls where They’re hydraulic to optimize by eliminating additional control it was set if the unit is discon- intelligent variable speed oper- cables and reducing time by nected to power. ations and permanent motors removingCANMAN3.875x5.375-PickupDelivery-MannuInbox.pdf trips back and forth to Lincoln 1 31/03/2017 is a manufacturer 12:58:02 PM with integrated drive and con- Clamping forces of up to 55 kN. trol deliver IE4 energy efficiency levels. Schunk’s TANDEM KSP plus Efficiencies improve by up to clamping force block delivers 6% on hydraulics and 2% to 7% flexible monitoring along the on motors, which assists with whole jaw stroke in automated the reduction of a facility’s car- manufacturing applications, bon footprint. such as demanding milling oper- Armstrong is a pump manu- ations that require a high metal facturer based in Toronto. removal rate, high-cycle times www.armstrongfluidtechnol- and minimum tolerances. ogy.com Opened or clamped positions for base jaw positions ACTUATORS are adjustable. Monitoring is C performed via two inductive

M ACTUATORS MEET HIGH- proximity switches integrated in

Y PURITY STANDARDS two recesses in the base jaws. The system is sealed against CM dirt-ingress. The signal is direct- MY ly processed in the machine con-

CY trol unit to ensure the clamping

CMY force blocks are easily integrated into existing machines. K The blocks deliver concen- Optimize operating efficiencies. trated clamping forces of up to 55 kN. Repeat accuracy is up to BEI Kimco’s VCA actuators meet 0.01 mm. An optimized outside high-purity and low out-gassing contour and minimum gaps pre- requirements for semiconductor, vent dust pocket built up, chips military and space manufactur- or dust penetration. ing, microelectronics, and test Schunk is a manufacturer of and measurement applications. workholding and clamping tech- The 1/2 to 2 in. LA05-05 and nologies with offices in Missis- LA15-16 actuators minimize sauga, Ont. the use of adhesives and inks, www.us.schunk.com

40 PLANT April 2017

PLT_SewEuro_April.indd 1 2017-04-03 11:36 AM

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 40 2017-04-04 1:31 PM Industrial Literature Reviews PLANTWARE

Motor health check DUST COLLECTORS ATN CONVERTIBLE PROFILE TIMING BELT FULL LINE LITERATURE GUIDE DESIGN This impressive BRECOflex, CO., guide outlines LLC has developed dozens of N.R. a patented timing Murphy dust belt system that collectors, allows the customer installations, to rapidly and easily capacities, styles attach profiles or and models. A must product nests of Advanced maintenance planning. for any reference any material directly library. N.R. Murphy to the belt. Profiles Smart sensing technology from ABB pro- Ltd. has been in may be installed, replaced or exchanged vides a timely health check for low-voltage business for 65 years and has thousands of while the belt is installed. Additionally ATN motors. satisfied customers. technology offers a field connection option ABB’s Ability Smart Sensor uses “Dust Collectors are all we do, so get it done using simple hand tools. compact sensors to pick up data and right the first time. Just Ask the Experts.” www.brecoflex.com provides information about motor health For more information contact: Craig Moffatt, BRECOflex and performance via a smartphone or a sales manager, Cambridge, Ont. dedicated web portal. www.nrmurphy.com Converting regular low-voltage motors Murphy Ltd. into intelligent, connected machines allows you to plan ahead for maintenance, which cuts costs and boosts productivity. THERMAL IMAGING: SAVE UP TO 50% ON QUALITY ABB says the predictive analytics can INDUSTRIAL PROBLEM SOLVING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION PRODUCTS reduce downtime by up to 70%, extend Take a thermal look AutomationDirect’s motor life by as much as 30% and cut at your problem: catalogue offers energy consumption by up to 10%. Download the thousands Sensor modules are factory fitted on FLIR Automation of industrial new ABB motors or retrofitted within Guidebook to learn automation minutes on installed motors made by ABB how automated products such or other manufacturers. thermal imaging as PLCs, motors, They’ll be released in North America can help you solve drives, sensors, with UL/CSA certifications. safety and process and more. Get a ABB, a global manufacturer of industri- control problems. free copy at www. al products based in Zurich, Switzerland, http://www.flir.ca/ automationdirect.com says the Smart Sensors will be available automation/content/?id=65833 Automation Direct later this year. Flir www.abb.com

EVENTS and industrial applications, health Distributors Association (PTDA). ADM Expo and wellness, intelligent documents, Networking and education sessions, Partners in Prevention 2017 May 16-18, Toronto consumer electronics and wearables. plus CEO/Senior Executive Roundta- Health & Safety Conference, The Advanced Design and Manu- Visit www.CPES2017.ca. ble, leadership enhancement seminar WSPS facturing show brings together ATX and Distributor-Manufacturer Idea May 2-3, Mississauga, Ont. Canada, Design & Manufacturing WMTS 2017 Exchange. Visit www.ptda.org/Cana- The workplace health and safety con- Canada, PACKEX Toronto, PLAST-EX, SME dianConference. ference and trade show is presented and Powder & Bulk Solids Toronto. June 6-8, Edmonton by Workplace Safety & Prevention Visit http://admtoronto.com. Keynotes, panel discussions and EMO Hannover Services (WSPS). Features sessions, interactive technology exchanges VDM workshops and trade show exhibi- CPES 2017 on the event floor of this Western Sept. 18-23, Hannover, Germany tors. Keynotes include Steven Paige, CPEIA Canada manufacturing event. Visit This global machine tool trade fair formerly of Barenaked Ladies and an May 24-26, Toronto www.wmts.ca. presented by the German Machine advocate of mental health aware- Presented by the Canadian Printable Tool Builders’ Association will feature ness, Neil Pasricha, award-winning Electronics Industry Association. PTDA 2017 Canadian Conference, the latest metalworking solutions and blogger and Curt Steinhorst, digital Presentations will focus on intelli- PTDA services. The theme is “Connecting distraction expert. Visit www.Part- gent packaging, intelligent buildings, June 7-9, Toronto systems to intelligent production.” nersinPreventionConference.com. aerospace and defence, automotive Convened by the Power Transmission Visit www.emo-hannover.de.

www.plant.ca PLANT 41

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 41 2017-04-04 1:31 PM POSTSCRIPT Manufacturing Management Stop trying to grow the economy online certiﬁcate of completion on a hunch

BY NOBINA ROBINSON far below their skills sets. Statistics Canada data “Technical knowledge is no longer su cient to manage a on over-qualification reveals 40% of university business proﬁtably. A successful manager must also have anada can’t expect to improve its economic graduates outside of management occupations are well rounded business acumen. The Athabasca University growth without a better understanding of who considered to be overqualified for their positions. Cis responsible for it. Further, innovation is a people-driven activity, MMC is a perfect solution… encompassing all of the knowledge At a conference in Ottawa last fall, where speak- so shouldn’t we know what type of talent is in de- requirements that previously would have taken years to train. ers included federal finance minister Bill Morneau, mand by the companies performing innovation? innovation minister Navdeep Bains and growth Our approach so far seems to indicate science, Using the Canada Job Grant, we are now able to provide the council chair Dominic Barton, a challenge was technology, engineering and math discipline education needed toincrease our internal bench strength laid on the table. We live in a low-growth world and (STEM) PhDs hold a monopoly on research and through the MMC.” Canada is not immune. We’ve experienced slug- development and innovation, yet innovation is a gish growth for much of the past decade and gross team sport needing a full complement of technical domestic product is not predicted to breach the and creative talent. We need the contributions of Jodi Lant coveted 3% mark without bold action now. undergraduates and technologists, just as much as Human Resources Manager THE CASE FOR So what do we do? we need the doctoral student or researcher. Standard Machine Big ideas such as an infrastructure bank, in- As the government sets about designing a new EVIDENCE-BASED creasing the labour supply through immigration, innovation agenda, the case for evidence-based and ramping up investments in R&D were tossed decision-making in innovation policy is urgent. DECISION-MAKING around. But if we really want to retool Canada’s In Canada, we decry our underproduction of IN INNOVATION POLICY economy and become the innovation nation the PhDs relative to global counterparts. Implicit is the Liberal government wants us to be, a key piece to assumption that this inhibits our ability to inno- IS URGENT… the puzzle remains elusive: data. vate – but what do the data suggest? While we fixate on the numbers of startups or Data from the 2011 Review of Federal Support unicorns (upstarts with growth), do we really for R&D show that Canadian firms use individu- have adequate data with which to build a resilient als holding technologist designations, bachelor’s labour force or a cadre of innovative firms that will and master’s degrees more than they use PhDs for help Canadian productivity and competitiveness? research and development. This is the type of de- In an exchange with former Liberal MP and mand-side data we need to collect year over year. current Business Council of Canada president John Such evidence adds nuance to discussions Manley, Bains highlighted the leading role talent around credentials. Depending on who you talk to, plays in the innovation process. there’s an alphabet soup of credentials in demand: If innovation is going to be the means through STEM+B (business), or STEAM+D (arts and de- May qualify for Canada Provincial Job Online, study when and Learn with peers 4 week courses, which we achieve growth, and talent is the driving sign). Before we say we need more STEM, business, Grant up to 2/3 of tuition per student where it's convenient for you from across Canada accessible 24/7 force behind innovation, let’s start by measuring design or engineering talent, we should first collect this key input to growth correctly. data about demand for this talent. Where do Canada’s current talent gaps exist and, Productivity and growth don’t occur when our more pressing, where do these gaps exist for the workers can’t effectively put to use the full extent firms that perform the innovation that leads to of their publicly-subsidized education or training. Course series completed within 12 months economic growth? Responsive higher education systems need these On talent, the data challenge rests almost demand indicstors to improve the quantity and The Future of Canadian Manufacturing Safety Management entirely in the lack of evidence on demand: we quality in the supply of innovation talent. don’t know in measurable terms what the market As we seek to move Canada beyond 2% growth, Continuous Improvement & Quality Management Strategic Supply Chain Management demand is for particular skill sets or credentials. let’s remember public policy can’t be built on hunch Leading People Through Organizational Change Cross Cultural Leadership for Global Advantage For example, we don’t know for certain if we’re or anecdote. To attack Canada’s growth challenge, producing too many PhDs, engineers or lawyers, or more data are needed to unlock barriers to the com- Decision Making Using Financial Information Manufacturing Project Management enough mechatronic technologists, coders, market- mercialization of research and labour productivity. ing specialists or project managers. The result is an overproduction of individuals in Nobina Robinson is CEO of Polytechnics Canada, a possession of credentials or skill sets the market national alliance of Canada’s research-intensive and can’t absorb, even as we clamour for international degree-granting public colleges and polytechnics. talent to spur innovation. Distributed by Troy Media © 2017. Using credentials as a signal for productivity has 1-800-561-4650 serious implications – it leaves individuals with Comments? [email protected] high levels of academic achievement working jobs E-mail [email protected]. In partnership with: business.athabascau.ca/mmc 42 PLANT April 2017

Plant_April2017_AMS.indd 42 2017-04-04 1:31 PM PLT_Athabasca_April.indd 1 2017-03-27 9:22 AM Manufacturing Management online certiﬁcate of completion

“Technical knowledge is no longer su cient to manage a business proﬁtably. A successful manager must also have well rounded business acumen. The Athabasca University MMC is a perfect solution… encompassing all of the knowledge requirements that previously would have taken years to train. Using the Canada Job Grant, we are now able to provide the education needed toincrease our internal bench strength through the MMC.”

Jodi Lant Human Resources Manager Standard Machine

May qualify for Canada Provincial Job Online, study when and Learn with peers 4 week courses, Grant up to 2/3 of tuition per student where it's convenient for you from across Canada accessible 24/7

Course series completed within 12 months

The Future of Canadian Manufacturing Safety Management Continuous Improvement & Quality Management Strategic Supply Chain Management Leading People Through Organizational Change Cross Cultural Leadership for Global Advantage Decision Making Using Financial Information Manufacturing Project Management

1-800-561-4650 [email protected] In partnership with: business.athabascau.ca/mmc

PLT_Athabasca_April.inddPlant_April2017_AMS.indd 143 2017-03-272017-04-04 9:221:31 AMPM CONNECT MORE FOR LESS.

IP65-rated Ethernet Switches starting at: 10/100Mbps $299.00 Ethernet Switches SE2-SW5U-N65-T starting at: $75.00 SE2-SW5U

Gigabit Ethernet Switches starting at: $150.00 SE2-SW5UG-T

• Fast Ethernet (10/100Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (10/1000Mbps), and IP65-rated (wash-down) models available NEW! SE2 Series Industrial • 5, 8 and 16 RJ45 or 5 and 8 M12 port configurations Unmanaged Ethernet Switches • 12, 24, 48 VDC and 18-30 VAC redundant power inputs with industrial surge, spike and reverse power protection When commercial grade switches just won’t cut it, get the new Stride • Hazardous locations rated for Class 1, Div. 2 (Zone 2) areas SE2 series Ethernet switches with the reliability, strength and speed you need for your industrial applications. Extreme temperatures, noisy • Wide temperature range models available power, wash-down environments, you name it and Stride can take it! • Broadcast storm protection on SE2 DIN rail series And with a starting price of only $75, you can reliably connect way • Store and forward wire speed switching - no delays more for way less. • Full-duplex operation with flow control - no collisions

Research, price, buy at: www.automationdirect.com/ethernet-switches

Orders over $49 get FAST FREE SHIPPING Our shipping policies make it easier than ever to order direct from the U.S.!

Fast free standard shipping* is available for most orders over $49 U.S., and that includes the brokerage fees (when using an AutomationDirect nominated broker). Using our choice of carrier, we can reach most Canadian destinations within 2 to 3 days. Order by 6pm ET and in-stock orders ship the same day!

*2-day free shipping does not apply to drop-ships, or orders requiring LTL transport, but those shipments can take advantage of our negotiated super-low at rates (based on weight) that include brokerage fees.

See Web site for details and restrictions at: To see all products and prices, visit www.automationdirect.com www.automationdirect.com/canada

All prices shown are U.S. Dollars

PLT_Stride_Apr.inddPlant_April2017_AMS.indd 1 44 2017-03-222017-04-04 8:391:31 AMPM

1704-PLANT(Canada)-STRIDE-MAG.indd 1 3/22/2017 7:02:56 AM