Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) emphasized the importance and benefits of working together by recently introducing its new manufacturing consortia initiative to Durham region manufacturers.
A lean consortium, aimed at bringing relief to southeastern Ontario manufacturers, will connect 10 to 14 non-competing companies or organizations within easy driving distance. By leveraging each other’s resources and ideas, companies will be better equipped to compete in the global economy by improving productivity, sharing best practices and developing practical solutions for their operations.
At a recent introductory session at the Ajax Convention Centre, David Hogg, Director of Consortium Development with initiative partner High Performance Solutions Inc., underlined the benefits of lean and consortia to more than 50 representatives from local businesses and groups.
“Lean is the largest driver changing the face of manufacturing in the world,” Hogg noted. The lean approach supports a culture of change, and a way of thinking and living to produce greater improvement opportunities, he further explained. A member-driven lean consortium can introduce tools and techniques that help participating companies implement sustainable solutions quickly and effectively.
Dr. Jayson Myers, President of CME, was also in attendance to report on the state of manufacturing in Ontario. He asserted that although current challenges are varied, many of them are coupled with opportunities such as those to replace competition, develop new products and markets, and pursue acquisitions. With proper leadership and strategies, Myers predicted, the sector will see a transition from high-volume production to specialized products and services delivered efficiently to meet customer demands.
There are currently 165 companies participating in 17 consortia across Canada. CME and a number of manufacturers met on May 20 to discuss next steps for establishing a new manufacturing consortium in Durham region. More updates will be provided as this initiative progresses. For more information, contact Liisa Ikavalko at 1-800-706-9857.