Opening address at Canadian Manufacturing Week/Weld Expo 2010
to examine challenges, opportunities ahead for suppliers faced with
changing demand
Toronto, Ontario – September 1, 2010 — As executive
chairman and co-founder of Martinrea International Inc., a leading
Canadian auto parts supplier recognized for its leadership in
advanced technical systems and program management, Rob Wildeboer
knows firsthand just how important innovation can be. Thanks to
ongoing technological investment, his company remains a tier-one
supplier to the automotive sector despite the recent economic
downturn and now he's ready to share his insights with others as he
delivers the opening address at Canadian Manufacturing Week
(CMW)/WeldExpo 2010.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 5 at 9:00 a.m. at
the Toronto Congress Centre, Wildeboer will
examine the future of the Canadian automotive sector and its supply
base, and the unprecedented challenges ahead due to changing demand
in key product areas. Extracting from his personal and company
experience, he will identify future growth opportunities for
manufacturers and share strategies for success.
"Especially after the recent downturn, Canadian manufacturers
know that innovation is not some conceptual goal or voluntary
calling which to strive towards," said Nick Samain, Event Manager
with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME),
organizer of CMW/WeldExpo 2010, along with Canadian
Manufacturers and Exporters, Canadian Welding Association, Canadian
Wind Energy Association, Canadian Fluid Power Association
and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers'
Association. "It is an essential element to everyday
business survival and the foundation of growth."
"We could not ask a more suitable keynote speaker than Mr.
Wildeboer to kick off Canada's most significant manufacturing event
in 2010," Samain added. "As recovery continues in the automotive
industry, Canada's largest manufacturing sector, Mr. Wildeboer will
offer a unique perspective as an industry leader on new
opportunities, growth strategies and real world examples on how to
innovate and succeed."
From October 5-7, CMW/WeldExpo 2010 will transform the Toronto
Congress Centre North Hall into a one-of-a-kind meeting place for
decision makers from across Canada's manufacturing community.
Additional highlights of the three-day event include:
- A CMW Interactive Town Hall session, Canada's Wind
Energy Supply Chain: Status of the Market and Manufacturers'
Success Stories in Transitioning to Wind Energy, jointly
presented by SME and the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)
on Wednesday, October 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00
a.m. The session will recap the findings of a recent
report by CanWEA and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters that
looked at growth opportunities in the wind industry supply chain,
and will share the experiences of two to three manufacturers who
successfully transitioned their business from other sectors to wind
manufacturing. It will be followed by a dynamic Q&A period with
the audience.
- Three days of expert-led seminars on topics
that include everything from how to optimize a factory floor
layout, realize cost savings by uniting "lean and green" thinking
or assure reliability in underground welding, to the latest
advances in industrial CT scanning, laser processing, robotic
welding, hydrogen fuel cells and more.
- Weld Expo, Canada's only welding industry
event, co-sponsored by the Canadian Welding
Association (CWA/CWB). Attendees will discover new and
innovative ways to strengthen sheet metal operations, and learn how
to implement lean processes, industry advances and green technology
to improve quality, increase efficiency and lessen environmental
impact. Weld Expo also features Canada's best welder
competition.
- Innovations 2010, special recognition of
products new to market within the last year; and Green
Solutions 2010, a special showcase of energy efficient and
environmental products.
CMW/Weld Expo is Canada's largest and most comprehensive
manufacturing show, featuring technologies and solutions from a
wide range of industry sectors, including: aerospace, automotive,
construction, defence, electronics, fabricated metal/stampings,
government, industrial machinery/equipment, medical
devices/pharmaceuticals, transportation, steel manufacturing and
utilities/energy.
"Manufacturers are looking for real solutions and they will find
them at CMW/WeldExpo 2010 with an unprecedented educational
program, premier networking opportunities, the latest in new
technology and the right partners and suppliers ready to do
business," said Samain.
To learn more about CMW/WeldExpo 2010, visit www.cmwshow.ca,
call Event Manager Nick Samain at 888.322.7333 ext. 206, or follow
the event on Twitter: http://twitter.com/cmwshow.
About the Society of Manufacturing Engineers
The
Society of Manufacturing
Engineers (SME) is the world's leading resource for
manufacturing information and knowledge. With Canadian headquarters
in Toronto, the society promotes an increased awareness of the
value of manufacturing among industry professionals and the general
public, while supporting educational initiatives and introducing
career options for those entering the industry. Through its many
programs and activities, it connects manufacturing practitioners to
each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date
processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines.
For media passes to CMW/Weld Expo 2010, additional information
or to set up interviews, please contact:
Gail Bergman or Samantha Giovenazzo
Gail Bergman PR
Tel: 905.886.1340 or 905.886.3345
E-mail: info@gailbergmanpr.com
SOURCE