Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show

As more than 500 manufacturers and distributors prepare to convene at Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre Oct.  19 to 22, the message that manufacturing still matters is the prevailing theme.

The upcoming event will unveil the latest trends in manufacturing and help demonstrate how new technological developments can help Canadian manufacturers reinvent themselves on the heels of a recession.

“Manufacturing is essential to restoring a stagnant economy,” said Mark Tomlinson, executive director and general manager of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), which is organizing the four-day event. “Not only is this sector providing good-paying jobs, but it’s also helping to develop the innovations that will keep Canada globally competitive.”

Organizers are emphasizing the event’s conference sessions, which have been designed to provide participants with valuable insight into new business opportunities.

The Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) is Canada’s largest showcase for the latest machine tools, automation technologies, metal forming, measurement technologies, tooling solutions, production methods, and management strategies. From 3-D visualization techniques, nanotechnology, and robotics to green technologies and rapid prototyping, the event provides a look at technological innovation and the resources businesses need to improve – or reinvent – their manufacturing processes.

Highlights include a keynote address by Linda Hasenfratz, CEO of Linamar Corp. (Monday, Oct. 19, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.). Hasenfratz will examine the future of the automotive industry and its supplier base. She will provide insight into current opportunities in green mobility, and how to adapt automotive processes to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the energy and medical fields.

Also, the CMTS Town Hall Experience (Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.) is an interactive panel discussion on North America’s growing energy manufacturing supply chain featuring representatives from the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), the Organization of CANDU Industries (OCI), and the Canadian Solar Industries Association.

Also new is Green Solutions 2009, a display of vendors offering green technologies for the manufacturing industry and its processes.

Other highlights of CMTS 2009 include a look at additional technological innovations at the forefront of Canadian manufacturing, such as digital techniques that help to reduce the likelihood of mistakes early on in the manufacturing process; vision equipment that is being used to lower production costs; and high-speed inspection systems that are helping to avoid costly labeling mistakes.

For more information, visit www.cmts.ca.