There is a new sense of optimism for early 2010: CME survey
''We are slowly moving into the recovery phase,'' according to the CME, so read more to uncover why Canadian manufacturers and exporters are optimistic about the first quarter of 2010.
For the full story, click here.

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APMA names new president
The Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA) has appointed Steve Rodgers as its new president, effective January 1, 2010. What's next in store?
For the full story, click here.

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Deadline for training cash a month away
The Yves Landry Foundation will fund up to 75 percent of a manufacturer's training project's total direct and indirect eligible cost up to a maximum of $50,000. The deadline is Jan. 15, 2010, so apply now!

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Manufacturing employers in Canada will be hiring — but at a cautious pace
Employers in manufacturing industries anticipate a cautiously optimistic hiring climate for the first quarter of 2010, with a net employment outlook around four to five percent.
For the full story, click here.

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Ontario silage-film manufacturing facility set to expand
Ontario is supporting economic growth in Belleville, Ont., by investing in a manufacturing facility's production line equipment and building retrofits.
For the full story, click here.

Features: Machine safety

MA's Machine Safety Round Table 2009 — with VIDEO coverage
Manufacturing AUTOMATION invited six industry experts to our first ever machine safety round table to discuss several topics, from standards and productivity issues to the legal ramifications of non-compliance. Browse through the different topics, and watch the associated video.
• Part 1: STANDARDS & HARMONIZATION
• Part 2: RESPONSIBILITY & LIABILITY
• Part 3: PRODUCTIVITY
For the full feature story, click here.

Is your old or new press equipment CSA Z142 compliant?
By Jeff Ashcroft
It has been seven years since the CSA Z142-02 safety standard was first issued in Canada. However, many potentially dangerous pieces of equipment haven't been retrofitted to meet these requirements. What can you do to ensure to comply?
For the full column, click here.

New Products: Machine safety

Safe camera sensor

Modular steel guarding

SM-Safety option module

> View all product categories online

Upcoming Online Spotlights

Jan. 6: Hydraulics & pneumatics and Machine vision

Jan. 20: Education and Motion control

Feb. 3: Wireless technology & security

Feb. 17: Material handling

Interactive: Join MA on Twitter

Want to be notified of the latest Canadian automation, manufacturing and system design news and events as they're posted? Then join Manufacturing AUTOMATION on Twitter. Don't get left behind — get caught up!
To sign up or join us, click here.

November/December 2009 Digital Edition Sights on safety: Machine Safety Round Table 2009 Ether-networking: How Ethernet links the manufacturing environment with the enterprise level The signal is clear: Process signature technology meets today's quality control needs

January/February 2010 Manufacturing AUTOMATION Line-up

• Cover story: Automation Education and Training
  - The 11th Annual Automation Training and Education Guide: A directory of automation-specific education and training courses offered at colleges and universities across Canada. Keep it as your reference guide year round.
  
  - Forging collaboration: We take a look how colleges and universities are collaborating with industry to keep their curriculums relevant and to develop cutting-edge technologies.
  
  - Hitting the mark: The Yves Landry Foundation's AIME initiative provides funding to Canadian manufacturers for employee training programs. A year after its launch, we profile those that have begun to see results.
  
  - Plus: The latest education trends and news.

• Feature: Top 5 in 2010
  We're asking a handful of industry experts to name the top technologies they think will make a difference in 2010.

• Machine safety
  Advanced Motion & Controls Ltd.'s Dave Lawson outlines the real costs of safety upgrades and recommends how to prioritize items to create a realistic budget.

Plus: The latest news, appointment announcements and trends, as well as a selection of the latest automation software offerings, power supplies, test and measurement equipment, interconnection devices, wire and cable products, and motion control offerings.

Calendar of Events:

Jan. 8: Yves Landry Foundation Workshop (Session 4) & Yves Landry Foundation Workshop (Session 3) - Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning - Davis Campus, Brampton, Ont.

Jan. 11: Yves Landry Foundation Workshop (Session 5) - Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning - Davis Campus, Brampton, Ont.

Jan. 14: Yves Landry Foundation Workshop (Sessions 6 & 7) - Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning - Trafalgar Campus, Oakville, Ont.

Jan. 26: Emissions Solutions seminar - Edmonton.

Jan. 31 - Feb. 3: SolidWorks World 2010 - Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.

Feb. 8 - 11: ARC Advisory Group's World Industry Forum - Orlando, Fla.

Feb. 10 - 12: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Summit 2010 - Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Fla.

Check out the Calendar of Events on the Manufacturing AUTOMATION website for more upcoming industry seminars, conferences, shows and training sessions.

Got an event you want us to include on the website? Please send an e-mail to editor André Voshart: avoshart@clbmedia.ca.