PTDA Canadian conference focuses on state of manufacturing

The 2009 Power Transmission Distributors Association Canadian Conference brought together the power transmission/motion control manufacturers and distributors for an insiders’ focus on Canadian industry trends.

Held last month at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Conference Center in Niagara Falls, Ont., participants left the conference with a heightened understanding of the drivers of the Canadian economy and associated opportunities for power transmission/motion control.
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The conference was kicked off by Jayson Myers, president of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, who set the stage with an enlightening Canadian economic forecast. He reiterated the importance of manufacturing in Canada – manufacturing is the single largest business sector in Canada, accounting for 14 percent of Canada’s GDP – and provided an in-depth economic overview.”He also emphasized new market and business opportunities for Canadian manufacturers and distributors.
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According to his presentation, Canadian companies will continue to be challenged by the tightening of the U.S. credit market and high levels of risk and uncertainty, but there are a number of opportunities for companies that build a strategy around differentiation. Organizations that continue to innovate and explore new markets, while focusing on what customers value and eliminating waste, have an advantage as the economy stabilizes.”
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Following Myers’ analysis of the domestic and global indicators affecting Canada, conference attendees attended in-depth market briefings on:
• infrastructure with Martin Doble, global managing director, Hatch Engineering;
• mining with Tim Gallant, Iron Ore Company of Canada;
• hydroelectricity with Rick Everdell, project director, Niagara Tunnel Project, Ontario Power Generation; and
•” aerospace and industrial engine manufacturing with Kevin Sodhi, commodities management global purchasing and Antonio Colum.
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