Innovative Automation wins 2018 Ontario Export Award

November 21, 2018 – Innovative Automation was among the winners at yesterday’s Ontario Export Awards, which recognize exporting growth and investment in local jobs. 

The Barrie, Ontario–based company received the Leadership Award of Excellence, which celebrate an organization or individual known for championing the cause of exporting in Ontario within their industry or field of expertise.

Innovative Automation designs and builds industrial automation equipment systems, from machine design to electrical, for a range of customers across the Americas and Europe, with a focus on automotive, consumer goods and medical supply industries. In 2017, Innovative Automation worked with BDC to formulate its global market development plan, which has created a pipeline into Mexico and into Europe through the formation of global partnerships.

In total, ten Ontario companies were honoured at the fifth annual Ontario Export Awards, held November 20, 2018 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

More than 150 manufacturing executives and representatives from trade, government and industry attended the prestigious event, presented by CanadianManufacturing.com and Plant Magazine, divisions of Annex Business Media (parent company of Manufacturing AUTOMATION). The Honourable John Manley, P.C., O.C., chair of CICB and former deputy prime minister of Canada emceed the event.

“Ontario companies are proving you can take on the world and win. This year’s Export Award winners each share incredible international success stories and are models for others to emulate,” says Jeff Brownlee, publisher, Canadian Manufacturing.com and Plant Magazine.

The winners, selected from a pool of more than 40 applicants, showcase the calibre and diversity among businesses in Ontario’s export sector, Brownlee says.

The top honour, 2018 Ontario Exporter of the Year, was awarded to Richmond Hill, Ont.-based Laipac Technologies Inc., who also won the sector award for Consumer Products. There were also categories ranging from Food, Beverage & Agriculture, to Clean Technology and Services, to Export Excellence. 

The full list of winners is as follows: 

Sector Awards

• Clean Technology: Hydrogenics Corporation
• Consumer Products: Laipac Technology Inc.
• Food, Beverage & Agriculture: Viva Naturals Inc.
• Manufacturing & Resources: Concours Mold Inc.
• Services: Switch Video
• Transportation Equipment: Inkas Corp.

Awards of Excellence

• Leadership: Innovative Automation Inc.
• Export Excellence Award: Trade Accelerator Program (Tap)
• Global Reach: BGI Retail Inc.
• Emerging Exporter: Thornhill Research

“This year’s winners share an ability to overcome market tensions and fierce competition outside of Canada to grow into complex markets,” says Tim Dimopoulos, vice-president, Annex Business Media. “We congratulate all winners and wish them continued success in the future.”

The Ontario Export Awards is a platform for companies, municipalities and media to support local exporters through nomination and local recognition. The winners were selected by a panel of experts who based their selections on a set of criteria, including successful expansion into new export markets, year-over-year export growth, and a company’s creativity and excellence in working with international markets.