In a recent article in the Globe and Mail, Joel Schlesinger writes about the importance of automation (technology) to ‘boost productivity and profits.’
This has been a consistent theme during the pandemic and an area that we (Elevate) have been watching closely. Many of our clients today are finding new and innovative ways to enforce social distancing and expand their manufacturing operations, and with this, their exports. It is worth noting that some of the world’s greatest companies (success stories) have been born out of crisis and this time will be no different.
Schlesinger quotes Dennis Darby, president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), who said that those companies that had already invested in in automation are now reaping the benefits. Darby also comments on Canada’s overall lagging productivity, citing a report by the OECD. In comparison, the US has accelerated and this is something I witnessed first hand at one of America’s largest exporters during my time there.
Elevate Advisory board member Dr. Jay Myers, CEO, NGen and recent podcast interviewee with Elevate Export Finance Corp. has become a leading authority in this area. NGen, a not-for-profit that specializes in advanced manufacturing superclusters has been actively supporting industry led manufacturing projects in Canada. Combine these models with automation and Canada has an incredible opportunity to better its OECD ranking.
by Kevin Fairs