Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium

04/09/2026

It was a great experience being part of the Metalworking & Manufacturing Expo at the Langley Events Centre this week. The event brought together local manufacturers, engineers, and industry professionals for a full day of connection, technology showcases, and meaningful conversations about the latest production processes shaping our sector.

Events like this are a reminder of how strong and engaged our local manufacturing community is — and why face-to-face networking still matters. Looking forward to more conversations with the businesses we met.

04/08/2026

Full house today at Canada Tubeform in London! EMC's membership gathered this morning for a plant tour and networking.

04/07/2026

The latest BDC Canadian Small Business Health Index shows Canadian SMEs facing early signs of financial strain in Q4 2025, with the national index falling to 98.4 — a 1.2% quarterly decline and 2.4% year-over-year drop.

There is one notable bright spot: the manufacturing sector reversed its previous decline, rising 6.1% in Q4 2025 and surpassing last year's level. Manufacturing SMEs reported stronger investment intentions, improved cash flow expectations, increased credit activity, and more business openings.

Meanwhile, construction hit its lowest level on record, and retail/wholesale trade edged down amid softening consumer demand and rising price pressures. With uncertainty expected to remain high in 2026, fewer SMEs are likely to pursue major growth plans — making resilience and strategic planning more critical than ever.

Read the full report: https://tinyurl.com/458htxke

04/06/2026

Get up to $5,000 per placement! EMC, a preferred partner with the Government of Canada, delivers the Student Work Placement Program subsidy to Canadian manufacturers. We are pleased to announce that EMC’s WILWorks Post Secondary SWPP funding platform is open for eligible applications for the upcoming Summer placement term.

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, a preferred partner with the Government of Canada, delivers the Student Work Placement P...

04/03/2026

On March 24, 2026, Canadian manufacturers gathered in Kanata, ON for EMC’s Manufacturing Excellence Forum: Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities, a focused half-day forum designed to explore new domestic growth opportunities emerging from Canada’s increased investment in defence, infrastructure, housing, and mining, alongside trade, tariff, and supply chain shifts.

Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, trade disruption, and rising domestic investment, one message was clear throughout the day: Canada’s manufacturing sector is entering an opportunity to grow and align with evolving domestic demand.

https://hubs.li/Q049Cf7w0

04/02/2026

Manufacturing matters in continental trade.

This week, EMC President JP Giroux joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's trade delegation in Washington to advocate for priorities critical to Canada's manufacturing sector and the strength of our shared trilateral trade agreement under CUSMA.

Learn more about EMC's role in advancing manufacturing interests at the national level:

This week, EMC Canada’s President, JP Giroux, joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s trade delegation in Washington to help ad...

03/31/2026

In the latest edition of EMC's Senior Managers Lean and Continuous Improvement Roundtables in BC, Woodtone hosted an engaging plant tour that gave attendees a firsthand look at their lean manufacturing practices in action. The visit sparked valuable conversations, peer-to-peer learning, and meaningful connections as participants shared their own lean journeys and exchanged practical insights.

03/27/2026

From academia to woodturning—Jackie Toner's leap became a full-time career and a mission to mentor young women in the trades.

As founder of Woods Woman Woodworking, she designs and crafts handmade kitchenware and art pieces while building a shop where creativity, inclusion, and craftsmanship go hand in hand. In this episode, Jackie talks about turning uncertainty into opportunity, leading with purpose, and why mental wellness matters in trades.

Her story is a masterclass in how passion can evolve into something bigger.

Tune in:

Jackie Toner’s leap from academia to woodturning and entrepreneurship began as a creative escape and became a full-time career. As the founder of Woods Woman Woodworking, she designs and crafts handmade kitchenware and art pieces while mentoring young women entering the trades.In this episode, Jac...

03/26/2026

The Kolbe A Index doesn't measure personality—it measures how you naturally take action at work.

As part of EMC's HerJourney program, participants are invited to complete the Kolbe A Index assessment in partnership with The Company You, with guided support from our team.

Join our virtual workshop on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST to complete your assessment and learn how to apply your conative strengths on the job.

Register here:

As part of EMC's HerJourney program, participants are invited to complete the Kolbe A Index assessment, delivered in partnership...

03/26/2026

MineConnect & EMC (Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium) are proud to co-host a collaborative networking event bringing together the local MSS and manufacturing community. Join us APRIL 8, 2026! https://hubs.li/Q047pLkn0

03/25/2026

EMC’s Lean Fundamentals Microcredential is a virtual, self-directed course that introduces the core tools of Lean Thinking—Takt Time, One Piece Flow, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and PDCA—so your team can reduce waste, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement on the shop floor.

Register here: https://hubs.li/Q0488_xh0

03/24/2026

Accountability is a core skill in every manufacturing role.

EMC’s Accountability in the Workplace self-directed e-learning course helps participants understand why accountability is the cornerstone of workplace success—focusing on doing what’s right, maintaining high standards, and following through on commitments to improve reliability and overall performance.

Register here: https://hubs.li/Q047_BWX0