CME met with government officials to advocate for Ontario manufacturers

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) and the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition recently met with the Ontario government to call for a “strategic plan” to double manufacturing output and exports by 2030. According to CME, Ontario manufacturers are not able to meet their full potential due to a number of issues. However, some Ontario manufacturers like Alps Welding are finding ways to overcome the challenges.

The need for action

CME president and CEO Jayson Myers says this type of plan will lead to millions of new jobs and billions in economic activity, as the province’s prosperity depends heavily on the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing adds more total value to the Ontario economy than it does in any other province,” he says.

According to CME, the manufacturing sector in Ontario represented 81 per cent of exports in 2014, which accounted for $287 billion in provincial GDP. But CME says that performance could be better as the industry is still dealing with challenges that stem from the economic downturn.

At the meetings, CME identified some of the obstacles the industry faces, and suggested solutions for maximizing potential and attracting new investments. Some of those solutions include sufficient government support, simplified regulations, globally competitive energy prices, lower cost of doing business, and reduction of skilled labour gaps.

Overcoming the challenges

Alps Welding is one Ontario-based manufacturer that has thrived in the face of uncertain markets. The company has been custom fabricating equipment for 40 years. In the beginning, the company focused on serving the oil and gas sector. But in 2008, when oil and gas prices plummeted, Alps Welding adapted its capabilities and expanded its customer base. The company now serves many diverse industries, such as mining, steel making, power generation, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, food processing, water treatment, and oil and gas extraction and refining.

More information

Alps Welding can build everything from pressure vessels and piping systems, to heat exchangers and modular plants. The company has an extensive quality assurance program and is accredited as an ASME Section VIII Div. 1 fabricator. 

For more information on Alps Welding, visit the company’s website.

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