Canadian moldmakers embracing innovation, people, and AI

Key trends, such as the integration of AI and robotics, the changing demands of the workforce, and the importance of company culture in driving innovation are the issues moldmakers are grappling with in addition to threats from China and now an aggressively protectionist U.S.

The landscape of manufacturing is changing rapidly, driven by technology, shifting global markets, and evolving workforce needs. Given the competitive future Canadian moldmakers face within this shifting landscape, with distinct threats from China and also now a protectionist US, adapting to these forces is essential.

A panel of industry leaders — Brian Bendig, president of Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing; Louis Jahn, president of Jahn Engineering & CTMA; Ralph Picklo, vice president of sales at Cimatron North America; and Bankim Desai, software consultant at YT Solutions — discussed the future of advanced manufacturing during a roundtable session moderated by Saylo Lam, president of Circle 5 and Chair of the Canadian Association of Moldmakers (CAMM). The discussion was held in Windsor, the heart of moldmaking country, as part of SHOP’s Windsor Expo event.

The lively discussion, which included considerable input from the audience, highlighted key trends, such as the integration of AI and robotics, the changing demands of the workforce, and the importance of company culture in driving innovation.

The Role of Technology in the Workplace

The integration of technology, particularly automation, was a central theme in the discussion. Embracing cutting-edge technology was posited as the way to enhance productivity, improve working conditions, and attract young talent eager to work with state-of-the-art equipment.

Cimatron’s Picklo discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in advanced manufacturing. AI can be used to optimize processes, such as tool selection and machining sequences, by learning from past data. “AI is here, and it’s going to grow,” he asserted. “In the future, software with AI will analyze your tool library, machine specs, and past jobs to automate and optimize tasks, saving time and improving efficiency.”

This is not about replacing jobs but rather enhancing human capabilities. As Desai from YT Solutions explained, AI can handle mundane tasks to free up employees for more value-added work. “AI will not take away jobs, but it will make your workforce more efficient and productive,” Desai said. This shift could make manufacturing roles more intellectually stimulating and appealing to younger workers with an interest in technology.

While AI is often associated with fear of job loss, Cavalier’s Bendig countered that the key to automation is speed. “We want young employees to want to drive the Ferrari,” he said, referring to his shop’s use of high-tech machinery and automation to boost efficiency. “Automation helps us attract the right talent. The young ‘computer geeks’ are the ones who want to program robots and design tooling monitors. They crave it, and we want to give it to them.”

The ability to operate cutting-edge tools and implement automation systems is increasingly attractive to the next generation of workers, who are not only tech-savvy but eager for the opportunity to learn and grow in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Robotics and AI: Enhancing Productivity

Both Picklo and Jahn of Jahn Engineering recognized robotics as a powerful tool for enhancing productivity in moldmaking. According to Picklo, robotics are about making the workforce more efficient. “What we’re doing is providing tools that help our workers get their tasks done faster and more accurately,” he explained. “Robots allow people to do things faster and more efficiently, leading to higher throughput and more business.”

Jahn echoed this sentiment, noting that while robotics and automation are vital for staying competitive, companies must assess whether the investment makes sense for their specific operations. “Sometimes robotics makes a lot of sense, but sometimes it doesn’t,” he said. “It’s about evaluating the capital cost and weighing it against the long-term benefits.”

Future Roles in Advanced Manufacturing

As technology evolves, so too will the roles in advanced manufacturing. Companies will need to adapt to the demands of a more data-driven, technology-integrated industry. Jahn suggested that one of the most crucial emerging roles in manufacturing will be data management. “You need someone who spends a lot of time managing data, benchmarking against competitors, and looking at new technologies like 3D printing,” Jahn said. “Data is going to be the lifeblood of the future.”

At Cavalier Tool, Bendig emphasized the importance of “speed” in staying ahead of the competition, noting that the company’s success comes from its ability to turn around projects quickly. “Speed will be the game-changer over the next decade,” he said. By investing in technology, automation, and an efficient workforce, companies can ensure that they can complete orders faster, sell at a premium price, and remain competitive in the global market.

Resilience in Times of Economic Uncertainty

The discussion also turned to strategies for maintaining business resiliency during downturns, a reality that many manufacturers face during periods of economic uncertainty. Bendig shared that Cavalier Tool works to diversify its customer base, spreading risk by targeting different markets. “I try to fish in many ponds,” he said. “We don’t just focus on automotive; we look for opportunities in other sectors.”

But while diversification can help weather tough times, Jahn warned that it’s essential for companies to be cautious about which customers they take on. “Don’t be afraid to fire customers if they’re difficult to work with or if they don’t pay on time,” he advised. “It’s not easy, but sometimes you have to make tough decisions to ensure your business’s long-term health.”

Tough times shouldn’t be seen as the time to take a pass on technology or training. As Picklo highlighted, another key to surviving business downturns is investing in the people and technology that will carry the company through the tough times. “Advanced training is critical,” he stressed. “Companies that invest in training their employees and developing new technologies will be the ones that survive and thrive during downturns.”

Attracting the Future Stars of Manufacturing

It’s clear that technology will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of the Canadian moldmaking industry. However, technology alone will not be enough to propel the sector forward. The people behind the machines will remain crucial, and creating an engaging, supportive work environment will be key to attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled workers. With a high demand for skilled talent, the industry must not only offer competitive wages but also create an environment that appeals to younger workers seeking more than just a paycheck.

Bendig emphasized the importance of investing in people as a cornerstone of his company’s success. At Cavalier Tool, Bendig believes that to win the “Super Bowl” of manufacturing, companies need the best players in key positions. “We spend a lot of time on people,” he said. “We maintain a clean environment, offer the latest equipment, and create a family atmosphere through events like golf tournaments and Christmas parties. Engaging with our employees on a personal level is crucial. It’s not just about money, it’s about making them feel part of the company’s vision.”

This approach helps foster loyalty and engagement, especially for younger employees who are often looking for flexibility and a sense of belonging in their work environment. Cavalier Tool’s five-shift operation and weekend shifts cater to workers with young families, an important consideration for today’s workforce.

On a broader scale, Jahn noted that attracting good talent also requires companies to maintain a strong reputation. “It’s hard to attract good employees when your company has a bad reputation,” he said. “That relationship with your employees is crucial.” Furthermore, as Canada’s labor market becomes more diverse, companies must be adaptable to cultural sensitivities. “We have people coming from different backgrounds, and we have to respect those differences,” he added, citing the company’s flexible vacation policies that allow employees to take extended leaves to visit family abroad.

As the industry becomes more global, understanding and respecting cultural differences is no longer optional, it’s a necessity for building a workforce increasingly bolstered by new immigrants.

The workforce of tomorrow is diverse, tech-savvy, and ready to embrace change. To harness their potential, Canadian moldmakers must be willing to invest in technology, promote continuous learning, and cultivate an inclusive, adaptable company culture. By doing so, they can position themselves to lead in the evolving landscape of advanced manufacturing.

This article was published by Shop Metalworking Technology. To learn more, please visit : https://shopmetaltech.com/