The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and the London Regional Manufacturing Council hosted their annual Manufacturing Matters Conference on October 1st, 2015 at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn. This year, there were over 400 attendees – a significant increase in participation from London and the Southwestern Ontario Region.
LEDC’s objective is to provide delegates with valuable information from industry leaders and enable peer-to-peer networking. This conference delivers essential advice applicable to all London and Region manufacturers.
A special thanks to our partners, including Siskinds the Law Firm, Stevens Resource Group, London Hydro, RBC Bank and AM980 for helping us to make this event a success.
Highlights from the Manufacturing Matters conference
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As the largest gathering of Southwestern Ontario’s manufacturing sector, Manufacturing Matters brings together industry leaders that share stories about challenges of growing manufacturing in a global economy. The sold-out event brought together the region’s manufacturers and put a spotlight on the manufacturing sector.
“Manufacturing continues to be going strong in London, with approximately 30,000 people employed. We need to support whatever is needed for long-term growth,” said Kapil Lakhotia, President and CEO of the London Economic Development Corporation. “Diversification is key. Not only does a community have to diversify into different areas, such as automotive, aerospace and agri-food, but also geographically, to help manufacturers expand into external markets.”
Keynote speaker George Warren, president of Centennial Windows and Doors, discussed the demand for skilled workers to fill jobs in the manufacturing sector, and the value of co-ops and internships to address workforce needs.
Warren pleaded with the over 400 Manufacturing Matters attendees to take every opportunity to work with high schools and community colleges on internship and co-op programs, and promote training in the skilled trades.
“You owe it to yourself and your business. As leaders of this community, we owe it to the young to give them the same opportunities we got,” said Warren.
Currently at Fanshawe College, around 450 students are enrolled in manufacturing-type courses, and due to the demand for workers, most of the students will secure employment when they graduate.
Lakhotia says the Manufacturing Matters conference is a way to celebrate the capacity of local London companies and the successes they’re having world-wide. “It reaffirms that manufacturing matters to our economy,” said Lakhotia.
Manufacturing in London, Ontario
With close to 30,000 people, advanced manufacturing continues to be a significant employer in London’s economy. Leading companies such as 3M, Brose, and General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada have significant manufacturing facilities in London. Recent investments in 401/402 corridor, industrial lands, R&D facilities as well as skills training are some of the ways London is building the right infrastructure for manufacturers.
Learn more about London’s manufacturing sector at http://www.ledc.com/manufacturing
