Why It’s the Greatest Generation

It was a rainy summer afternoon in my local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion when the talk, as it is wont to do, turned to history.

In between hand after hand of euchre, and surrounded by the ribbons, awards, and photographs of the fallen, we spoke of Normandy, Dieppe, and of North Africa. It was a time to reflect, as November is, on those that came before us.

The Greatest Generation isn’t called that just because of its actions between 1939 and 1945; it also is great because of its actions after the war.

The western world we know today exists because of this generation … literally. It was this group that returned home and began to build. They built roads and bridges, businesses and families. And it is this legacy that we all carry on today.

Many of this generation also came home with the skills to open machine shops, and it’s these shops that are the backbone of the Canadian manufacturing industry today.

Whether a shop supplies major automotive and aerospace OEMs or simply serves the local community, its floor is where stuff gets done. It’s where manufacturing magic happens.

All across the country shops are moving into the second and third generation of ownership. This transition can be difficult, because the passion to build and problem-solve needs to transfer to the next generation along with the ownership of the business.

So what lesson can we learn today from our post-war predecessors? Just this: Go get it.

One advantage the current generation has is a government that seemingly understands the importance of manufacturing to the nation at the macro level, in terms of tax revenue and GDP, as well as at the local level, in terms of unemployment and quality of life.

Programs exist to help. For example, the Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF) supports the development of innovative, fuel-efficient new automotive products and processes to both create new jobs and lessen the environmental impact of automobiles.

Another example is the SD Tech Fund, which assists companies with precommercialization strategies for clean technologies. It’s a nonrepayable grant for creating productivity improvements and helping with labour costs.

These programs exist, but they will go the way of the dodo and VHS tapes if they are not used. They can, however, be cumbersome and paperwork-heavy, so it’s a good idea to bring in an expert. And start now. Imagine what the world would be like if the Allies had waited until June 7.

 

About the Author
Canadian Metalworking

Joe Thompson

Editor

416-1154 Warden Avenue

Toronto, M1R 0A1 Canada

905-315-8226

Joe Thompson has been covering the Canadian manufacturing sector for nearly two decades. He is responsible for the day-to-day editorial direction of the magazine, providing a uniquely Canadian look at the world of metal manufacturing.

An award-winning writer and graduate of the Sheridan College journalism program, he has published articles worldwide in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical, infrastructure, and entertainment.