Seaspan representatives set to speak at Langley MME

For the readers who have attended previous Metalworking & Manufacturing Expos (MME) hosted by Canadian Fabricating & Welding and Canadian Metalworking, you will know that the one-day tabletop events provide an ideal opportunity to engage with fellow manufacturers and suppliers in an intimate setting.

This year, two of the events will be held in new locations: the B.C. event will take place in Langley on April 12, and the eastern Canada event will be in Drummondville, Que., on June 7. Our Winnipeg event returns on May 2.

Those who arrive early to these events have the opportunity to hear insights from leading manufacturers. The Langley MME will feature two representatives from Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards: Corey Lutes, director of manufacturing, and Dan Southern, director of workforce development. The two will discuss their manufacturing operations and their efforts to improve efficiencies and attract talent to make Seaspan run as effectively as possible.

Although they are a large organization in the unique manufacturing ecosystem of B.C.’s lower mainland, no doubt their challenges and efforts to push the envelope will resonate with attendees. I encourage you to join us, to not only hear what the speakers have to say but also to engage them in discussions regarding the challenges and opportunities for area manufacturers.

The Winnipeg MME will feature keynote speaker Brent Timmerman, vice-president of operations at MacDon Industries. He will discuss “The Evolution of a Manufacturing Organization Through Challenging Times.” It will include a review of the supply-chain, production, and the staffing and people challenges experienced by MacDon in the post-pandemic world and the approaches taken to handle them, including:

• The variation in supplier performance, from those experiencing intermittent or long-term problems.
• Attrition at MacDon, and the company’s experience with changing workforce dynamics.
• Material handling challenges—the paradox of having both too much material and yet not enough at the same time.

The keynote speaker for Drummondville will likely be announced around the time you receive this magazine in the mail. Visit www.metalworkingexpo.com for more details.

As free, one-day events within driving distance of your business, the MMEs are a good place to gather ideas for next steps in your operations. We hope to see you at one close to your shop.