Manufacturing superclusters can combat industry shortcomings

Coffee is the reason I get out of bed in the morning. Not money or a good work ethic or boredom. Coffee.

Each day starts with the same routine: I stumble down the stairs to meet the day, stop for a cup of brain juice, and then, and only then, start working.

The problem facing all coffee drinkers, however, is that the world might run out by 2080 because global warming is changing the microclimates of coffee-growing regions.

Another threat comes from an aging workforce of both independent coffee farm owners and their employees who, upon retirement, will leave the industry with a skilled-labour shortage and fewer engaged, dedicated owners. A trend of coffee farmers’ children leaving the family farm to pursue education and professional work also is constantly growing.

Sound familiar?

The same scenario has been playing itself out in machine shops across the country for many years. Thankfully, it will take a little more than changing soil pH levels to wipe out this industry … but only if action is taken now.

Cooperation between private manufacturing firms and local, provincial, and federal governments is paramount to create the environment necessary for manufacturing growth. A large and busy manufacturing sector will combat labour attrition by creating a larger pool of workers and investors.

Superclusters are one way to achieve this goal.

Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) Canada is one example of how to champion the supercluster initiative. It’s a network of private- and public-sector organizations working together to keep Canada at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. NGM Canada’s goal is to create global leaders in advanced manufacturing.

In February Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic development Navdeep Bains announced that this mission to build superclusters has qualified for government financing.

The NGM initiative is led by Linamar Corp. CEO Linda Hasenfratz on behalf of more than 140 partners.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster presents a tremendous opportunity to bring the twin strengths of Canada’s manufacturing and technology sectors together to create sustained growth,” said Hasenfratz. “NGM Canada will support collaborative, industry-led projects, as well as support the creation of new tools, testbeds, and infrastructure to help create the next generation of manufacturing firms.”

Don’t wait for the supercluster trend to vanish. Get onboard now.