Manufacturer survey shows strong growth potential for local industries
Dec. 19, 2016
Manufacturers in Simcoe County could see increased growth and profits through collaboration with each other and with Georgian College in pursuit of research and development. Those are among the findings of a study recently released by Georgian College’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in partnership with the County of Simcoe and Invest Barrie.
The “Comprehensive Assessment of the Manufacturing Industry” study is based on in-person interviews with leaders of 56 area manufacturers to gain insight into individual companies, their challenges and opportunities to support the manufacturing sector. Results were unveiled to representatives of area industries at a recent event held at Georgian’s Barrie Campus. The event also included presentations by the Economic Development Office for the County of Simcoe and Invest Barrie which highlighted how survey findings are being used to guide their strategies to support the region’s manufacturing sector.
The firms that participated in the study supply a wide range of industries, including automotive, retail, general industrial, medical, oil and gas, food and beverage and aerospace. Most report a positive outlook in growing their business and employing more people, while some expect business to remain at current levels.
Major challenges cited by business owners include road infrastructure that makes transportation a challenge, and a concern about a lack of talent available for hiring. Skilled trades are in high demand now and will continue to be in the foreseeable future.
More than 65 per cent of businesses surveyed reported that they need additional employees, most with industrial skilled trades backgrounds. These include CNC machinists, electricians, tool and die makers, millwrights, welders, mold makers and fitters. Other high-demand occupations are engineers and engineering technicians/technologists, sales staff, programmers and office administrators and accountants.
Beginning in fall 2017, Georgian, in partnership with Lakehead University will help to increase the local supply of engineers with the launch of a unique program that combines a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree with an Electrical Engineering Technology diploma.
Also being launched in 2017 is a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environmental Sustainability with an Environmental Technician diploma. Plans call for three additional Bachelor of Engineering programs in mechanical, civil and software engineering in coming years.
The report also provides local industry with options for pursuing much-needed research and development. Opportunities currently exist through programs and services offered by Georgian’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI).
CARI connects industry and community partners with faculty and student researchers to help clear business and/or technology hurdles and better understand their target markets. This is accomplished through product design, prototyping, market research, analysis, testing and developing e-business solutions.