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SME: Canadian Manufacturers Optimistic About 2013 Business Growth

Two-thirds of manufacturers surveyed by SME are optimistic about business growth over the next 12 to 18 months, with most anticipating a moderate to significant rise. At the same time, they are expecting to face some pressing challenges as they move forward, including a shortage of skilled workers and rising production costs.

Manufacturers cite skilled workforce shortage, cost control and investing in new equipment as top challenges for the year ahead

Toronto, Ontario — Canadian manufacturers are expecting business activity to increase in 2013 despite some uncertainty in the economy, reports a recent survey by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), producer of the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) 2013, to be held at The International Centre, September 30 to October 3.

Two-thirds (66.6 per cent) of manufacturers surveyed by SME are optimistic about business growth over the next 12 to 18 months, with most anticipating a moderate to significant rise. At the same time, they are expecting to face some pressing challenges as they move forward, including a shortage of skilled workers (41 per cent), rising production costs (38 per cent) and the need to invest in new equipment and technology (32 per cent).

“We are extremely encouraged by our findings,” said CMTS event manager Julie Pike, noting that the positive outlook is echoed by a Statistics Canada report from February 2013 indicating a rise in manufacturing sales in eight provinces, led byOntario,QuebecandNew Brunswick.

“It’s not surprising that a skilled workforce shortage came out as the number one concern,” she added. “The industry is talking about what Canada needs to do to address this pending crisis and CMTS will make this issue a priority during the four-day event by offering constructive solutions, resources and activities to help manufacturers respond to the challenge.” 

Pike explained that the SME survey results – gathered from 431 respondents representing a broad cross-section of industries led by the automotive, energy, aerospace, fabricated metal and machinery sectors – are being used to plan special events and educational programs at CMTS 2013,Canada’s most significant manufacturing event. Other noteworthy findings include:

  • 74 per cent of respondents expect to purchase equipment in the coming year, with budgets ranging from less than $50,000 to more than $5 million.
  • A high Canadian dollar continues to be a concern for roughly one-quarter of those surveyed.
  • Just over 30 per cent cited improving workforce productivity as a significant business challenge.
  • 84 per cent of manufacturing purchasing budgets will be either the same or greater in 2013 compared to 2012.

“The most important reason for our survey is to obtain a pulse check on the Canadian manufacturing landscape and respondents offered plenty of optimism around the continued improvement of the economy, growth and expansion,” said Pike. “They also told us that they value the work we do, with an overwhelming 94 per cent of respondents indicating that trade shows play an important role in their buying strategies.”

Canada’s largest and most respected manufacturing event, CMTS returns to The International Centre this year after 14 years in downtown Toronto. Asking visitors to “expect more,” the 2013 event will feature more than 500 exhibits and the most up-to-date industry solutions to 10,000 manufacturing professionals from across the country and around the world. Central to this year’s show will be premiere industry education, provided both on and off the show floor through a combination of product showcases, live equipment demonstrations, top speakers, interactive panel discussions, cutting-edge conference sessions and multiple networking hubs.

Offer for industry associations

CMTS already enjoys unprecedented support of allied industry supporters.  New for 2013, CMTS is expanding its offer to industry associations for the first time, inviting them to hold association-specific events in conjunction with CMTS 2013. “We aim to be an all-encompassing event that helps Canadian manufacturers to build and adhere to strong growth plans for the future,” said Pike.


For more information about the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show 2013, please visit www.cmts.ca or call 1-888-322-7333.

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