The Future of Manufacturing:
A Manufacturing Excellence Forum for the Alberta Manufacturing Community
The event aims to bring together leaders and professionals from the manufacturing industry to discuss emerging trends, share best practices, and foster networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and promote organizational growth. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights into optimizing manufacturing processes, enhancing leadership skills, and driving innovation in the industry.
We are excited to continue developing and expanding our agenda.
Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Event Overview
October 30, 2024, 8:00am – 3:00pm | Courtyard Edmonton West
AGENDA:
8:00am - Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:30am - Opening Remarks and Welcome
8:45am - Canada's Productivity Puzzle: Solutions for Entrepreneurs, with BDC
9:30am - Networking Break
9:45am - Panel Discussion: Sustainability in Manufacturing
10:15am - Leveraging Nature's Bioreactor: Sustainable Biomanufacturing with Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit Flies), with Erik Luber of Future Fields
10:45 am - Breakout Session 1 - participants may choose one in each time slot
- Exploring Workforce Development
- Maximizing Productivity for Sustainable Growth
- A Look at Labour Market Intelligence in Alberta
11:30am - Networking Break
11:45am - Breakout Session 2 - participants may choose one in each time slot
- Enabling Flexible Process Automation, Digital Inventory, and Digital Twining through Industrial Robotics, Industry 4.0, and Additive Manufacturing, presented by Dr. Ahmed Qureshi of the University of Alberta
- Advancing Productivity with Lean Manufacturing, presented by MEE Cluster
- Exploring AI in Marketing for Manufacturing
12:30pm - Lunch
1:30pm - Afternoon Breakout Sessions - participants may choose one:
- Facility Tour 1: Polykar
- Facility Tour 2: Inovata Foods
- Facility Tour 3: University of Alberta
Presentations
The word productivity is often misunderstood. Productivity doesn't mean you have to work harder or longer to produce more. In fact, productivity is a measure of efficiency. It determines the quantity of services or goods a business can produce with the resources it uses.
This is an essential metric of a company's success, since it dictates its ability to generate cash flow and profits. An unproductive business is leaving a lot of money on the table!
It's also a societal issue. After all, productivity determines our standard of living. Unfortunately, productivity has been stagnating in Canada for far too long, and the reason is well known: companies aren't investing enough.
Today, corporate investment per employee in Canada is 41% lower than in the United States. How can we change this?
This study takes stock of productivity in Canada, with a specific focus on SMEs. In particular, it emphasizes the importance of investing in machinery, equipment and technology, including AI
It also suggests solutions by industry to help improve efficiency.
We hope this analysis will provoke discussions within your business about ways to improve your productivity and, consequently, your profitability.
In the context of rising costs and labour shortages, improving productivity has become critical.
The clock is ticking: it's time to act!
Sustainable biomanufacturing has predominantly focused on incremental improvements to existing industrial processes—optimizing engineered cell lines within artificial bioreactors. At Future Fields, we propose a paradigm shift: instead of refining these synthetic environments, we harness the innate efficiencies of a natural bioreactor perfected over 50 million years—Drosophila melanogaster. By utilizing over a century of scientific research, we are able to rear transgenic fruit flies engineered to produce recombinant proteins, while tapping into a system inherently optimized for resource utilization and energy efficiency.
This presentation will first introduce traditional methods of recombinant protein production, highlighting the sustainability challenges they pose, including high greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. We will then introduce our innovative approach, demonstrating how leveraging Drosophila not only addresses these environmental concerns but also enhances production efficiency. Our environmental impact report reveals that per gram of recombinant protein, our system emits 86% fewer greenhouse gases and uses 75% less water compared to traditional methods.
The aim of this talk is to hopefully give attendees a fresh perspective on sustainable manufacturing, appreciating how aligning with natural systems can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits.
As sustainability becomes an increasingly critical focus across industries, manufacturers are facing new challenges and opportunities to innovate for a greener future. How can we reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness? What role does technology play in driving sustainable manufacturing practices?
Join us for an engaging panel discussion where industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability experts will come together to explore these questions and more. Our panelists will dive into the latest trends, real-world success stories, and cutting-edge strategies that are transforming the manufacturing landscape.
Why Attend?
- Learn from Experts: Hear insights from top professionals who are pioneering sustainability efforts in manufacturing.
- Explore Innovative Solutions: Discover how companies are adopting eco-friendly technologies and processes to achieve sustainability goals.
- Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with professionals and peers who are passionate about driving positive change in the manufacturing sector.
- Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with practical strategies to implement sustainability initiatives in your own organization.
We will be welcoming the following panelists:
Erik Luber, Head of Engineering, Future Fields
TBA
Breakout Session 1
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) is actively involved in supporting workforce development through a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing skills, improving productivity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the manufacturing sector.
Join EMC's President, JP Giroux, to learn more about how EMC is focused on growing a more competitive manufacturing sector - a sector that supports Canadian businesses so that they can provide good jobs and strong economic growth opportunities for communities across the country.
With over 20 years in manufacturing, JP is focused on ensuring the sector’s future through youth engagement, succession planning, technology and skills solutions, and the adoption of green manufacturing. JP has also overseen EMC’s development of new advanced skills solutions and certification programs for the Canadian manufacturing industry.
On top of all this, he somehow finds time to pursue his other passions of skiing, cycling, and golf near his home in Gatineau, Quebec.
Presentation Outline:
Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of Canada’s manufacturing sector. JP will explore the key issues impacting manufacturers today and the challenges that EMC is actively helping the industry to overcome. You’ll also learn about the innovative solutions EMC members are adopting to strengthen their People-Plant-Process capabilities, while transitioning toward a low-carbon, net-zero economy and more sustainable production ecosystems.
Through these efforts, EMC is playing a pivotal role in ensuring manufacturers have access to the skilled workforce and advanced tools they need to thrive in an evolving and increasingly competitive landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of Canadian manufacturing and the strategies that are driving its success.
In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, achieving sustainable growth while maximizing productivity is a critical challenge for organizations. Process optimization, technology adoption and continuous improvement are key requirements that any business, at any size, needs to constantly review and learn about.
Join us for an interactive session that delves into practical, proven strategies and approaches to enhance your productivity. You will learn to:
- Increase your ability to respond to market conditions and meet the continually changing needs of your clients.
- Implement conditions leading to improved bottom line and long-term success.
- Learn to promote a culture of continuous improvement among employees.
Presented by Anish Ambujakshan, Senior Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services.
Information coming soon.
Breakout Session 2
This presentation demonstrates research and development work at the ADAMS (Additive Design and Manufacturing Systems) Lab at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. The presentation highlights the ongoing research with a focus on reducing the barrier of entry threshold for local industries in adopting flexible robotics for manufacturing, process automation, and quality control. A number of case studies will be presented to demonstrate the integration of AI, sensor fusion, and manufacturing processes at different scales to optimize the manufacturing process for higher efficiency, quality, and profitability.
Overview:
Join us for an exclusive event where we will explore the transformative effects of the Manufacturing Export Enhancement (MEE) Cluster's initiatives currently ongoing in Alberta. This event will feature a panel discussion, breakout sessions, and insights from industry experts who have been through the LEAN assessment program.
Featured Speakers:
- David Rist, Program Director for the Manufacturing Export Enhancement Cluster at Access Prosperity
- Bruce Ennis, Lead Practitioner in LEAN & 5S
- Other Industry Experts
Event Highlights:
1.Lean Accelerator Program: Learn more about how you can participate in this program.
2.Panel Discussion: Industry leaders and participants sharing their insights on how LEAN practices improved their operations.
3. Breakout Sessions: Interactive deep dives into practical implementation strategies of LEAN methodologies.
4. Q&A: Direct interaction with MEE Cluster leaders and LEAN experts.
Don’t Miss Out:
Register now for this exclusive event and gain valuable insights into productivity enhancement through LEAN practices. Don’t miss out on learning from industry leaders and experts who have been through the journey.
This insightful event will feature Sam Porter, Operations Manager at Ballistic Arts, an Award-Winning Lead Generation Digital Marketing Agency for Manufacturers. Sam will dive deep into the evolving role of AI in marketing for the manufacturing sector, and share take-home strategies that she and the team at Ballistic Arts use for their clients.
Why Attend?
You'll gain practical strategies!
Increase Efficiency: Learn how to streamline marketing efforts and enhance decision-making.
Improve Decision-Making: Use AI to make data-driven choices that resonate with your audience.
Avoid Pitfalls: Get tips on steering clear of common AI marketing mistakes, like biased data and strange targeting results.
Whether you're already incorporating AI or just curious about its potential, this highly anticipated presentation will equip you with the knowledge to use AI smartly and avoid the unexpected.
Afternoon Sessions: Facility Tours
Inovata Foods is North America’s premier manufacturer of private label and co-packed frozen entrees for retail, club store and food service. They specialize in a wide variety of global cuisine ranging from Italian to Indian. Their two production facilities and multiple high speed lines provide Inovata Foods with single serve unit capabilities up to 6 lbs. They offer value to our customers through manufacturing excellence, innovative R&D, professionalism and competitive pricing models.
During the tour you’ll witness how Inovata Foods produces its range of frozen meal products. The tour will show you the different stages of production, including ingredient preparation, cooking, portioning, assembly, and packaging. These lines are typically automated for efficiency and precision in maintaining consistent quality. This tour will give you a clear understanding of their commitment to high-quality food production, innovation in frozen meals, and dedication to food safety and sustainability.
Polykar is an innovative, world-class manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions. They offer products that reduce the environmental impact, as everything they make is 100% recyclable or compostable with a strong commitment to research and development.
Equipped with advanced technology and machinery, a plant tour of Polykar's facility will provide a look into the company's innovative manufacturing processes, and sustainability initiatives. Witness their plant which houses state-of-the-art robotics and automation, making it one of the most modern and innovative of its type in North America.
Recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2021, their specialty lies in producing polyethylene film for converters, garbage bags, certified compostable bags, food, and industrial packaging. See how they use eco-friendly practices, such as the use of recycled plastics and their zero-waste philosophy.
Visit three of the University of Alberta's Research & Development labs:
The University of Alberta is home to a network of cutting-edge research labs dedicated to advancing the future of manufacturing and construction. Their facilities drive innovation through sustainable, intelligent, and technology-driven solutions, making significant contributions to industries across the globe.
The Additive Design and Manufacturing Systems Lab leads the way in exploring groundbreaking robotic and industrial advanced manufacturing process automation. The lab has pioneered large-scale robotic metal and polymer 3D printing processes as well as industry 4.0 digital twining and sensor fusion for process monitoring and control. The lab is revolutionizing industries such as energy, assembly line manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and automotive with more efficient and sustainable solutions.
At the SMART & Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Laboratory, the focus is on integrating intelligent, data-driven technologies into modern manufacturing processes. Through advanced robotics, machine learning, and sustainable practices, this lab is developing innovative ways to optimize production, reduce waste, and meet the evolving demands of a greener, smarter industrial future.
The Construction Innovation Centre (CIC) leverages cutting-edge technologies and techniques to bridge the gap between state-of-the-art innovations and industry needs. The centre's research supports the development of durable, efficient, and sustainable building practices that meet the evolving demands of the 21st century. The CIC Lab conducts interdisciplinary research in areas such as AI and robotics for building prefabrication, generative design for manufacturing, XR-based worker training, mobile robots for automated inspections, and AI-driven defect detection. The centre’s labs are equipped with advanced tools and technologies, including mobile robots, robotic arms, wearable robots, XR devices, and reality capture technologies, enabling the development and testing of innovative solutions to address modern challenges.
Together, these labs are shaping the future of industry by promoting innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies. At the University of Alberta, we’re creating the solutions that drive progress in manufacturing, construction, and beyond.
Event Partners
