A WHOLE new world: As Canada's manufacturing sector picks up, our editorial advisory board discusses how to succeed in an ever-changing landscape

摘要

Four years ago, the members of Manufacturing AUTOMATION'S editorial advisory board convened for their annual discussion on the state of manufacturing. While the board members tried to remain positive, it became increasingly clear that optimism wasn't easy to come by. The darkening of the economy and the so-called "great recession" of 2008-09 was taking its toll on Canadian manufacturers. The automotive industry, in particular, was hurting and no one knew when the downward spiral might end. Fast-forward to today and the landscape isn't nearly as bleak for Canadian manufacturers. "Three, four years ago we were cautious," says Al Diggins, president and general manager of the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium. "Then we were cautiously optimistic. Now, we're just optimistic."