FABTECH Canada provides a convenient venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, find the tools to improve productivity, and discover new solutions for all your metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing needs. Three days here puts you face-to-face with more companies, people, technologies, industries and equipment than you could review in months on your own. FABTECH Canada is where you'll find new ideas — unexpected solutions you didn't even know you needed.
Canada’s Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating, Welding and Finishing Event
The Future State of Advanced Manufacturing in Canada
June 11, 2024|2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (ET)
The Future State of Advanced Manufacturing in Canada
When it comes to the economics of manufacturing, business practices in Canada and the U.S. are not one and the same. Canada is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, which is a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness, as well as a source of employment and innovation. According to NGen, the industry-led organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing, fabrication in Canada is undergoing a digital transformation that will enrich the lives of Canadians, deliver better products and good jobs, and generate economic growth. The panel of experts will share the future opportunities for the industry.
Stephanie is the Director of Project Development at Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen). She has 17 years of experience leading teams and projects in the steel industry. She loves connecting emerging technologies with existing manufacturing problems and believes the future of manufacturing is in the adoption of new ways of working. Stephanie holds a BASc – Chemical Engineering (University of Waterloo), and an MBA specializing in the Management of Innovation and New Technology (McMaster University). Stephanie is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, and is currently the President and Chair of the Board of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers.
Max has been in the steel trades since the age of 17. Working as both a welder and fabricator, Max has extensive experience in all levels of the trades – from welders’ helper, welder/fitter, educator, manager, Business owner, and now National Director at the Canadian Welding Bureau. Max hopes to support, educate, and provide opportunities to all persons in the steel trades across Canada and beyond.
Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors , Reko International Group Inc.
Diane Reko is the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors of Reko International Group Inc., a diversified, technology-driven manufacturing company located in Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada. The company utilizes technology combined with a long history of manufacturing to supply innovative automation equipment and the precision machining of large critical components to its customers in the automotive, transportation, power generation, aerospace and other industries. Diane is proud to lead a team of skilled and innovative people that help to support the community of Windsor-Essex. She believes that Reko’s support of other manufacturers also strengthens their communities and helps to provide critical economic independence and freedom.
Director for Trade and Industry Affairs, Canadian Steel Producers Association
François Desmarais has joined the Canadian Steel Producers Association in 2024 as their Director for Trade and Industry Affairs. He previously held the roles of Public Affairs Director at Alstom and of Government Relations Advisor at Rheinmetall. Francois honed his public policy skills having worked extensively in various governmental organizations, from the Office of the Minister of Industry, the Senate of Canada, and the National Assembly of Quebec, as well as abroad for the European Commission, Canadian delegations to the OSCE and to the EU. Francois holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a certificate in German studies from the Université de Montréal, and a master’s degree in political science from Université Laval. He is fluent in French, English, and German.
