Manufacts Newsletter March 2011

ManuFacts

#2

2011

A Newsletter for Manufacturers in Huron County

The Lean & Green Issue

THE NEW MANTRA FOR BUSINESS: GO GREEN OR GO HOME Opinion-Editorial: HMA Co-ordinator, Monica Walker-Bolton

In the wake of the global economic downturn manufacturers worldwide are struggling to find their footing in what some are now calling the new economy.

Manufacturers in Huron County are facing pressure from many sides. Staying costcompetitive in the face of a Canadian dollar above par, investing in research and development to compete in the global marketplace, and accessing raw materials at a reasonable price are just some of these pressures. How are small businesses expected to stay afloat in this

environment? More and more it seems the message to small business is “go big or go home”.

In the tumultuous environment in which Huron’s manufacturers compete to develop thriving businesses how important is being Lean & Green? How is decreasing our environmental footprint, conserving energy and leaving a greener world for future generations important in comparison to the many issues Huron manufacturers face daily?

In this Lean & Green Issue of Manufacts we will take a closer look at some Huron manufacturers that are using Lean & Green principles to reduce costs, stay competitive and create value for their customers.

Inquiries can be directed to the Huron Manufacturing Association, 57 Napier St., Goderich ON N7A 1W2. Phone 519-524-8394 ext 3/ Fax 519-524-5677

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The manufacturers featured in these pages are showing how to use the principles of “Lean” to reduce waste, improve quality and compete globally. Huron manufacturers are embracing “Green” to offer eco-friendly products, processes and solutions to a new breed of ecoconscious customers.

Huron’s manufacturers may be small but they are showing the variety of ways that they can be lean, green and innovative to capture new opportunities and new markets.

At least as far as Huron is concerned the mantra of the new economy is not “Go big or go home” but rather “Go green or go home”.

If you have a story about how your business is becoming lean and green please send a note to info@huronmanfuacturing.ca so your story can be featured on the HMA website.

HBDC & THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WANT TO INCREASE YOUR ACCESS TO CAPITAL The Huron Business Development Corporation (HBDC) has just been awarded $1.11 Million to provide additional small business loans to Huron County businesses!

For the past 17 years, HBDC has provided a lending function to local entrepreneurs hoping to either start businesses or expand existing ones, but finding themselves unable to obtain the necessary capital from conventional lenders.

To help solve that problem, HBDC has provided nearly $10 Million in over 200 loans to new and existing local businesses since inception. The additional $1.11 Million announced Friday January 7th, by Ben Lobb, M.P. for Huron-Bruce, will allow HBDC to significantly boost its lending practices and provide the local economy with an even greater capacity for creating jobs.

March, 2011

applicant and while approval may take 3-4 weeks, loan requests of $35,000 or less fall under HBDC’s ‘Quick Review’ policy and the organization commits to rendering decisions on completed(*) proposals within 1 week, or 5 business days.

Looking to start a small business? Need to replenish inventory for the upcoming season?

Maybe you need to retool or upgrade equipment? Are you developing a new marketing strategy to launch new products/ services, or to reposition current ones? Each of these objectives is an eligible expenditure for an HBDC small business loan.

Interested business owners or would-be entrepreneurs are asked to contact Jim Niesen, Loans Manager at HBDC, at (519) 527-0305 for specific details on interest rates, collateral security, and the application process. But make sure you act TODAY! This $1.11 Million is available only until March 31st 2011, and then it’s gone!

* A complete financing proposal builds a solid case of viability for the business idea, includes company history and financial projections, and describes in detail how HBDC loan monies will be used to ensure the long-term success of the under-taking. Proposals that do not include ALL of these components will necessarily take longer to review.

.

A maximum of $150,000 is available to each

Inquiries can be directed to the Huron Manufacturing Association, 57 Napier St., Goderich ON N7A 1W2. Phone 519-524-8394 ext 3/ Fax 519-524-5677

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EXI-PLAST A LEADER IN LEAN Driven by Innovation is a Government of Ontario publication that features Leading Growth Firms. In the recent 18th issue, EXIPLAST a custom plastic Industrial Blow Moulding firm, was showcased to recognize their continued investment in new technology to be both quality and cost competitive. EXI-PLAST manufactures products that are shipped worldwide.

“The first half of 2010 was very exciting for us,” comments Frank Zawalsky, Owner and President of EXI-PLAST. “EXI-PLAST has been in business for 19 years and since the beginning we have invested heavily in equipment to enhance our capabilities and processes.”

Zawalsky is referring to their 6 Industrial Blow Moulding production lines and their first robotic trim cell, installed in 2009 with a second installed in late 2010. With a Lean Manufacturing culture firmly entrenched, they easily achieved recertification to the latest ISO 9001:2008 standard, which clearly shows that EXIPLAST has positioned themselves for the future.

March, 2011

With more than 25 years’ experience in plastics manufacturing and 24 per cent of its revenues coming from exports, EXI-PLAST Custom Moulding, based in Huron Park, near Lake Huron, prides itself on meeting the needs of local and international customers.

In addition to providing ISO-certified blowmoulding and injection-moulding services to companies in industrial, agricultural, household and automotive sectors, EXI-PLAST’s lean manufacturing plant produces an array of proprietary plastics: paintbrush holders, bathroom caddies and accessories, rain barrels, insulated beverage coolers and blow-moulded plastic wheels for lawn carts.

EXI-PLAST even produces plastic

Pictured above, two stage robotic trim cell and Industrial Blow Mould.

Inquiries can be directed to the Huron Manufacturing Association, 57 Napier St., Goderich ON N7A 1W2. Phone 519-524-8394 ext 3/ Fax 519-524-5677

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ManuFacts

squirrel models to celebrate the famous white squirrel, a natural curiosity found in the nearby town of Exeter. “Over the last two years, we have spent a lot of money on new technology in robotics and machine upgrades to ensure that we continue to be competitive and provide competitive pricing to our customers,” says President and CEO Frank Zawalsky.

EXI-PLAST is a management-owned business operating from a single integrated location in South Huron. With multiple production lines and highly skilled staff, they are large enough to take on the most complex challenges in Industrial Blow Moulding projects, while their hands-on management team ensures the highest level of personal attention to customer satisfaction.

As an active member of the HMA and vocal advocate for the diverse manufacturing capabilities in our region, EXI-PLAST has been presented with numerous business and achievement awards.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS & EFFICIENCIES PROJECT

Improve your triple-bottom line for FREE.

Submit your application form by March 31, 2011 to be a part of this exciting initiative!

that will aid a manufacturing business in increasing efficiencies, reducing their environmental impact and contributing to the local community all while striving to reduce overall costs!

Companies who participate in this project will also be featured on the HMA website!

The Sustainable Business and Efficiencies Project is an early win project for the Huron County Sustainability Plan. Since the program launch, the Sustainable Huron Project Team has been working closely with the Steering Committee to identify a long-term vision and goals for the project, as well as the development of pilot projects that will illustrate what sustainability looks like on the ground. The selected projects include a local food project, a native species planting project with Huron’s youth, and a sustainable business and efficiencies project targeted at manufacturers in Huron County. To learn more, visit us online at http://www.huroncounty.ca/sustainablehuron/ index.php Please submit your applications of interest by Thursday, March 31, 2011 to: takeaction@huroncounty.ca

For more information on the Sustainable Business and Efficiencies Project please contact: takeaction@huroncounty.ca.

Manufacturers - this is your chance to be a part of the Sustainable Business and Efficiencies Project. Companies selected to participate in this exciting initiative will receive free professional guidance on integrating costeffective sustainability solutions such as identifying eco and energy efficiencies. Selected companies will receive free consultation with a sustainable business expert, and a sustainable business toolkit equipped with the tools and tips

For the Latest News and Event Information from YOUR Ma

g Association KENPAL’S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

HURON COUNTY CONTRACTOR’S EXPO, MARCH 25, 2011

Kenpal Farm Products Inc. A.A.P. (Amino Acid) program for swine was introduced in January 2001 and 10 years later is still going strong. Constantly being improved this leading edge technology allows hog producers to reduce the crude protein and phosphorus levels in the feed rations resulting in: • • •

Improved air quality by having the hogs produce less ammonia in the air.

Reduced excreted nitrogen in the manure by as much as 35%.

Lower fecal phosphorus to reduce phosphorus being put back into the land.

Kenpal’s ongoing research continues to confirm the environmental and nutritional advantages of a properly formulated diet. This research is leading the way to an improved environment, reduced water consumption and reduced manure volume as well as more efficient production.

Kenpal is a family owned, fully HACCP certified business. Our processes allow us to track all ingredients from receipt to the end product used on the farm. We are certified by the American Feed Association, the U.S. Food & Drug Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and both Customs Border Agencies (U.S. & Canada) as well as the U.S. Department of Transport & the Ministry of Transport.

Does your business supply goods and services to contractors?

Are you thinking of using the services of a contractor this year?

If you answered yes, you need to attend the Huron County Contractor’s Expo happening on Friday March 25, 2011, at the Goderich Columbus Centre (390 Parsons Court).

CMG Building Solutions Inc. is partnering with the Huron Small Business Enterprise Centre, and other local sponsors, to hold this day-long event. Running from 9:00am to 4:00pm, this event will feature seminars, guest speakers, a tradeshow and a hot lunch. Seminar topics will include building code rules and regulations, health and safety training information, apprenticeships and other employer related programs, green building sector impacts, customer service excellence, and the State of the Huron County Economy.

The event is open to the public, and admission to the tradeshow and seminars is FREE. Lunch tickets cost $20 per person. Booth spaces for those who wish to promote their products and services will be available at a cost of $100 – this includes a 10’ x 10’ booth space and an 8’ table, as well as two lunch tickets. Spaces will be booked on a first come first served basis.

For more information please contact: Lisa Harper (519) 357-2969.

anufacturing Association. Visit www.huronmanufacturing.ca.

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DESIGN CONCRETE’S PRECAST CONCRETE HELPS PROJECTS GET LEED CERTIFIED Precast concrete products are a smart choice for projects seeking LEED certification. With LEED requirements becoming commonplace it is important to understand how different products contribute. Designers are often turning to precast concrete components that provide a number of "green" advantages. Precast concrete components can help owners to reach as many as 21 of the 26 points needed to achieve LEED certification.

Design Concrete Systems Ltd. a precast plant located in Seaforth, ON has been offering quality precast products for over 30 years.

After supplying products to the agricultural industry for many years they now also supply products for the green energy market, and other facets of the construction industry.

Since precast concrete products are manufactured off site and delivered on demand, there is a significant reduction in truck traffic, dust, noise and debris from formwork associated with pour in place products. Because precast concrete products are modular and standardized, they are installed in a quicker fashion and result in reduced construction times and energy usage, noise and emissions from on-site equipment and in reduced site impact. Steel used for concrete reinforcement is typically composed of 95 percent postconsumer recycled content.

Design Concrete supplies precast bases used in ground mounted solar panels and wind turbines to create green energy.

For more information on Design Concrete or how precast can contribute to LEED certification visit www.designconcrete.ca

Inquiries can be directed to the Huron Manufacturing Association, 57 Napier St., Goderich ON N7A 1W2. Phone 519-524-8394 ext 3/ Fax 519-524-5677

March, 2011

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MTS ENVIRONMENTAL INC. CREATING A GREENER LANDSCAPE MTS Environmental provides 100% natural solutions to organic waste and water environmental issues – with a radically different approach. Owners Hiram Thompson and Scot Morgan understand that nutrient contamination, odours and solid build-up are not the problems. They are symptoms of microbial and nutrient imbalances. Their products work to restore a natural balance of microbial life, activating the natural biodigestion system to eliminate the cause, thereby eliminating the symptoms as well.

numbers, and supernate that is tough to decant. With the introduction of Bio-Desolve Natural Septic & Wastewater Treatment, many of these problems improve."

A septic hauler in the Ottawa area, Rene Goulet Septic Pumping, has used Bio-Desolve for over 5 years. A portion of his operation consists of pumping septic tanks, which he then puts into lagoons on his farm. He began using BioDesolve when he ran out of lagoon space due to sludge build-up. His lagoons now function at optimal levels. With proven results, Goulet uses Bio-Desolve in his customers’ tanks.

Foam in aeration cell in Lucan, Ontario prior to treatment with Bio-Desolve Natural Septic & Wastewater Treatment

Bio-Desolve is a line of 100% all-natural, environmentally-friendly products used to treat and control solid build-ups, offensive odours, nutrient contamination, and microbial and nutrient imbalances. By varying their proprietary formula, Bio-Desolve is proven effective in treating and maintaining municipal lagoons and treatment facilities, drain lines, grease traps, septic tanks, ponds, manure pits and storage, and has land applications that improves soil quality and provides effective pest control.

MTS Environmental manufactures their line of Bio-Desolve products in-house. Each ingredient that goes into the product line is stored separately until the final product is ready to be mixed. Because they have developed their own formulations, they can tailor the products to suit different needs and applications.

“We’ve found that every municipality experiences different issues depending on variables such as their operating system, population, unique businesses in the area that raise specific wastewater levels, foaming, odours, nitrate levels, and so on,” said Thompson. “The main concerns we hear are high levels of sludge that will not break down, offensive odours, grease build-up, high nitrate levels, high E.Coli

March, 2011

Foam in aeration cell in Lucan, Ontario after Bio-Desolve Natural Septic & Wastewater Treatment has been used for 3 months

Inquiries can be directed to the Huron Manufacturing Association, 57 Napier St., Goderich ON N7A 1W2. Phone 519-524-8394 ext 3/ Fax 519-524-5677

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HMA MOURNS THE LOSS OF ANN BAYLEY

March, 2011

HMA TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH NEW WEBSITE MARCH 22ND The new HMA website will be officially presented to the public on March 22nd.

Although the official launch is yet to come, HMA members can take a sneak peek at the new website by visiting www.huronmanufacturing.ca. The new website has been unofficially live for a week or two in order to test the performance of the site prior to any serious promotion.

HMA members are encouraged to visit the new website and even contribute articles about their businesses.

From a single machine the size of a domestic dish washer which could turn out two ice punch bowls a week, Julian and Ann made Iceculture into a company that produces 100 crystal clear ice blocks a day - all in the space of 25 years.

Iceculture is recognized as a leader in the hospitality ice business, worldwide.

After a courageous fight with lung cancer, an inspirational member of the Huron Manufacturing Association, Ann Monica Bayley passed away January 19, 2011 with grace and dignity.

Ann will be deeply missed by her entire family and also her Iceculture family, including husband Julian, daughter Christine and stepchildren Sam and Heidi, all of whom have been active participants in the HMA. There are two other daughters not involved in the business, Peta, a 3-D animator in the movie industry based in London (UK) and Leigh who works at the University of Pittsburg, PA.

HMA Co-ordinator, Monica Walker-Bolton said of the new site, “It is very easy to add an update content on the new site. I have been adding news articles of interest to Huron manufacturers as I receive them. I expect the new website is going to be a popular resource for HMA members�.

The website has been completely redesigned to be more user friendly. The profiles of HMA members and Associate members have been redesigned to provide a more professional looking promotion of the businesses and services available in Huron County.

Ann's warmth, charm and kindness will be missed by all of her friends at the HMA.

Ann was co-founder of Iceculture Inc. with her husband and best friend Juilan Bayley.

Inquiries can be directed to the Huron Manufacturing Association, 57 Napier St., Goderich ON N7A 1W2. Phone 519-524-8394 ext 3/ Fax 519-524-5677