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Canada’s Factories Are Getting Leaner and Smarter Automation and technological prowess are enabling manufacturers to compete globally once again. Jason MacFarlane
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n a low-rise factory in suburban Toronto, rows of automated weaving machines are fashioning the future of Canadian manufacturing. Resembling oversized printers, these robotic seamsters are creating cutting-edge garments for clothing maker Myant. Using patented processes, they deftly embed tiny sensors into fabrics to create textiles that can monitor the wearer’s vital signs. Making garments that look like regular clothing but have the functionality of a doctor’s office is a complex task. Different worlds must collide, bringing with them skills in fashion design, science, engineering, advanced electronics, and health care. To meet the needs of a rapidly-changing world, developers, designers, and engineers must work together. It’s incredibly difficult. That’s why companies like Myant are Canada’s new sweet spot for manufacturing. Despite a decade of headlines about the hollowing out of our industrial base, manufacturing is still a crucial part of Canada’s economy. More than one in 10 people in Ontario still make things for a living. In fact, factory output grew 16 percent over the past decade. But we cannot compete against low-wage economies for low-value work. Our
strength lies in combining the deep experience of our traditional manufacturing base with our expertise in applied sciences, engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data to create high-value products. Manufacturing is now about assembling minds as much as assembly lines. Myant is far from alone in opening new markets using advanced new processes. In Nova Scotia, a startup called META uses proprietary nano-printing technology to turn surfaces like plane or car fuselages into solar panels. It’s skilled work that requires specialized equipment for precision engineering at the nanoscopic level — hardly the kind of capabilities that are easy to come by. It’s not only what we make that’s changing but also how we make it. A new wave of companies is driving efficiencies by embedding intelligence throughout production. Several ventures, such as Canvass in Toronto, now offer systems that wire up factory floors with data-gathering sensors and use algorithms to orchestrate operations with maximum efficiency. Instead of operating machinery, workers are being deployed to the highest-value tasks while allowing autonomous equipment to move products and materials. In some cases, robots are even becoming
co-workers. Vancouver-based Novarc Technologies has created the world’s first pipe-welding “cobot,” which works collaboratively with a skilled human welder and performs more routine parts of the job while leaving the complex parts to the pro. Automation is also bringing new capabilities within reach of smaller manufacturers, helping them become more competitive against global players. A startup called Vention of Montreal has developed an online platform that enables anyone to create an automated assembly line by choosing from libraries of parts like robotic arms and conveyor belts. The equipment is shipped to the purchaser within days. Vention’s client list includes Boeing and SpaceX, but its technology could transform smaller businesses that may not invest in bespoke equipment or have the expertise to design what they need. These developments aren’t dreams of the future. They’re happening now. More than half of the 45,000 factory jobs created in Ontario in the past decade were in advanced manufacturing roles. That figure will only climb as technology transforms our manufacturing industries, making them more competitive and turning them into global powerhouses.
Jason MacFarlane Head of Advanced Manufacturing, Venture Services, MaRS Discovery District
Publisher: Alanna Jozkoski Business Development Manager: Chelsea Siemon Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Content and Production Manager: Raymond Fan Designers: Filip Jansky and Lauren Livingston Web Editor: Karthik Talwar All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
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C O N C EP T D R AW I N G O F S A N O F I ’ S N E W VAC C I N E M A N U FACT U R I N G FAC I L I T Y.
Sanofi’s Toronto Site Boldly Forges Forward The company is an anchor and leader for biomanufacturing in Canada.
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anofi’s 100-year history and lasting commitment in Canada are etched into the DNA of the Toronto site. While producing essential vaccines that protect against vaccine-preventable diseases, Sanofi’s Toronto site is a driver of innovation, research, and development and a builder of domestic biomanufacturing skills and know-how. Offering a diverse and inclusive workforce, specialized leaders worldwide are drawn to the Toronto site.
Ramping up for the future means investing now While routine operations produce hundreds of thousands of doses of life-saving vaccines annually, it’s strategic investments that have focused the Toronto site firmly on the future. “We’re in a unique position to set ourselves up for the next century, and that’s extremely promising for biomanufacturing in Canada,” says Fabien Marino, Vice President of Industrial Affairs and Toronto Site Head at Sanofi. “Over the last few years, we have successfully attracted nearly $2 billion of investments at the Toronto site — an accomplishment that far eclipses any other of its kind in the Canadian life sciences sector.” At the end of March, Sanofi announced its largest-ever investment in partnership with the governments of Canada, Ontario, and the City of Toronto to build a new vaccine manufacturing facility on its existing Toronto campus. This $925 million investment will contribute to the construction of a 200,000 square foot facility that will produce global supply of influenza vaccine for seniors, and will have forward-looking capacity. “We’re talking about large scale flu production and the formulation, filling, packaging, and inspection line of the future,” says Marino. “Sanofi has been a leader for a long time, one of the largest biomanufacturers in Canada, but now we’re building and going to the next level.” “We’re incorporating state-of-the-art design elements to increase flexibility and performance of the new drug product capacity,” adds Kate Winchester, Head of Flu and PandemicProgram, Industrial Affairs Canada at Sanofi. “This flexibility will allow us to respond and be a key asset to support pandemic readiness.” Over the last several years, there have been many new developments at the Toronto site. As
an example, in 2008, Sanofi invested $100 million in the construction of the North American Centre of Excellence for Analytical and Bioprocess Research and Development. Following that, a $570 million investment was made in a new bulk vaccine manufacturing facility in 2018, one of the most advanced and complex globally, designed to meet growing demand for adult and paediatric booster vaccines.
New investment forges transformation forward With smart factories on the horizon, Sanofi’s strategic investments will act as a catalyst for the Toronto site to renew its assets and modernize its ways of working. “We’re at the forefront of the next industrial revolution — manufacturing 4.0 — where all our new assets will leverage advances in analytics, data science, automation, and machine learning” says Marino. From Sujatha Sivarajah’s perspective as Head of Manufacturing 4.0 and the Portfolio Management Office at Sanofi, “The digital innovation happening on-site is an exciting transformation. These new ways of working including leveraging the power of data analytics, will modernize what we do and how we do it. We aim to upskill and empower our people by providing them with the tools and technology to make their jobs more efficient and more rewarding.” But with the powerful winds of investment at their backs and an impressive roster of specialized leaders calling the Toronto site home, there’s still one key ingredient that makes these achievements possible.
Partnerships are the bedrock of success “With strong government partners at Sanofi’s side, we really see the benefits that solid and meaningful relationships have when it comes to securing necessary investment in biomanufacturing,” says Marino. “The bulk of our investments at the Toronto site have included contributions from three levels of government because they too recognized the imminent need to augment our industry in Canada.” Bringing these types of specialized biomanufacturing investments to Canadian soil can be a highly-competitive endeavour. Now more than ever, countries around the world are vying for coveted biomanufacturing investments. From Marino’s perspective, “The new investments at the Toronto site will build
additional domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity, maintain and create jobs, and spur on the local economy while also contributing to the betterment of global public health. This is good for Canada and good for the world.”
The world we live in matters to Sanofi “The connection between human health and the environment is reflected in our global conservation initiatives and our local efforts at the Toronto site — we work hand in hand with the local community and make sure our operations have the smallest possible impact,” says Luciana Schuetze, Senior Director of Health, Safety and Environment at Sanofi’s Toronto site. Beyond this, Sanofi recognizes the need to take an active role to inspire future leaders. Mentorship, networking, and financial support are how Sanofi encourages the next generation to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The Toronto site hosts roughly 100 university co-op students every year who attend Canada’s leading universities. There, they’re offered the opportunity to grow and be a part of something bigger than themselves — researching, developing, and manufacturing life-saving vaccines. Sanofi is also a big proponent of meaningful inclusion and diversity. One example of this is reflected in the number of women working in manufacturing and holding leadership roles. Sanofi in Canada was the first global biopharmaceutical company to earn GoldLevel Gender Parity by Women in Governance. “The Toronto site reflects the richness of Canada and eliminating barriers for women to be in leadership positions makes us stronger and provides much-needed diversity of thought at all levels of the site community,” says Marino.
Fabien Marino Vice President of Industrial Affairs & Toronto Site Head
Living and breathing its purpose Sanofi cares for the whole person and every person. It’s more than the treatments and vaccines it produces, but also an aspiration to create a better world. Reflecting on that, Marino notes, “Ultimately, we’re very proud to be a part of such an impactful global organization — one that constantly pursues excellence in all that we do. “At our Toronto site we’re driven by our mission — that no person should suffer or die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That’s our inspiration — our ambition — and it will always be what guides us today, tomorrow, and beyond.”
This article was sponsored by Sanofi.
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Sanofi’s Toronto Site Quick Facts
By 2026, the
The site employs
investment in a new vaccinemanufacturing facility will produce influenza vaccines for seniors and increase Canada’s pandemic preparedness.
in high-skilled manufacturing jobs, research and development, and other supporting functions.
$925 million
The site manufactures
millions
of doses annually of life-saving vaccines that protect human health in Canada and worldwide.
It exports life-saving vaccines to more than
60
countries worldwide.
1,600 people
In 2024,
a $600 million
54%
of senior leaders are women.
bulk manufacturing facility will produce adult and pediatric booster vaccines. Learn more at sanofi.ca.
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Engineers Can Reach for the Moon with Opportunities at MDA Purpose-driven job opportunities are currently available for engineers interested in working on the innovative Canadarm3 space program.
Current
Tania Amardeil
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ention Canadarm and Canadians tend to smile with a sense of recognition and satisfaction. This iconic homegrown space technology — a robotic arm that was used on NASA’s Space Shuttle for 30 years — is a well-known symbol of national pride for Canadians. The original Canadarm debuted in 1981 and flew on 90 space shuttle missions before being retired in 2011. The Canadarm sealed Canada’s reputation as a leader in technological innovation and led to the creation of the Canadarm2, which has been operating on the International Space Station for over 20 years.
I M AG E C O U RT ESY O F N AS A
The latest incarnation — Canadarm3 — is currently in development in Brampton, ON. The project is an intriguing initiative for Canadians to watch come to life, and it offers a multitude of exciting opportunities for engineers.
The Canadian company leading the charge on Canadarm3 The company behind this exciting initiative is MDA, a leading robotics and space operations firm. Serving the world from its Canadian home and global offices, MDA is an international space mission partner and
Job Openings a robotics, satellite systems, and geointelligence pioneer with a 50-year story of firsts on and above the Earth. With over 2,000 employees across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., MDA is leading the charge toward viable Moon colonies, enhanced Earth observation, communication in a hyper-connected world, and more. Enabled by its Canadarm, Canadarm2, Dextre, and TriDARTM technology, the company boasts 24,000 hours of direct robotic operations experience and over three million hours of engineering support to on-orbit robotic operations on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station — including over 100 free flyer vehicle and satellite captures, over 1,000 grasping operations, and eight autonomous docking operations — all with a 100 percent mission success rate.
Designing the next-generation Canadarm MDA’s latest project is Canadarm3, the company’s — and Canada’s — most a mbit iou s s p a c e exploration project yet. The next-generation AI-enabled robotic system will operate aboard the NASA-led Lunar Gateway, a deep space outpost scheduled to orbit the Moon beginning in the mid-2020s. It will support both human and robotic missions to the lunar surface, serve as a science laboratory, and act as a proving ground for exploration missions into deeper space. Canadarm3 will autonomously plan and control its operations, enabled by AI and advanced sensing. MDA is currently hard at work developing the Canadarm3 in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). “We’re proud to partner once again with the CSA to contribute world-leading Canadian technology and operational expertise to an international space exploration endeavour,” says Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA. “In addition to delivering the most advanced space robotics system ever built, the Canadarm3 program will serve as a catalyst for economic and socioeconomic benefits in Canada, and will inspire a new generation of Canadians
to think about what can truly be accomplished here in Canada.”
Exciting opportunities for engineers interested in technology, space, and robotics With a track record of making space ambitions come true, MDA enables highly-skilled people to continually push boundaries, tackle big challenges, and imagine solutions that inspire and endure to change the world for the better, on the ground and in the stars. While MDA has studied Canadarm3 early mission concept studies since 2014, it’s now ramping up the project following its award of the program Phase A contract in late 2020, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to deliver Canadarm. MDA is currently busy assembling a world-class team of engineers and program managers to undertake the design and build this next generation of robotics. The company has job openings for a variety of systems, software, mechanical, and electrical engineering roles at its headquarters in Brampton, ON, and is especially interested in engineers who are also leaders and can excel in working closely with multidisciplinary teams. If you’re an engineer with an interest in technology, space, and robotics, this could be the career opportunity of a lifetime. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field of space robotics and in a highly-collaborative environment. The Canadarm3 design process also employs some of the latest design tools and techniques, including additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and augmented reality, making it an incredible opportunity for learning and growth.
Exploring job opportunities in the growing space sector The space sector has entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity, and collaboration, MDA is comprised of engineers, marketers, program managers, and much more, all of whom are committed to growing MDA’s and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age. It’s truly a thrilling time for Canada’s space robotics industry, and the perfect time to join this rapidly-growing area.
This article was sponsored by MDA.
Software DevOps
Mechanical Thermal Engineer
Systems Engineer Intermediate to Senior
Electrical Digital Systems Design Engineer
Program Manager
Register for MDA’s upcoming Career Fair on June 28th at mda.space/en/careers.
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The Innovative Manufacturing Centre Fuels Better Industry Development Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Innovative Manufacturing Centre is an unparalleled resource with leading technology and faculty that helps the manufacturing sector adapt to a rapidly-changing world.
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anada can lay claim to a ground-breaking institute producing some of the most advanced technology in the world. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a leader in established and emerging manufacturing methods and technologies. To further solidify its place as a frontrunner in the manufacturing sector, the institute is launching its new Innovative Manufacturing Centre (IMC) at the Regina and Saskatoon campuses.
A leading centre in innovation “IMC is a virtual umbrella centre that spans four campus lo c a t ion s a rou nd the province, with the physical presence being predominantly located on the Saskatoon and Regina campus locations,” explains Tim Muench, Program Head of Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “The IMC includes the Biomaterials Testing
and Prototyping (B-TAP) facility located in Regina and the Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) facility in Saskatoon. The B-TAP facility offers a range of features, including bioplastic production and expertise, both injection and rotational molding, plus testing capacity, and additional advanced manufacturing equipment in related programs at the Regina campus. Industry members that want to partner with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s IMC and the RAMP facility have full access to a range of technologies and experts. Solutions like CNC machining, including a five-axis mill and a live tooling CNC lathe, as well as robots, like welding and collaborative robots, and a robust additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing) capacity give partners reassurance that all their advanced manufacturing needs can be met.
Incredible collaboration opportunities “The IMC was established in collaboration with local industry to support applied research to solve industry problems, and at the same time train qualified graduates who have experience using and implementing advanced manufacturing technology,” says Muench. “The RAMP facility has a track record of collaborating with industry to design or redesign products and prototypes, and also to help companies take products
through field testing and initial production runs for proof of concept and evaluation of manufacturing automation opportunities.” The incredible success the IMC has had working with the manufacturing sector on projects attests to its value as a partner. One such example, says Muench, is the work they’ve done with VeriGrain. “VeriGrain has developed a grain sampling system that produces statistically valid samples of grain as it’s loaded from harvest equipment, bulk transport containers, or bins so that both the buyer and seller have confidence in the quality and receive a fair price. The product is currently undergoing field testing with several large multinational corporations that buy and sell vast quantities of grain globally.” Ken Jackson, CEO of VeriGrain, has high praise for IMC when discussing partnership benefits. “IMC has both leading computer-based design and production capabilities that allowed the economic development and prototyping of relatively complex products,” he says. “The project we did with them wouldn’t have been possible in-house. Their knowledge and capabilities allowed us to advance and enhance our product line. Their access to funding allowed us to pursue the project much sooner.”
Tim Muench Design & Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Ken Jackson CEO, VeriGrain
This article was sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
McMaster Innovation Park Leads the Charge In Commercializing Discoveries Through Advanced Biomanufacturing McMaster Innovation Park driving progress in life sciences to benefit Canadians’ health and strengthen the economy.
Ty Shattuck CEO, McMaster Innovation Park
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dvanced manufacturing in the biotech industry will be critical to Canada’s recovery from COVID-19 and preparedness for another health crisis, says Ty Shattuck, CEO of McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) in Hamilton, ON. “I think many people view healthcare and life sciences as costs. I believe that life sciences is the ultimate renewable resource,” says Shattuck. “The raw materials are the ideas and discoveries, which we have a wealth of in Canada. If we can commercialize them and bring them to market, that satisfies our citizens’ needs for medicines and also creates jobs. And if we can become a net exporter and supply these products to the rest of the world, that becomes a GDP enhancer.” Helping transform ideas into commercial reality is MIP’s mission. MIP supports researchers with commercial aspirations, enables students to develop ideas in its incubator programs and connects industry with
the technical talent of McMaster University cial-scale manufacturing, as well as provide logistics and shipping expertise. “This really and other academic institutions. plays on Hamilton’s core strengths,” says ShatMIP is pursuing a 2.8 million square feet expansion, on top of its current 700,000 tuck. “We have deep expertise in life sciences square feet to scale up life sciences innovation, commercia lizat ion, and manufacturing, including 1.3 million square feet of labs and biomanufacturing space. Part of the expansion is a partnership with the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM). MIP and CCRM bring together I M AG E C O U RT ESY O F L N G ST U D I O S stakeholders, experthrough McMaster and Mohawk College and tise, infrastructure, and funding to accelerate the development and commercialization of our hospitals. And we have been the manufacregenerative medicines. turing heart of Canada forever. Bringing those The MIP facility will produce cells and viral things together will be transformative for the vectors for Phase III clinical trials and commerregion and for the whole country.”
Come Grow @ MIP. This article was sponsored by McMaster Innovation Park.