CME announces a Manufacturing Accelerator Program initiative in Manitoba

WINNIPEG — Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) announced the launch of the Manufacturing Accelerator Program (or MAP initiative) on Mar. 15, designed to help Manitoba’s manufacturers to become more globally competitive in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working with PrairiesCan and other key partners, the initiative will support individual companies and enhance the manufacturing network through advisory services, benchmarking assessments, and competency development to accelerate the competitiveness of Manitoba’s manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing is a key part of the Manitoba economy. Nearly every local manufacturing company has had to make adjustments due to supply chain issues,” said the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. “Our government is providing support to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) to help local companies succeed at home and internationally. Through CME’s important work, this initiative is moving quickly to mitigate risks to local businesses and allow them to seize new opportunities.”

Says Ron Koslowsky, CME Vice President “The program aims to support economic growth by building resilient, world-class suppliers better able to serve customers around the world, as well as accelerating productivity and investment through advanced digital manufacturing. It will also build competencies to develop skills needed and attract new talent into rewarding manufacturing careers.”

While Manitoba manufacturers already have investment intentions of $1billion, through the MAP initiative, CME hopes to help boost these figures. CME will assist companies in focused corporate strategic planning and implementation, enhance Manitoba supplier’s capabilities and productivity through manufacturing digitalization and continued Lean processes.

Gord Atamanchuk, General Manager of Manitoba-based manufacturer Micro Tool & Machine Ltd. (MTM) said, “Through CME programs and services, MTM has been able to accelerate both our Lean and technology adoption efforts and create even better value for our customers. From our supply chain to the skilled people we need to do our leading-edge work, having access to these supports is critical to growing companies and to Manitoba businesses overall.”