11 innovative companies honoured at 2016 Ontario Export Awards
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Pushing into markets from Brazil to Burkina Faso, winners are using international trade to explore new opportunities and grow their businesses
The winners of the 2016 Ontario Export Awards at the awards gala Nov. 22 at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ont. PHOTO: Donna Santos Studio
TORONTO—Emerging from a field of more than 25 finalists, 11 Ontario businesses pursuing growth in international markets were honoured this week at the 2016 Ontario Export Awards.
Toronto-headquartered jacket maker Canada Goose Inc. took home the top prize as Exporter of the Year, while 10 other businesses located across the province edged out other finalists to win awards in categories such as Clean Technology, Services and Global Reach.
Highlighting the exploits of local businesses in markets from Brazil to Burkina Faso, the Ontario Export Awards pay tribute to companies willing to forge into new markets and use trade as a gateway to growth.
A complete list of the 2016 winners:
Clean Technology: Silfab Solar Inc.
A manufacturer and distributor of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules, Silfab Solar operates a 300-megawatt plant outside Toronto where it employs more than 200 people. Its clients include both commercial solar developers and rooftop solar customers.
Consumer Products & Technology: Canada Goose Inc.
A winter jacket maker with its headquarters and manufacturing centre in Ontario, Canada Goose ships its products to more than 50 countries. It operates four plants in Canada and works with dozens of contract manufacturers across the country.
Food, Beverage, & Agriculture: Riverside Natural Foods Ltd.
A manufacturer of allergen-free, organic snack bars and bites for customers around the world, Riverside Natural Foods has 110 employees and recently began exporting to the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East.
Manufacturing & Resources (Small Manufacturer): Diagnostics Biochem Canada Inc.
Diagnostics Biochem develops and manufactures immunoassay kits for the diagnostic and public health segments of the medical industry. It currently employs 29 people at its plant outside London, Ont. and is preparing to move to a larger facility.
Manufacturing & Resources (Medium Manufacturer): Nu-Tech Precision Metals Inc.
An Ottawa area-based manufacturer of piping, tubing and other fabricated and welded components using common and specialty alloys, NuTech employs 50 people at two adjacent plants that span approximately 185,000 square-feet.
Manufacturing & Resources (Large Manufacturer): Polycorp Ltd.
A manufacturer of elastomeric parts and linings for the transportation, industrial and mining sectors, Polycorp operates a 55,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in the small town of Elora, Ont. and exports nearly 80 per cent of its production.
Services: Centennial College
Centennial is one of the top schools in Canada when it comes to the recruitment of international students. More than 24 per cent of Ontario’s international students attend Centennial College, generating about $180 million for the local economy.
Transportation Equipment: INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing
Specializing in the design and production of a wide range of armored vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, military vehicles, personnel carriers, cash-in-transit vehicles and others, INKAS provides armored vehicles for banks, law enforcement agencies and global corporations.
Emerging Exporter: NeoVentures Biotechnology Inc.
A life sciences company based in southern Ontario, NeoVentures focuses on identifying and developing aptamers, which are strands of DNA that mimic antibodies and are used in therapy and diagnostic applications.
Leadership: Corma Inc.
Growing from a small, three-man operation into a global business, Corma manufactures machinery used to make corrugated plastic pipes. The company’s diverse range of machinery can produce piping as small as 160 mm in diameter and as large as three metres.
Machines Italia Global Reach Award: Lofthouse Manufacturing
A producer of high quality brass and aluminum components, Lofthouse offers full service capabilities including engineering, tool room, quality control, machining and forging capabilities with exceptional customer focus to deliver a quality product on time.
Business Studies Student Award: Ensieh Daniali
After completing courses in global supply chain management, international business and multicultural skills, Daniali recently earned her SCMP designation. She is currently a supply chain professional with Elmira Pet Products Canada where she oversees a procurement budget of $35 million
