Canadian manufacturers face a stark reality: artificial intelligence alone won’t secure their global competitiveness. Industry innovation leader Jayson Myers delivers a critical wake-up call that demands immediate attention from every executive in the sector.
Strategic Opportunity
This represents a massive strategic opportunity for Canadian manufacturers willing to embrace comprehensive technological transformation. The narrow AI focus currently dominating boardroom discussions misses the broader innovation ecosystem needed for sustainable growth.
Why It Matters Now
Global trade tensions and evolving tariff structures demand manufacturing agility like never before. Jayson Myers, CEO of Hamilton-based NGen, warns against the dangerous oversimplification plaguing the industry: “The biggest mistake manufacturers make is thinking they can continue to do the same old thing, the same old way.”
McKinsey research reveals approximately 70% of digital transformation projects fail in Canada. This failure rate signals fundamental flaws in current implementation strategies, not technology limitations.
Market Impact
NGen’s $32.3-million investment demonstrates the potential scale of transformation. The results speak volumes: $7 billion in new sales, 55 company launches, and nearly 3,500 jobs created across 165 completed projects. These numbers represent just the beginning of Canada’s manufacturing renaissance.
Statistics Canada forecasts 15.5% growth in manufacturing sector capital investment for 2025, reaching $38.4 billion. However, Canada experienced a troubling 1.8% drop in labour productivity in 2023, the steepest among OECD nations.
Strategic Advantage or Risks
Manufacturers adopting holistic technology strategies gain significant competitive advantages. Richmond Hill’s Maple Advanced Robotics Inc. (MARI) exemplifies this approach, combining AI with computer vision and force sensing technologies.
MARII’s integrated platform solves automation’s biggest challenge: constant reprogramming requirements. Their solution reduces car door panel sanding to under two minutes per panel with flawless consistency. A $3-million Ontario cabinet maker now leases MARI’s platform monthly, proving scalability across company sizes.
The risk of maintaining status quo approaches grows daily. Myers emphasizes manufacturers must “rethink your businesses and processes” or face inevitable obsolescence.
Sector Spotlight: Advanced Manufacturing and Automation
The upcoming Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS) 2025 showcases this transformation in action. Over 10,000 manufacturing professionals will gather at Toronto Congress Centre from September 29 to October 2, representing 20% expanded floor space reflecting sector momentum.
CMTS features three specialized zones: RAPID + TCT Showcase for additive manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing Experience for digital transformation, and Discovery Zone highlighting Canadian start-up innovation. Companies like Stratasys Direct, Cimatron Technologies, and Genius ERP will demonstrate practical applications.
Global Context
Canada’s export dynamics reveal urgent diversification needs. Export share to the U.S. declined to 68%, while trade with other global partners surged 42% over the past year. This shift demands enhanced production capabilities and reinforced international positioning.
Myers believes focused innovation investment could enable Canadian manufacturing to “leapfrog any country.” This ambitious vision requires immediate action across multiple technology domains simultaneously.
HOWAYS Insight
- Canadian manufacturers implementing multi-dimensional technology strategies will achieve 25% productivity gains by 2027, outpacing single-focus AI adopters.
- Companies maintaining narrow AI focus risk 40% competitive disadvantage within three years as integrated solutions become industry standard.
- The $38.4 billion capital investment forecast creates unprecedented technology adoption windows for forward-thinking manufacturers.
For Business Leaders
- Diversify beyond AI into IoT, advanced materials, computer vision, and force sensing technologies. Create integrated solutions rather than isolated implementations.
- Establish relationships with innovation clusters like NGen. Leverage their $32.3-million investment programs and proven track record of commercial success.
- Consider leasing models like MARI’s platform for immediate automation benefits without massive capital outlays. This approach enables testing and refinement before full commitment.
- Develop capabilities targeting non-U.S. markets where 42% trade growth indicates expanding opportunities. Build production flexibility for diverse international requirements.
- Attend Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show 2025 to evaluate cutting-edge solutions firsthand. Use the Discovery Zone to identify emerging Canadian innovations.
Ready to Transform?
What’s preventing your manufacturing operation from moving beyond AI to embrace comprehensive technological innovation? Share your biggest implementation challenge in the comments.
