October marks Manufacturing Month across North America—an entire month dedicated to the celebration of an industry that powers innovation and keeps our economies moving. But it’s more than just a month of recognition. It’s a chance for manufacturers to spark interest in the next generation, showcasing the exciting opportunities and high-tech advancements shaping the future of this growing field. With a spotlight on cutting-edge technology and a push to attract fresh talent, Manufacturing Month is the perfect time to explore the incredible potential of this massive industry.

Let’s look at some fast facts about Manufacturing in Ontario and Canada:

• There are over 38,000 Manufacturing companies in Ontario and over 92,000 in Canada
• 800,000+ Ontarians work in Manufacturing
• 7 million Canadians work in Manufacturing across the country
• The average weekly earnings of someone working in manufacturing is $1,332
• 11.1% of Ontario’s GDP results from this Sector
• Manufacturers export more than $354 billion each year, representing 68% of all of Canada’s merchandise exports
• Nearly 80% of Ontario’s outbound goods are a result of the Ontario Manufacturing Sector

A Manufacturing Industry is any industry where goods are produced through a combined effort of human labor, tools, machinery, and chemical processing. Some examples of industries common in Ontario include:

• Plastic & Rubber Products,
• Transportation Equipment,
• Food,
• Machinery,
• And Fabricated Metal Products

The State Of The Industry

The manufacturing industry has transformed into a hub of innovation and cutting-edge technology as modernization sweeps across sectors. In today’s fiercely competitive global economy, innovation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for survival. Canadian manufacturers have risen to the challenge, staying ahead by embracing top talent in fields like design, research, programming, engineering, and skilled trades. By leveraging both the expertise of these highly skilled professionals and investments in new technologies, they are not just keeping pace with customer demands and global competition—they’re setting new benchmarks for the future.

As we look ahead, it’s the advancements made today that will fuel tomorrow’s breakthroughs, making manufacturing an essential force in shaping the world of the future.

One key strategy manufacturers are using to stay competitive in the global market is automation. By integrating automated processes, companies can streamline operations, increase production speed, and shorten lead times for customers. Automation isn’t just about working faster or cutting costs—it’s about optimizing every step of the process to deliver the highest-quality result.

A prime example of this is Cavalier Tool and Manufacturing Ltd., a Windsor, Ontario based mold maker specializing in medium to large plastic injection molds. In partnership with CNC machinery OEM Hermle AG, Cavalier is implementing a 10-year plan to enhance automation in their third plant.

This initiative aims to reduce setup times, increase machining speeds, and improve unattended operations, ultimately boosting throughput and lowering costs. Their multi-phase investment highlights how automation is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, driving innovation, and helping companies remain competitive.

Manufacturing Day 2024 in Windsor-Essex

Every year, on the first Friday of October, manufacturing companies across North America come together to celebrate the industry and showcase its exciting career opportunities to the next generation. Known as Manufacturing Day, this initiative is led by The Manufacturing Institute and is brought to life in Windsor-Essex through the collaboration of Workforce Windsor-Essex, Invest Windsor-Essex, and The Canadian Association of Mold Makers.

Windsor-Essex is renowned for its leadership and innovation in manufacturing. On October 4th, 22 manufacturers from the region opened their doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their facilities. These tours provided a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse and promising careers available in North America’s manufacturing hub.

Cavalier Tool was proud to be not only a participant but also a Gold Level Sponsor. Cavalier welcomed nearly 200 students from Riverside Secondary School, St. Joseph’s High School, Sandwich Secondary School, and W.F. Herman Academy. The students enjoyed a guided tour through Cavalier’s EDM, CNC, Toolmaking, and Engineering Departments, and experienced a special highlight—the company’s Virtual Reality Experience, which was recently featured in Mold Making Technology.