SME’s Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show Celebrates 150 Years of Canadian Innovation, Expansion and Opportunity

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The 2017 Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS), being held during the ongoing observance of Canada’s sesquicentennial, will welcome attendees to a new world of manufacturing innovation and opportunity. CMTS, produced by SME, returns to The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 25-28.

Manufacturing has long been a critical component of the Canadian economy — even before formation of the Dominion in 1867.

In 1809, a steamboat built entirely in Montreal was launched by the Eagle Foundry. Innovation and expansion continued, from Canada's first paper mill (1805) to powered machines for industrial textile production (1826); the first steam locomotive-powered railway service in Canada was offered in 1836.

Both the First World War (1914-18) and the Second World War (1939-45) spurred Canadian heavy manufacturing to unprecedented expansion and achievement; by 1945, nearly one-quarter of all Canadian workers were employed in the manufacturing sector.

Today, more than 1.7 million Canadians are employed at 90,000 manufacturing enterprises across the country, making manufacturing the largest sector of the Canadian economy. Manufacturing contributes $610 billion to the nation’s GDP, and trends indicate industry has continued to expand through 2017.

“Canadian manufacturers wanting keys to maintaining a competitive advantage will find insight and expertise at CMTS,” says Julie Pike, director of SME Canadian Events. “Enhancing productivity, building the smart factory of tomorrow, addressing the skills gap: CMTS covers those and myriad other topics that manufacturers need to know.”

The largest manufacturing event in the country, CMTS will show the next steps forward in Canadian innovation and manufacturing enterprise, welcoming more than 9,000 manufacturing professionals to experience exhibits from more than 700 leading suppliers. CMTS also offers attendees two informative conferences — Advanced Manufacturing Canada and RAPID Canada — each featuring two days of presentations, workshops and panel discussions intended to provide information on the latest developments in the areas of additive manufacturing, automation economics and robotics, workforce development and more.

Canada celebrates a rich, historic manufacturing past — and through CMTS, Canadian manufacturers can experience, in one setting, the industry leadership, advanced technologies, and current trends that will shape an equally impressive and expansive manufacturing future.

About CMTS

The Canadian Manufacturing Technology show is Canada’s largest and most influential manufacturing event. For more than 40 years, CMTS has connected manufacturers of all sizes and from all sectors to the equipment, technologies, services and experts best suited to streamline operations and improve results.

About SME

SME connects manufacturing professionals, academia and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. With more than 85 years of experience and expertise in events, media, membership, training and development, and also through an education foundation, SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing.