MEMAC plans a year of growth

Members of the Machinery & Equipment Manufacturers Association of Canada (MEMAC) attending the group’s 45th annual general meeting in mid-June had the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake, the elegance and excellent food of the Queen’s Landing Inn, and several interesting business meetings and seminars.

The meeting was launched with a reception and a briefing on the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake by local historian Bill Severin. Other social activities included a golf tournament and a tour of the Cave Spring Cellars, followed by dinner at the On The Twenty restaurant alongside the winery. Gifts of corkscrews and draw prizes of several bottles of Cave Spring wine were sponsored by association member EntelX Inc.

During a market conditions and outlook roundtable session, comments from member companies were encouraging for MEMAC, as many reported business was in a positive mode with most plants being busy, exports strong, and companies expanding staff.

In the association’s business meetings, it was noted that MEMAC experienced a financial loss for the previous year, mainly because of revenue reductions in three areas–membership, contract projects and meetings. Measures have been implemented in the budget to reduce operating expenses for this year, and a small surplus is planned.

A key goal for the coming year is to increase the association’s membership, likely with consulting engineers, distributors and suppliers.

A new executive committee was elected, consisting of Larry Barrett, Emerson Electric Canada Ltd. (chairman), John Fitzpatrick, Strongco Engineered Systems (vice-chairman); Jim Best, CAE Machinery Ltd. (past chairman); Agako Nouch, Ingersoll Rand Canada Inc.; Paul Langen, Langen Packaging Inc.; Bill Rickard, General Conveyor Co. Ltd.; Steve Sadler, Sadler Inc.; Jim Armstrong, S.A. Armstrong Ltd.; Rob Sutton, RAS Industries Ltd.; Mahmoud Samn, RDP Marathon Inc.; Phil Cancilla, Heath & Sherwood (1984) Ltd.; and Denis Dryburgh, Nord Gear Ltd. Shawn White, Ingersoll-Rand, is treasurer. MEMAC staff member Lloyd Beverly is president and secretary.

Three directors who stepped down were thanked for their participation over the years. They are Sam Zalzal (who has retired from Ingersoll-Rand), Trevar Gibson (who will be retiring this year from Edson Packaging Machinery Ltd.) and Bart Yule of GL&V Process Equipment Group Inc.

MEMAC is a professional trade association representing the machinery and equipment industry in Canada. Founded in 1955, its membership currently stands at around 110 companies. The industry has over $18 billion in annual sales and employs approximately 90,000 people. The association’s mission is to make a significant contribution to the success of its member firms through building growing and globally competitive suppliers of machinery and technology to Canadian and world markets.

The 2001 annual meeting is set for June 10-12 at Le Chateau Montebello in Quebec. For more information about MEMAC, visit www.memac.org or call (613) 232-7213.MRO