Industry
Manufacturing
Trump’s auto tariffs would devastate supply chains, cause mass layoffs: experts
Montreal – U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on auto imports from Canada would devastate the integrated supply chain that has taken decades to build and cause job losses on both sides of the border,…
U.S. steel tariffs prompt ADF to impose work sharing at Quebec plant
Montreal – ADF Group Inc. says uncertainty over U.S. steel tariffs reduced orders and prompted it to introduce work-sharing for employees at its Quebec plant. “Backlog growth is paramount to our success and unfortunately the uncertainty surrounding the steel import…
Managed dairy system enticed Coca Cola to build Ontario milk plant: Dairy Farmers
Toronto – Coca-Cola Canada’s decision to invest $85 million in a new milk processing plant in Ontario shows why the Canadian government should continue to defend the country’s supply management system, said the general manager of the Dairy Farmers of…
Trump’s aggression against G7 and Canada: five questions about what’s at stake
Quebec – When Donald Trump boarded Air Force in Quebec and whisked his way to Singapore on Saturday, he left behind a stormy wake of mixed signals that bordered on rage. Hours after indicating he would sign on to a…
Leading metals distributor invests in automotive metals processing facility in Brantford, Ont.
Burlington, Ont. – Samuel, Son & Co., a leading metals distributor and industrial products manufacturer, today announced an $18 million investment in its Brantford, Ont., automotive metal processing centre. The expansion is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter…
Business groups look forward to Ford’s industry friendly policies, seek details
Incoming Ontario premier Doug Ford promised a business-friendly government during the provincial election campaign, but now industry groups want the details about what that is going to look like. “Now what we want is definition of the mandate,” said Rocco…
Welding takes centre stage at FABTECH Canada 2018
Toronto – SME, FMA, AWS, PMA and CCAI, the producers and co-sponsors of FABTECH, have announced a larger traditional welding presence at FABTECH Canada, taking place June 12-14 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Leaders in the welding industry, including the Canadian Welding Bureau Group, ESAB Canada…
Canada hoping its own tariff threat will prompt U.S. climbdown: Morneau
Whistler, B.C. – Finance Minister Bill Morneau says he’s hopeful the threat of retaliation against U.S. trade measures will convince the Trump administration to back down from the steel and aluminum tariffs it has imposed on its G7 allies. The…
Ottawa will work with Canadian aluminum, steel companies to ensure jobs safe: PM
Halifax – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will work with Canadian steel and aluminum companies hit by punishing U.S. tariffs to make sure jobs and workers north of the border are protected. In a CBC radio interview in Halifax…
US manufacturing picks up pace in May
Washington – U.S. manufacturers expanded at a faster pace last month, another sign of strength for American industry. The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, reports that its manufacturing index rose to 58.7 in May from…
Pace of economic growth slowed in Q1, Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada reports that real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.3% in the first quarter, following an increase of 0.4% in each of the previous two quarters. Final domestic demand rose by 0.5%. Growth was moderated by a deceleration in household spending, lower…
Unjustified U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum will harm jobs, economy in both countries
Toronto and Montreal – There is no justification, either on economic or national security grounds, for the imposition of U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, says the United Steelworkers (USW), which represents tens of thousands of steel and aluminum…
China factory activity rises to eight-month high in upbeat sign
Hong Kong – Chinese factory activity grew at its fastest rate in eight months on stronger demand, a survey showed Thursday, in a positive sign for the world’s No. 2 economy despite trade tensions with the U.S. The official purchasing…
As US mulls tariffs, France’s Macron warns against trade war
Paris – French President Emmanuel Macron warned against trade wars in an impassioned speech about international co-operation Wednesday, a day or two before the Trump administration decides whether to hit Europe with new tariffs. Top European officials were holding last-ditch…
Future of massive Nova Scotia wind tower plant remains a mystery
Halifax – It’s among Atlantic Canada’s largest industrial sites – a massive former wind tower manufacturing plant developed with $56 million in provincial funding. But with the clock ticking on a provincial deadline to find a buyer, optimism is low…
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ABB launches the world’s first digitally integrated power transformer
All power transformers leaving ABB factories will soon come enabled with digital capabilities, enabling remote monitoring and data analytics of its vital parameters in real time. This will enhance reliability and enable higher utilization of grid assets and power networks.…
Motion Industries acquires MRO parts distributor Power Industries, Inc.
Birmingham, AL – Motion Industries, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (GPC), announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Power Industries, Inc., also known as Santa Rosa MRO, LLC, headquartered in Santa Rosa,…
Valvoline to acquire Great Canadian Oil Change
Lexington, Ky. – Valvoline Inc., a leading worldwide supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the business assets of Great Canadian Oil Change, which franchises 73 quick-lube stores in…
China factory index at 19 month low as holiday slows work
Hong Kong – China’s manufacturing activity weakened to its lowest level in more than a year and a half as the extended Lunar New Year holiday curtailed production. The official purchasing managers’ index released Wednesday slipped to 50.3 in February…
Toyota chief hopes to help Japan automakers keep tech edge
Tokyo – Toyota Motor Corp. chief Akio Toyoda, tapped to head the Japanese auto industry association, promised Friday to lead a push among manufacturers to keep a competitive edge in emerging technologies such as zero-emission and autonomous driving. Japanese companies…
