December 2005
www.mtdmfederation.ca

Precisely Canadian is produced by the Canadian Machine, Tool, Die & Mould Federation, a Cooperative Initiative of CAMM, CTMA, CPMA and the Mould Makers Council of CPIA.

The Goal of the Federation is to Address as a Unified Force the Issues Common to Each Member Association.

Table of Contents

  1. Let’s See How We Can Tap Into the China Opportunities
  2. Extensive Efforts Indicate High Commitment to Apprenticeships
  3. Windsor Essex Companies Use Research Assistance for Competitive Edge
  4. Multiple Opportunities in Mexico for Suppliers and Tooling Companies
  5. Apprenticeship Winners Announced in CTMA Competition
  6. Strategis Website Gives You a Wealth of Trade Data
  7. Time to Book Your Hotel for IMTS 2006 in Chicago
  8. Get Closer To Export Success With a Virtual Trade Commissioner
  9. New Centre Will Graduate Advanced Technology Experts
  10. Resources To Help Your Marketing and Research Efforts
  11. Asia Pacific Website Almost a Library of Current Information
  12. EUROMAP Responds to Challenges of Global Competition
  13. More Improvements Made To SR&ED Guidance Document
  14. Back Issues of Precisely Canadian Accessible from Website

Let’s See How We Can Tap Into the China Opportunities

ED BERNARD
Chairman, CMTDMF (President, Bernard Mould Ltd.)

Information regarding the new global economy is always of interest to me, as an MTDM SME (mould shop owner), and as Chair of the Federation. I hit the jackpot today by attending a conference at Wayne State University, in Detroit titled: CHINA: OEM Sourcing and Safety.
 
After Dr. Nancy Barrett welcomed us, the conference was opened by Mr. Jim Padilla, President of Ford Motor Company with a plethora of compliments for the Chinese workers and with a presentation that seemed to be a tailored message for our three visiting Chinese dignitaries who included Mr. Sun Xiaonian, Director – Consultation Center for Transportation, China Academy of Transportation Sciences, China Ministry of Communication (China MoC), Dr. Zhou Wei, President, China Academy of Transportation Sciences, China MoC, Mr. Dai Dongchang, President, Transport Planning and Research Institute, China MoC.
 
These three top level Chinese transportation authorities provided us with a truly impressive collection of facts and statistics regarding the growth and potential of what their government recognized to be “a pillar of the Chinese economic growth plan,” the automotive sector.
  • The audience was informed that the “Five-Year Plan for the Automotive Industry” as presented by the three representatives of the China Ministry of Communication, was a rare early disclosure and an opportunity to learn of “the plan for China” that needed only to be approved by their parliament before being initiated.
Six more speakers, among whom were a VP of GM, a VP of Chrysler, as well as the Chief Engineer, Emerging Market Sourcing, Ford Motor Company, all provided very interesting insights into what they were doing in China, all the while providing tips on how others might also become involved in competing within this 1.3 billion population, potential market.
  • There were predictions that the 120 current Chinese automakers would soon consolidate into about 15 larger manufacturers, (similar to how the nearly 100 American automakers consolidated into the “Big Three”) and, despite this inevitable reduction, that the Chinese government still intended to bolster the exclusively national Chinese auto manufacturers to supply at least 50% of the total Chinese automotive market (and I presume export market).
All the non-national competitors, such as GM, Ford, DCX, VW, Toyota, etc. would be wrestling for their share of the other half of the domestic Chinese market (and again, logically, for export of their Chinese manufactured automobiles to the rest of the world).
  • The World Bank Estimates by the year 2025 China’s economy will account for 25% of the total World Economy.
I found myself conjuring ideas of how shops like my own (and yours) could also come together and consolidate to take advantage of this preview of the future. Hearing all of these immitigable facts and figures was almost overwhelming. The thought that the current income per capita in China is $1,500 per year and that this was expected to climb to $2,500 per year by the year 2010 is mind boggling. It seems that cheap labour will continue to be cheap.
 
The individual associations within the Federation will be distributing an Industry Concerns Survey in the very near future. Please take five minutes to provide us with data that we can use to lobby and hopefully leverage government decision makers on all of our behalves. Support your industry; support your industry association; get involved.
 
ed@bernardmould.com, CMTDMF

Extensive Efforts Indicate High Commitment to Apprenticeships

Precisely Canadian asked the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for an update on its support given to improving the state of Ontario’s apprenticeship for manufacturing. An extensive reply came back that the government has made a commitment to increase the number of new apprenticeship registrations by 7,000 to a total of 26,000 annually in 2007-08. A Ministry spokesperson says Ontario is bringing training delivery partners together to promote skilled trades so that students are aware of the full range of rewarding occupations that are available.
 
As part of the government's Reaching Higher Plan, the 2005 Ontario Budget announced new training investments, including an additional $17.5 million annually by 2007-08 to support greater access to labour market services for potential apprentices and new Canadians. 
 
A couple of key initiatives were noted in the response: Last year, in the 2004 Ontario Budget, the government announced initiatives to increase the number of apprenticeships in the province by encouraging greater participation among both employers and young people including the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit and the Apprenticeship Scholarship and Employer Signing Bonus.
 
The 2005 Ontario Budget built on the government's plan for apprenticeship training including further funding for the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit; support for more apprenticeships; expansion of academic upgrading options for students who leave high school before graduation; and provision for an additional 1,500 apprenticeship scholarships and employer signing bonuses.
 
The Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit provides up to $15,000 for the first 36 months of training by private sector employers of apprentices in designated trades. The trades covered by the tax credit account for 80 per cent of apprenticeship trades. The eligible trades were selected based on where the greatest demand exists.
 
Apprenticeship Scholarship and Employer Signing Bonus
 
The Apprenticeship Scholarship and Employer Signing Bonus supports the government's commitment to a skilled workforce. More specifically, it supports training and employment for youth who have left school but require upgrading to meet the registration standards for apprenticeship training. It includes:
 
  • A $1,000 scholarship for a young person who returns to, and completes upgrading to qualify for, and register as an apprentice
  • A $2,000 per apprentice signing bonus for the employer who supports the candidate's apprenticeship registration and who also provides apprenticeship training.
Support for the Learning to 18 Strategy
 
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program encourages high school students to stay in school while learning a skilled trade. The 2005 Ontario Budget announced $15 million annually by 2007-08 to expand academic upgrading options for those who left high school early but want to now pursue the skilled trades.  This initiative is expected to assist 6,000 people.
 
The Pre-Apprenticeship Program helps people upgrade their skills in order to become eligible for an apprenticeship career in the skilled trades. This year, the program is investing $1 million in five projects that will help approximately 100 at-risk youth.
 
Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program
 
In 2005-06, Ontario is investing up to $9 million for the Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program. The program provides a seamless path to enhanced training for young people, and results in highly skilled trades persons. The program has expanded to nine trades, and is now being delivered by 18 colleges as of September 2005-06.  Broader delivery of the program is expected to lead to increased apprentice registrations.
 
The Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program combines a college diploma program and apprenticeship training leading to a Certificate of Qualification. Workplace training is an integral and significant component of this Program.  The program was designed to add flexibility for young people who might choose trades training by combining a college diploma program and apprenticeship training. It provides the employer with a knowledgeable apprentice at the beginning of the on-the-job training, and with a higher skilled employee at the end of the program.
 
It also provides a participant with more academically rounded training, incorporating post-secondary general education courses, including business and entrepreneurship courses. The model keeps workplace training as an integral and significant component of apprenticeship training.
 
The government’s expansion strategy for apprenticeship includes four key initiatives:
  • New trade development, including potential programs in transportation, manufacturing, and retail lumber
  • Maximizing registrations in existing trades as noted
  • Implementation of “One-Stop” to enable streamlining of “transactional” work to increase the time spent on higher value-added activities such as outreach to employers and facilitating training solutions that meet their needs and industry standards
  • Developing and expanding a flexible approach to apprenticeship, including the co-op diploma apprenticeship program, pre-apprenticeship training programs and other workplace-based training solutions
  • Recruiting new employers to participate in apprenticeship through partnerships with Job Connect and other community agencies, employer associations such as the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and unions.
  • The recently announced Action Table on Apprenticeship is also expected to help in energizing this agenda.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
 
The government is investing an additional $1.25 million to support the quality and growth of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. It is projected that the increase will provide 1,500 more young people with an opportunity to apprentice in a skilled trade through the program.
 
This increased funding will support a number of enhancements to continue to expand the program, including the introduction of performance measures and improved communications. The government is also creating a new One-Stop Training and Employment System which will help ensure this increase in registrations by providing a clear pathway into apprenticeship, increasing the focus on employer outreach and recruitment, as well as improving apprenticeship completion rates.
 
In terms of overall labour market development, the Federal government recently reached an agreement with Ontario for a Labour Market Development and Labour Market Partnerships Agreements. This can be read at:
http://news.gc.ca/cfmx/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=185189&
  • Precisely Canadian expects a number of questions will come out of this information. To ensure a comprehensive perspective, contact your respective association with your questions so that the Federation can put  together a comprehensive summary to follow through with. (You can also ask your questions directly, www.edu.gov.on.ca, click on post-secondary training. Or call JobGrow Hotline, 1-888-JobGrow or general Public Inquiries: 416 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514).

Windsor Essex Companies Use Research Assistance for Competitive Edge

National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is currently assisting over 30 small to medium Windsor and Essex County companies. Companies work with NRC-IRAP to access technological and business advice, literature and patent searches, market validation studies as well as potential financial assistance towards specific projects.
  • Seven local companies will receive over $350,000 in financial assistance this fiscal year to cover a portion of their costs towards specific research and development projects.
Developing successful new products, processes or services to better meet your customers’ needs can be an expensive and risky process. If your company has an innovative project or idea that you wish to advance, NRC-IRAP, with its Canada-wide network of technical advisors, can help you create a plan or access the resources you need to get on your way.
 
IRAP's projects may be entitled to tax credit under the federal SR&ED program. For example, if IRAP is contributing 30% of the total research project costs (IRAP supports eligible labour costs) the remainder may be eligible for SR&ED tax credits.
 
SR&ED officials will need to approve this separately, but most of IRAP project documentation (project plan and timeline, brief monthly project reports, final report
etc.) can be used to claim SR&ED tax credits. IRAP does have a stacking rule
which means a company needs to contribute a minimum of 25% of the total cost for a
single research project when all government contributions are added up.

Multiple Opportunities in Mexico for Suppliers and Tooling Companies

Mexico’s manufacturing sector requires major modernization to meet growing international competition. There are very few Mexican companies producing advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), and more than 80% of the AMT in the country is imported.
  • Canadian companies should consider having a local presence for maintenance, technical support and to develop a large network of clients since sale cycles are long. Likewise, exporters should take into account that ease of training, user friendliness, low maintenance, accessibility of repair, short delivery times to supply spare parts and competent repair services are as important as the price.
Opportunities in the small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) exist for vertical software and ERP (Enterprise Resource Platform) solutions. Financing and supply chain integration are critical factors to allow SMEs to become Tier Two and Three suppliers.
 
The high-end industrial segment offers very good prospects for sales in the foreseeable future. Particular technologies in demand include CAD/CAM software, moulds, tools and dies, CNC machines, automation and robotics machinery. 
  • Opportunities exist on specific niches depending on the on-going projects. Some of the technologies are: prototyping, simulation software, test equipment, peripherals (brushers, washers, etc.), probes, etc. 
  • A main driver for the sector will continue to be the operations of auto OEMs based in Mexico.
In some cases Canadian companies can take advantage of investment opportunities in the Mexican manufacturing industry by installing tool making companies. Long-term vision by Canadian companies and organizations is important to guarantee access to key projects.
 
This means a willingness to cooperate with local institutions and industry to develop local talent and make partnerships.

Apprenticeship Winners Announced in CTMA Competition

The annual general meeting of CTMA, held in conjunction with CAMM’s and the Federation’s in Windsor, was a time for happy faces and a sense of progress as the winner’s of CTMA’s annual apprenticeship competition were recognized for the excellence of their work.
 
First place went to Anson Chan of Canadian Progressive Tool & Transfer who received a $1,500 cash award, solid oak took chest, and a tap aligner which was donated by Frank J. Cox Sales.
 
Shawn Sookdeo at Micrometric Limited took second place and received a $1,000 cash award, a Gerstner solid oak tool chest, and a tap aligner as well. Micrometric Limited as employer of the apprentice also was honored with a tool package donated by OSG Canada Ltd.
 
Third place went to Darryl Denholm, an apprentice at Blount Canada Ltd. Mr. Denholm’s efforts also earned him a cash award, of $500 and also a tap aligner.
 
As employer of the first place winner, Canadian Progressive Tool & Transfer received a discount certificate valued at up to $70,000. Charmilles/Mikron donated this impressive prize.
  • Further details on the competition and winners can be seen at the CTMA website, www.ctma.com, News and Views, November issue.

Strategis Website Gives You a Wealth of Trade Data

Strategis is the name of a huge federal government website that has a section of interest to mould makers, for example the Trade Data Online section: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/tdo.
 
Trade Data Online provides online access to Canadian and US trade data. Canadian data can be searched both by industry grouping and by individual commodity.  On an industry basis, the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code for industrial moulds is 333511.
 
On a commodity basis, most moulds fall into HS (Harmonized System) codes 848071 and 848079. 
 
For those not familiar with these code systems, keyword searches can be done to find other industries and products of interest. 
 
US data is available on a commodity basis only.  Users can run customized searches in which they define their own criteria, including: product group, year, source and destination countries (including provincial and state breakdowns for Canada and the United States).  Data is updated monthly. 
 
At any time, the most recent data will be for the month ending two to three months prior to the time of the search.

Time to Book Your Hotel for IMTS 2006 in Chicago

The basic fact for IMTS 2006 is that the show once again takes place at McCormick Place in Chicago, running from September 6 to the 13th inclusive. It’s not too soon to book your hotel if you are trying for a certain price range. If you haven’t previously participated in the conference component, an SME event, check the overall themes at www.imts.com. The agenda seems to dovetail with your technological interests.
 
My impression of the past few shows is that the technology advances are not of a quantum nature in their advances, but more evolutionary and sometimes have to be sought out. But, you’ll be doing the show with a prescribed list of exhibitors and needs so you should readily find the “latest and the greatest.”
 
At IMTS 2004, the show producers, AMT and AMTDA, provided an Emerging Technology Center. It will be repeated. Exhibitors were a mixture of universities and quasi universities..
 
Try the My Map Section of the website, www.imts.com. You’ll be able to use this section to plan your tour complete with planned exhibitor stops and special events. Also, the website is definitely far more user-friendly than past shows.

Get Closer To Export Success With a Virtual Trade Commissioner

Your organization is preparing to export, but with so much information out there, where do you begin? Are you ready to export? Are your export plans and marketing strategies sound? Do you have the resources to export? How do you establish the right business relationships in your target market?
 
The answers and assistance you need are at your fingertips. In collaboration with the Regional Offices of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, the virtual trade commissioner can help smooth your company's success in establishing an export initiative.
 
Through your virtual trade commissioner, you can create an interactive web page tailored to your company's international business interests; you can access a network of trade commissioners across Canada; request export services on-line and receive business leads and current information targeted to your sector and markets.
 
Registering for your virtual trade commissioner will give you a full range of trade development services and assistance from your Industry Canada Regional Office, including one-on-one export help. You can receive market and industry information. Your virtual trade commissioner will offer an analysis and up-to-date foreign market and business intelligence.
 
Editor’s note: There was one service that caught my attention. There seems to be many new markets and many trade shows to use as an entry point to those markets. When you register with a virtual trade commissioner, you can receive help in determining the trade shows and missions that match your company needs.

New Centre Will Graduate Advanced Technology Experts

In October, the Brampton and Oakville-based Sheridan Institute for Technology and Advanced Learning officially opened the doors of its new Centre for Advanced Manufacturing & Design Technologies at its Brampton campus.  This $7-million training facility was conceived and funded in partnership with the City of Brampton, Government of Ontario. Twenty companies in the Brampton area contributed a total of $1.5 million in cash or in-kind donations.
 
The Centre’s graduates will be attractive to companies with advanced technologies and systems. As multi-skilled graduates, they will be able to use their understanding of the interface between technology, processes and people to help companies innovate and stay ahead of the competition.
 
Curriculum and programming for the Centre were developed in close consultation with area employers.  A common need was for specialists who are skilled in the integration of systems for diverse manufacturing environments, and who can organize and manage a manufacturing facility.
 
The result is a one-year Manufacturing Management Program geared to university and college graduates who already have work experience in manufacturing.  Students take part in simulations that let them experience manufacturing processes and shop floor production in a virtual environment.
 
They also visit manufacturing plants for a first hand look at how industry uses technology to integrate manufacturing systems.  In the Centre’s Integrated Manufacturing Systems Lab, they also work on projects designed to solve real-world manufacturing problems that involve manufacturing processes and plant layout, production management, and process control.
 
In January, the program will be offered on a part-time basis so that individuals currently employed in the field can expand their skills while continuing to work full-time. 
 
Another part-time option is a Graduate Certificate Program in Integrated Manufacturing Systems.  This program is designed to allow students to build on their existing foundation in mechanical, electromechanical or manufacturing engineering technologies to gain skills in the integration of systems for diverse manufacturing environments.
 
The 1,800 sq. ft. Centre was designed to mirror the shop floor environment, and features a project-based lab with a contained robotic pick-and-place work cell.
 
In addition to the two graduate certificate programs, the Centre is also offering diploma programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Solid Modeling and Electronics Engineering.  The various programs will converge in the Integrated Manufacturing Systems Lab to collaborate on product design, production flow and machine programming, to imitate the professional collaboration found in many companies.
 
Once it is fully ramped up, Sheridan expects the Centre to graduate 400 students each year.
 
The following is a list of contributors to the Centre. Contributions and the value of equipment provided ranged from $1 million to $2,500.
1. City of Brampton, 2. Ministry of Economic Development and Trade's Strategic Skills
Investment Program, 3. Alias, 4. The Rotary Club of Brampton, 5. Mitutoyo Canada Inc., 6. Siemens Canada Limited, 7. Rockwell Automation Control Systems, 8. Merlan Scientific Ltd., 9. ABB Inc., 10. Almag Aluminum Inc., 11. Gross Machinery Group, 12. 600 Machine Tools, 13. Brampton Brick Limited, 14. Omron Canada Inc., 15. RBH Inc., 16. Polywheels Manufacturing  Ltd., 17. SMC Pneumatics (Canada) Ltd., 18. The Brampton Board of Trade, 19. Aircraft Appliances and Equipment Limited, 20. Lab-Volt Ltd., 21. Fluke Networks, 22. Honeywell Canada-Aerospace, 23. Advance Precision Ltd., 24. Hydra-Fab Fluid Power Inc.
  • For further information on the Sheridan Institute for Technology and Advanced Learning contact: Susan Atkinson, Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, Oakville, email: susan.atkinson@sheridan.on.ca.

Resources To Help Your Marketing and Research Efforts

Trade Pavilions
Opportunity to show off your company with other companies. Excellent way to initiate a presence in another region because organizer, CPIA, does most of work for you.
www.cpia.ca.
(Sally Damstra at sdamstra@cpia.ca is your contact.)
Organizer offers different options. Some are as basic as showing off your literature. Pavilions are very attractive in appearance. First class effort.

Sector Specific Guides
Market Reports by Industry Sector
http://infoexport.gc.ca
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Provides overviews of specific market sectors, by country. Browse by industry sector or by geographic market. For reports specific to regions of the United States, go to http://infoexport.gc.ca/us.

International Marketing
www.fitt.ca
Forum for International Trade Training
An in-depth training course which can be taken online or in person, on international marketing, complementing the training course on international market research.

Trade Show Benefits
www.ontario.exportsinc.com
(Under “Preparing to Export”, access “Trade Tools.”)
Provides an overview for exhibiting at a trade show. It also includes a section on trade show terminology.

Ontario Exports Inc., Staff Directory
www.ontarioexportsinc.com 
(Under “Target Your Market,” access “Talk to Export Experts.”)
Directory of international marketing consultants by market region.

Directory of Manufacturers’ Sales Agencies
www.manaonline.org
Manufacturers’ Agents National Association
The MANA member database lists sales agencies in the United States and Canada. Search the database by keyword, territory, product classification, client industries. Costs.

FITA Directory of International Trade Associations in North America
www.fita.org/members.html 
Federation of International Trade Associations
A directory of 450 international trade associations located in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Chamber of Commerce, Mexico
www.cancham.com.mx 
There are four offices, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Matamoros.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico publishes a directory of members in each area which appears to be free. The directory is loaded with contacts in a variety of businesses (full contact details including emails). The Chamber’s range of services for members includes personalized market reports, matchmaking, contacts in Canada and Mexico, exposure for your company.

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
www..CCPIT.org  
Email: ccpitlad@public3.bta.net.cn   
The Council produces a small booklet, Legal Affairs Services, which provides an encapsulation and contacts for about eight services. In Canada there is the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, located in Toronto. Phone 416 363-2348 or 8561 or 0599 or 3235.
www.ccpitcanada.org

CONEXIOM
This a customized electronic connection to your trading partners.
www.ecmarket.com  

Country Business Profile
Produced by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Ltd.
Individual profiles on about 50 countries.
www.hsbc.com/businessprofiles 
Typical sections are an economic summary, statistics, business information, information for visitors, the HSBC Group in the respective country, contacts, both government and business. The reports seem to be updated on the quarter and are in print as well.

Automotive Research & Development
www.2ontario.com/autornd/home.asp  
This portal details Canadian institutional research and development capacities that are of interest to the automotive industry. You can search automotive R&D keyword text, select by institution, select by research capability, or select by location.

  • Precisely Canadian will provide its members a regular column of websites that are for the most part free, that help advance their technological and business interests. Feedback, comments are welcomed.

Asia Pacific Website Almost a Library of Current Information

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada website is more than resource rich. In addition to the website, the federally and BC-funded organization holds a regular set of events. The site offers a newsletter subscription option as well.
 
Its “Canada Asia Commentary” provides timely, informed, and concise analysis of developments in Asia from a Canadian perspective. Issues appear every two months and offer an update to the Foundation's major publication of analysis and comment on Asian affairs, the annual Canada Asia Review. Titles of a few are:
  • Taiwan: The Democratic Model Everyone Tries to Ignore
  • Australia: Canada's Foil in Asia Pacific
  • China and the WTO: Waking Up From a Honeymoon?
 Another title, the annual “Canada Asia Review,” draws on all the resources and experience of this  independent think tank on Canada-Asia relations.The Canada Asia Review provides executives and policy makers with an authoritative and provocative analysis of our relationship with Asia.
 
Then there are the country backgrounders, with up-to-date facts, statistics and practical information designed specifically for Canadian companies: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

EUROMAP Responds to Challenges of Global Competition

EUROMAP is the acronym for the European committee of the national associations of machinery manufacturers for the plastics and rubber industries in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom. In late November, its General Assembly established its strategy for the years 2006 to 2008 which is honest in its recognition of the challenges ahead, and a reinforcement of the members’ intrinsic value for customers.
 
Bernhard Merki CEO of the Netstal Group and new president of EUROMAP recognizes the plastics and rubber machinery manufacturing industry in Europe faces many challenges over the next few years. However, because “much of the world's leading edge technology evolves from the region there are also many exciting opportunities emerging.”
 
EUROMAP vice-president, and managing director of TRIA S.p.A, Luciano Anceschi said “It is very encouraging to see the 2005 General Assembly so well supported by trade organizations and key manufacturing businesses from across the region. EUROMAP has delivered on every front over the past three years: new services such as the European Sourcing Service and the online version of the World Market Directory add significant value to an already strong offering.
 
Key aims outlined in the General Assembly include intensification of the technical work program with a view to sharing best practice and ensuring European companies remain at the forefront in offering energy efficient and safe machinery.
 
Another goal is to develop the global network of contacts and activities surrounding the international exhibition calendar. Such work is deemed fundamental to supporting companies’ global expansion. Refinement of market information was also identified as a key area.
 
In October, EUROMAP launched EUROMAP 67. This interface between an injection moulding machine and the handling device or robot was adapted to the application of shuttle table and turntable injection moulding machines. These new specs can be downloaded from the website, www.euromap.org.
  • If you’d like further information on EUROMAP, the email is euromap@vdma.org.The countries represented by EUROMAP account for 55% of global production of plastics and rubber processing machinery.

More Improvements Made To SR&ED Guidance Document

The "Plastics Materials, Processing, Equipment & Tool Making" guidance
document deals mainly with plastics processing and mould making issues. A Canada Revenue Agency industry task force is presently completing this document with a final section on scale-up and related issues.
 
The first part of this section deals with validation; it was added in August 2005. Further sections of this chapter will deal with feasibility studies, experimental runs on commercial equipment, prototypes and pilot plants, continuous improvement and technology transfer.
 
You can view this document in the following formats:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxcredit/sred/publications/plastics-e.pdf.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/taxcredit/sred/publications/plastics-e.html.
  • This reference also provides links to examples which help establish a common understanding of the technological aspects of typical SR&ED projects in your industry sector. Contact Martin Vines in Ottawa at email Martin.Vines@ccra-adrc.gc.ca if you have any questions.

Back Issues of Precisely Canadian Accessible from Website

Your Federation, the Canadian Machine, Tool, Die & Mould Federation, was established to ensure you can compete, in an industry where your customers, your new customers, and your competitors are physically located in many countries. To help improve your competitive status here is a list, by headlines, in the first four issues of Precisely Canadian. Each issue resides on your website, www.mtdmfederation.ca. These items can be found using the search option of the website.

  1. AMERICAN FORECAST: Forecast Survey Gives a Thumbs Up For American Mould Makers
  2. AUSTRALIA: Well-Planned Canadian Presence at Australian Show Paying Off
  3. AUSTRALIAN OPPORTUNITIES: Australian Trip Reveals Opportunities and Similarities to Canada
  4. AUTO INSIGHTS: Annual EDC Auto Seminar Scheduled For October
  5. AUTO OUTLOOK: Auto Expert Shows Encouraging Outlook For MTDM Players
  6. AWARD TO MOULD MAKER: Ed Bernard's Dedication Recognized With a Clark Award
  7. AWARD: Industry Leaders Recognized by CPIA
  8. AWARDS: Winning Structural Plastics Awards Entries Come From Canada
  9. BENCHMARKING STUDY: Mould Manufacturing Industry Study Released
  10. BLOW MOULDS; Hints on Managing Corrosion in Blow Moulds
  11. CANADIAN QUALITY:Advantages of Canadian Tooling Show Off Well in Global Market
  12. CANADIAN TDM INDUSTRY: Canada's MTDM Industry Structures For Success
  13. CHINA: China, A Big Force, But How Big Is Its Import Presence?
  14. CHINA: Canadian Company Wins Intellectual Property Rights in China
  15. CHINA: China Sourcing Turning Out To Be Not So Cost-Effective
  16. COLLABORATION: Enhanced Performance Achieved Through Collaboration
  17. CONFERENCE: Summer Meeting Brought Together Leading Players
  18. CROSS BORDER ORGANIZATION: Great Lakes Manufacturing Initiative Now a Firm Reality
  19. EDUCATION: Education Summit Leads to Specific Recommendations
  20. EDUCATION: Plastics and Chemistry Integral To Canadian Economy
  21. EQUIPMENT FINANCING: Equipment-Based Lending Measured Against Enterprise Approach
  22. EUROPE: European Markets Explained by Pathtrace
  23. FEDERATION EVENT: Time to Schedule-In Annual Conference and Meetings
  24. FEDERATION PROGRESS: Federation Moves Ahead Dramatically With Its Efforts
  25. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: EDC Reduces Non-Payment Risks
  26. HINTS FOR SUCCESS: Good Lessons and Insights from Popular Speaker at Federation Conference
  27. INDUSTRY SUCCESS: Plastics Industry Prepares for Future
  28. INVESTMENT IN CANADA: Canada and States Still Major Destinations for Auto Investment
  29. KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING: International Project Focuses on Knowledge Engineering
  30. LAST WORD: Keep the Federation Moving Ahead As a Strong Voice
  31. LAST WORD: Let's Put A Sense of Unity into Our Government Export Programs
  32. LAST WORD: Unique Technology Status Gives Canadian Company Power
  33. LAST WORD: You Now Operate As a Business, Not Just As a Shop
  34. LEGAL: APEC Meeting Addressed Counterfeiting and Piracy
  35. MARKETING: Two Sources to Show off Your Success
  36. NEWS: News Bits and Pieces for MTDM Businesses
  37. OUTLOOK FOR 2006: All in All, Economic Outlook by RBC is Good for Canada
  38. RESEARCH IN ASIA: Asian Show Presented Research Initiatives
  39. RESEARCH IN QUEBEC: Launch of NSERC/GM Canada Industrial Research Chair
  40. RESEARCH PROJECT: Pilot Research Project Will Improve Mould Efficiencies
  41. SAFETY GROUP: Federation's Safety Group Program is More Than Dollars Returned
  42. SOUTH AMERICA; Opportunities From South American Show Encourage Repeat Visit
  43. SOUTH KOREA: Free Trade With South Korea Could Eliminate Your Business
  44. STANDARDIZED COMPONENTS: Quality and Turn Around Continuously Addressed by Standardized Components
  45. SUCCESSFUL MOULD MAKER: Compact Mould President Explains What It Takes To Be a Global Player
  46. SURVEY: Take Advantage of Benefits from Wage and Business Survey
  47. TAX INCENTIVE: Accessing Canada's SR&ED Tax Incentive Program Gets Easier
  48. TECHNOLOGY: Series Production Tooling Takes Advantage of DMLS
  49. TECHNOLOGY: Two-Component Moulding Produces High Quality Car Post
  50. TRADE MISSION: MTDM Companies Join Ontario Trade Mission to Alabama
  51. TRADE SHOW INSIGHTS: Poco Graphite Shares Its EMO Insights With Precisely Canadian
  52. TRADE SHOW, AUSTRALIA: Connect with Southeast Asia via Australia's AUSPLAS
  53. TRADE SHOW, EMO: EMO 2005 Continues as a Huge Display of Technology
  54. TRADE SHOW: Supplier-Dedicated Trade Show Was Quite a Success
  55. TRADE SHOW: Time to Evaluate 'Doing' the EuroMold Show
  56. TRAINING: Industry Acceptance Shows CPTC Grads Are Well Trained
  57. TRAINING: St. Clair College Establishes New Plastics Engineering Program
  58. VALUE OF TRADE SHOWS: Trade Shows Offer More Than a Chance to See Technology
  59. VIRTUAL EVENT: Virtual Mexican Event Became a Profitable Actual Event.

Disclaimer: All information in this publication is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
© 2007, Canadian Machine, Tool, Die & Mould Federation, all rights reserved.