EMC Factory Focus Podcast

In this episode of EMC ’s Factory Focus Podcast, host Jason Bates sits down with Mark Kotzer, P.Eng, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of GIT Coatings , to discuss how the Nova Scotia-based company is transforming the marine industry through innovative and sustainable coating technology. Mark shares the story behind GIT Coatings’ graphene-based, biocide-free marine coatings and how the company has grow...

In this episode of the EMC Factory Focus Podcast , host Jason Bates sits down with Nik Paukkunen, Director and Co-Owner of Mahler Machining, alongside EMC’s David Munro. Nik shares the story behind acquiring a 45-year-old machining business and doubling its size in just a few short years. From navigating the complexities of CNC machining to building a strong workplace culture and retaining top tal...

In this episode of the EMC Factory Focus Podcast , host Jason Bates sits down with Derek Mossman and Richard Cheng from Dorigo Systems, a leading Canadian electronics manufacturer based in Burnaby, BC. With nearly 40 years of experience, Dorigo supports OEMs across North America with everything from PCB assembly and rapid prototyping to full box builds, testing, and fulfillment, specializing in hi...

Host Jason Bates and EMC President JP Giroux lead a roundtable with three valued EMC member companies to discuss the impact and sustainability of the Pay-for-Performance (PFP) training model. Hear from Canplas Industries, The Gund Company, and Fluidconcepts as they share how PFP funding motivates training investment, supports continuous learning, and drives productivity on the shop floor. A must-l...

In this episode of EMC's Factory Focus podcast, host Jason Bates sits down with Matt Weller, EMC's Senior Advisor for Supply Chain and Productivity, to unpack the critical challenges and opportunities facing Canadian manufacturing today. From national productivity decline and global trade disruptions to the rise of AI and the potential of low-volume, high-value production, this episode e...

In this episode of EMC 's Factory Focus Podcast , host Jason Bates sits down with John Galbraith from The Data Integrators to explore the transformative role of AI in manufacturing. They dive into digital transformation and why many manufacturers struggle to make software work for them. John shares insights on common challenges, practical AI applications on the shop floor, and how companies c...

In this episode, we chat with Jordi Wills, President of Wills Transfer Limited, a family-run logistics company celebrating nearly 80 years in business. Jordi shares the journey of transitioning leadership across four generations, the company’s shift from moving services to becoming a leading 3PL provider, and the core philosophy of "People Matter." We discuss adapting to economic challen...

Welcome to the latest episode of the EMC Factory Focus podcast! Host and Manufacturing Consortium Manager, Jason Bates, is joined by David Munro, EMC’s Manufacturing Consortium Manager for British Columbia, along with special guest Alan Martens, COO and owner of TYCROP Trailers in Chilliwack, BC. Alan shares insights on TYCROP's growth, culture-focused hiring, tech-driven efficiencies, and co...

Shannon Kamins is the Founder/Owner of Booch Organic Kombucha in London, Ontario. Shannon tells us her story from Booch's beginnings at farmers markets to a fully functional brewery & production facility now shipping product across Canada.  You can visit Booch's Tap Room (Booch Bar) at 1027 Clarke Rd in London, or 208 Main St. in Port Stanley. https://boochorganickombucha.com/ Brough...

In this episode of EMC's Factory Focus Podcast, host Jason Bates, from Excellence in Manufacturing, sits down with Ben Whitney, the third-generation president of Armo Tool and Abuma Manufacturing. Whitney shares the rich history of Armo Tool, tracing back to its inception in 1969 by his grandfather, and discusses the challenges and successes of navigating the manufacturing industry, particula...