In the final episode of our Hannover Messe countdown series—featuring Ontario manufacturers and technology companies showcasing at the world's largest industrial technology trade fair—we speak with Hannover veteran Michael Lalonde, President and CEO of the Innovative Group of Companies.

In this episode, Michael tells us about the Innovative Group, which includes Innovative Automation and RoboTape, and his journey from account manager to CEO. He also offers smart advice for custom machine builders looking to establish their own branded products and for Hannover newbies overwhelmed by the scale of the fair. And of course, one final guess at NGen’s mystery Canadian musical guest.

• 01:03 Brendan's Upcoming Trip to Hannover
• 02:04 Plug For York Region’s Tariff Impact Video Podcast
• 05:33 Michael's Journey and Role as CEO
• 07:16 The Birth of RoboTape
• 15:33 RoboTape's Market Impact and Applications
• 18:43 Hannover Messe Insights and Networking Tips
• 26:39 Upcoming Product Launch: RoboClip
• 31:56 Speculations on the Special Musical Guest

York Region’s The Tariff Impact Podcast

• The Tariff Impact Podcast YouTube Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq3vDdWJ2ruwBM-Kms5heLkJ8HZPfSXzp
• Episode 1 - “EDC: All-in-One Banking,  Insurance, Investment, and Advisory to Help Canadian Exporters Through Crises,” featuring Todd Winterhalt youtube.com/watch?v=3BdUfsVmuDw&list=PLq3vDdWJ2ruwBM-Kms5heLkJ8HZPfSXzp&index=2
• Episode 2 - “CME: What Canada’s Largest Manufacturers and Exporters Industry Association is Seeing and Doing,” featuring Dennis Darby: youtube.com/watch?v=qCLY4Sek26s&list=PLq3vDdWJ2ruwBM-Kms5heLkJ8HZPfSXzp&index=1&pp=iAQB

Find Out More about Innovative Group of Companies

• Innovative Automation website: innovativeautomation.com
• RoboTape website: robotape.com
• Mecsmart Systems website: mecsmart.com

Find Out More About Trillium

• Trillium website: trilliummfg.ca
• Trillium GIS: trilliumgis.ca
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/trilliummfg
• X/Twitter: x.com/TrilliumMfg
• Instagram: instagram.com/trilliummfg
• Facebook: facebook.com/trilliummfg
• Old ‘Making it in Ontario’ Episodes: https://soundcloud.com/making-it-in-ontario-past

About the Making it in Ontario Podcast

Making it in Ontario is your window into what's next in manufacturing. Ontario’s economy depends on manufacturing, but the latest research reveals concerning trends that could undermine the sector’s strength—if we don’t address them. Join us as we talk to CEOs and other leaders at the forefront of the sector about productivity, strategy, talent markets and career opportunities, and the role of manufacturing in a prosperous and sustainable future.

This podcast is an initiative of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It is produced by Storied Places Media.