Making it in Ontario

Our Hannover Messe countdown series—featuring Ontario manufacturers and technology companies that will be showcasing at the world's largest industrial technology trade fair—continues with Greta Cutulenco, the Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO of Kitchener-based Acerta Analytics Solutions.

In this episode, Greta tells us about Acerta's innovative work using AI and machine learning to lead a paradigm shift from preventative maintenance to predictive quality, which results in massive improvements in scrap and rework rates. Greta adds to previous discussions about the challenges of tech adoption in Canada, the benefits of being based in Waterloo Region, and what she’s looking forward to at Hannover Messe, including a new prediction about the surprise musical guest at NGen’s Hannover reception.

• 00:16 Episode Introduction
• 03:29 Greta’s Speech at and Takeaways From the TRBOT Dinner
• 07:39 From Magna to Acerta Analytics
• 12:18 How Acerta Works With Tier 2 and 3 Companies
• 14:21 Shifting From Preventative Maintenance to Predictive Quality
• 17:43 Advantages of Being Located in Waterloo Region
• 20:47 Challenges in Technology Adoption
• 23:19 Looking Forward to Hannover Messe
• 29:31 Magic Wand Question: How Greta Would Address the Tech Adoption Challenge
• 31:27 Musical Guest Speculations and Rumors

Find Out More about Acerta Analytics Solutions

• Acerta Analytics Solutions website: acerta.ai

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.

Our Hannover Messe countdown series—featuring Ontario manufacturers and technology companies that will be showcasing at the world's largest industrial technology trade fair—continues with Pablo Molina, Co-Founder & CTO of Kitchener-based Avidbots.

In this episode, Pablo shares Avidbots' journey from a small office in Waterloo to a multinational company shipping autonomous cleaning robots around the world. Pablo pulls no punches about Canada’s lagging adoption of robotics and lack of investment in scaling up the industry, both of which are challenges that he and the Canadian Robotics Council (CRC) are working to address.

The episode concludes with a preview of Avidbots' participation at Hannover Messe 2025, and his take on the rumours, thus far, of which musical act will be playing at NGen’s Hannover Messe reception.

• 03:41 Avidbots’ Journey
• 07:16 Avidbots' Products and Innovations
• 11:20 Challenges and Future of Robotics
• 14:36 Hardware, Software, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Ecosystem
• 17:03 How We Can Help Canadian Companies Scale Up 
• 22:46 The Role of CRC in Canadian Robotics
• 26:10 Avidbots at Hannover Messe
• 28:32 What Pablo is Excited About in 2025
• 30:17 Whether Avidbots Will Stay in Canada
• 35:26 Musical Rumors

Find Out More about Avidbots and the Canadian Robotics Council

• Avidbots website: avidbots.com
• Canadian Robotics Council website: roboticscouncil.ca

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.

Our Hannover Messe countdown series—featuring Ontario manufacturers and technology companies that will be showcasing at the world's largest industrial technology trade fair—continues with Rahul Goel, CEO of Markham-based NordSpace.

In this episode, Rahul discusses NordSpace's ambitious plan to develop an end-to-end responsive space launch system, getting to space more sustainably, and the advantages of being located in York Region. He also previews NordSpace's participation in Hannover Messe, emphasizing the importance of a Canadian supply chain and industrial partnerships. We end with a couple of fun questions about who Rahul thinks will perform at NGen’s Hannover reception, and whether he’s been screeched in yet.

• 02:35 The Canadian Space Race
• 05:22 NordSpace in a Nutshell
• 07:27 NordSpace's Sustainable Innovations
• 09:57 The Role of U of T and Markham/York Region in NordSpace's Success
• 15:26 NordSpace at Hannover Messe
• 20:22 Future Plans and Exciting Developments
• 22:50 Speculating About the Musical Guest at NGen’s Hannover Reception
• 24:23 Getting Screeched In

Find Out More about NordSpace

• NordSpace website: nordspace.com
• Spaceport Canada webpage: nordspace.com/spaceport
• NordSpace on LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/company/nordspace-ca

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.

Hannover Messe is a month away, and we’re counting down with a special series featuring Ontario manufacturers and technology companies that will be showcasing at the world's largest industrial technology trade fair.

We kick off the series with Michael Rosas, VP General Manager of Virtualware. The conversation explores the challenges of 3D technology adoption, and how Virtualware is reducing friction to help manufacturers use extended reality across their value chain, from design to remote training to sales. He also tells us about their brand new Battery Boost workforce initiative with Invest Windsor-Essex that will train workers for NextStar Energy’s battery plant before it’s built, and gives us a peek at what Virtualware will be showcasing at Hannover Messe.

• 00:17 Introducing New Series and Canada’s Presence at Hannover Messe 2025
• 04:21 Michael Rosas' Journey to Virtualware via Entertainment Industry
• 13:01 Virtualware's Immersive 3D Technology and Adoption Challenges
• 20:55 Manufacturing Use Case: Simumatik
• 26:13 Battery Boost Workforce Development Initiative
• 29:37 Virtualware at Hannover Messe
• 35:42 Closing Remarks (feat. Justin Bieber) and Invitation to Connect

Find Out More About Virtualware and Michael Rosas

• Virtualware website: virtualwareco.com
• VIROO website: virtualwareco.com/viroo
• Simumatik website: simumatik.com
• VIROO Room at McMaster Video: youtube.com/watch?v=GZU71mCSSRg
• VIROO App Simumatik: Virtual Commissioning Emulation Video youtube.com/watch?v=onOX39VpTH0
• Invest Windsor Essex - Battery Boost workforce VR training program for NextStar Energy: investwindsoressex.com/windsor-essex-ontario-workers-to-receive-high-demand-advanced-simulation-skills-training-for-immediate-placement-in-ev-supply-chain
• Contact Michael Rosas on LinkedIn to meet at Hannover Messe or at McMaster Innovation Park: linkedin.com/in/michael-rosas-1726a61a3

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.

In this episode, we learn how Ontario’s economic developers help attract, support, and retain major manufacturing investments in their communities. Our guest is Sean Dyke, the CEO of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation. St. Thomas is where PowerCo, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, decided to locate its $7 billion battery manufacturing plant—Canada’s largest greenfield manufacturing investment yet. This small city is also home to Formet Industries, a division of Magna International. Formet is Canada’s largest automotive parts manufacturing facility and the world’s largest automotive frame manufacturing plant. Tune in to find out how St. Thomas is being transformed into a hub for advanced manufacturing.

• 01:07 Introduction to Sean Dyke and St. Thomas
• 03:42 Why the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Matters
• 05:32 The Economic Development Career Path
• 07:32 St. Thomas’ Evolution Over the Past 20 Years
• 10:36 Why PowerCo Chose St. Thomas
• 13:05 What Happens After the Big Announcement
• 15:34 Secrecy Around Investment Attraction
• 18:00 Role in Workforce Development For PowerCo and Other Companies
• 21:19 Regional Approach to Economic Development
• 25:50 Importance of Magna to St. Thomas
• 26:24 An Exciting New Manufacturer: Element 5
• 28:39 Focus on Housing
• 29:55 St. Thomas’ Goals For Hannover Messe
• 31:41 Rapid Fire Questions

Find Out More About St. Thomas and PowerCo

• St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation website: st-thomas.org
• PowerCo website: powerco.ca
• PowerCo Careers: careers.powerco.de

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.

 Given the ongoing potential for tariffs and trade negotiations with the United States, we’re bringing back an episode that’s increasingly relevant and that you might have missed when it premiered during the holiday rush.

This episode features numbers from Trillium’s newly released Automotive Trade Data Bulletin. Hosts Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson discuss where Canadian-made cars are sold, the sources of cars bought in Canada, and the cross-border movement of automotive parts. With hard facts, they directly address a persistent claim (or is it a myth?) about the number of times automotive parts cross the border.

• 00:17 Trillium’s New Auto Trade Data Bulletin
• 03:04 Canadian Made Cars: Numbers and Destination
• 04:43 The Size of the Canadian Market For Cars and Where They Come From
• 07:03 How to Buy a Canadian Made Car
• 09:09 Canadian Made Automotive Parts: Value and Destination
• 12:05 Canadian Made Cars: Where the Parts Come From
• 13:30 How Many Times Do Automotive Parts Actually Cross the Border?
• 17:06 Where to Find the Report

Highlighted Report

• Auto Trade Data Bulletin trilliummfg.ca/initiatives/#data-bulletins

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.

As we come to the end of Trump’s first week in office, with the tariff question live but (as yet) unresolved, we’re exploring the varying degrees of trade dependence of Canada’s manufacturing industries. Drawing from a Trillium Network Data Bulletin, the data shows that some are highly reliant on international trade, while others are far less so. Find out which industries are most and least exposed in this brief episode.

• 00:16 Current Trade Climate and Its Implications
• 00:54 Further Reading and Listening on the Topic of Trade
• 03:13 Exposure of the Automotive and Aerospace Industries
• 04:15 The Most Trade-Dependent Industry
• 06:28 Industries with Low Trade Dependency
• 08:33 Conclusion and Optimism for the Future

Highlighted Reports/Episodes

• Data Bulletin #3: Canadian Manufacturing and Trade Dependence trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/canadian-manufacturing-trade-dependence/
• Making it in Ontario, Season 11 Episode 1: Martinrea’s Rob Wildeboer on Geopolitics, EVs, and Crises https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e6d72383-60cc-465e-9dff-5400030187fb/
• Making it in Ontario, Season 10 Episode 12: Mythbusting Automotive Trade Stats https://player.captivate.fm/episode/30c726f3-3d22-4db1-8a10-6aaedf4a70e9/
• Data Bulletin #15: Canadian Automotive Trade, Production, and Sales, 2014-2023 trilliummfg.ca/data-bulletin/canadian-automotive-trade-production-and-sales-2014-2023/
• Who’s Subsidizing Whom? by Jim Stanford, Centre for Future Work https://centreforfuturework.ca/2025/01/12/whos-subsidizing-whom

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.

Season 11 is kicking off with one of the most important people in Canadian manufacturing today. Rob Wildeboer is the Executive Chair of Vaughan-based Martinrea International, one of the few Canadian companies that consistently make the Auto News ‘Top 100’ Global suppliers list. As we enter what’s sure to be a dynamic year for politics and industry, Rob shares frank opinions on trade & tariffs, geopolitics, the transition to EVs, lessons learned from past crises, and why he’s still bullish about automotive. This episode is guest hosted by Greg Keenan, the Trillium Network’s Strategic Adviser and an automotive industry journalist with three decades of experience at the Globe & Mail.

• 00:22 Reflecting on Season 10
• 01:23 Introducing Rob Wildeboer
• 03:44 Martinrea’s Founding and Expansion Story
• 08:03 The EV Transition
• 10:38 Why EVs Are Doing Well in China
• 12:19 Three Existential Issues Automotive is Facing
• 16:50 Rob’s Insights on the USMCA Renegotiation and Tariff Threats
• 32:10 Is Canada Competitive?
• 34:12 The EV Slowdown’s Impact on Martinrea
• 38:19 Lessons Learned From Past Crises and Future Outlook

Find Out More About Martinrea International

• Martinrea website: martinrea.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.

For the season finale of Making it in Ontario, we’re getting feedback on the season’s top takeaways from a real-life advanced manufacturer who’s on the floor daily dealing with productivity, strategy, workforce, and trade challenges. What does he think of the ideas shared by our previous guests? Are they practical for someone running an SME? Our guest is Ben Whitney, the President of Armo Tool and Abuma Manufacturing out of London, Ontario, and the chair of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing’s board of directors. Ben also shares insights on running a family business, and his efforts to inspire the next generation to take over.

• 00:42 Introduction of Episode and Ben Whitney
• 05:22 Ben’s Journey to President of Armo Too and Abuma Manufacturing
• 07:40 How Ben Navigated Crises
• 09:17 Talent Strategy Today vs 2009
• 12:42 Reaction to Jayson Myers’ University Programs for Manufacturing
• 15:12 Reaction to Giles Gherson’s Sub-Scale Company Problem
• 19:47 Advice For Inspiring the Next Generation to Take Over the Family Business
• 21:19 Reaction to Michelle Sangster’s Advice For Building the Talent Pipeline
• 25:46 Reaction to Jim Stanford’s Definition of a Good Job
• 28:49 Reaction to Jean-Marc Leclerc and Michelle Sangster’s Advice on Leadership During Crises
• 31:57 Reaction to Scott MacKenzie’s Intel About Ontario’s Forthcoming Battery Plants
• 35:00 How Government Incentives Could Better Support Domestic Manufacturers
• 38:15 Why Being Involved in the Manufacturing Ecosystem is Important to Ben

Find Out More About Armo Tool and Abuma Manufacturing

• Armo Tool website: armotool.com
• Abuma Manufacturing website: abuma.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.

As we approach the end of 2024 and the end of this season of Making it in Ontario, we’re taking inspiration from Spotify and presenting a special “Wrapped” episode. Season 10 featured titans from across the advanced manufacturing ecosystem, and this episode compiles their most cutting-edge, insightful, and necessary takeaways.

• 01:52 NGen’s Jayson Myers: University Programs for Manufacturing
• 03:24 TRBOT’s Giles Gherson: Ontario’s Sub Scale Company Problem
• 07:28 Toyota’s Scott MacKenzie: EV Battery Cell Manufacturing vs Vehicle Assembly
• 10:58 Toyota’s Scott MacKenzie: The Importance of Touring Modern Manufacturing Facilities
• 12:39 Centre for Future Work’s Jim Stanford: What Makes a Good Job
• 13:47 CME’s Dennis Darby: Misconceptions About Robots and Jobs
• 14:42 Honda’s Jean-Marc Leclerc: Leadership During Crises
• 16:06 Eclipse’s Michelle Sangster: Building the Talent Pipeline
• 17:32 Next Episode Teaser

Listen to the full conversations

• Jayson Myers - Episode 5 - Solving Canada's “Productivity Problem”
• Giles Gherson - Episode 11 - Maximizing Manufacturing Productivity in Toronto and Beyond
• Scott MacKenzie - Episode 4 - Toyota Canada on Electrification, Labour Markets, and Strategy
• Jim Stanford - Episode 7 - Advanced Manufacturing and the Future of Work
• Dennis Darby - Episode 8 - Getting Strategic About Trade, Investment, and Productivity
• Jean-Marc Leclerc - Episode 9 - Honda Canada on Canada’s Biggest Manufacturing Investment (Yet)
• Michelle Sangster - Episode 10 - Eclipse Automation’s Incredible Growth With Accenture

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.