|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the November spotlight I was able to ask Cliff Black of Spartan Sling a few questions.
|
What are your goals for 2023?
|
The number 1 goal for 2023 would be to sustain the current growth from 2022 while maintaining & efficiently servicing all of our 3,000 + accounts at the highest level. Obviously, I would like to add new accounts to our ‘satisfied customer’ list. I believe this is achievable considering the very high inventory levels we carry as a result of being ahead of the curve with regard to the current supply chain problems. Add into that mix, the fact that Spartan Sling carries zero debt which permits us to react quickly and efficiently. I do believe that we may be hiring more personnel in 2023 in order to meet customer needs.
|
What are you most proud of from 2022?
|
If I was wearing a vest, buttons would be popping and flying across the room. The absolute number 1 thing that I am proudest of is the Spartan team. The guys get it. They understand the dangers our customers deal with while working with rigging in plants, job sites or wherever else our slings and rigging products are being used. The team is bound, bent & determined to fabricate the very best rigging humanly possible. 36 years of never having to call our lawyer or our insurance company speaks volumes in this industry. The team also understands that customer shutdowns are extremely expensive… emergency or rush orders are priority number one… get the customer up and running fast. The guys have also continued to work diligently throughout the pandemic. Test kits have been used to help prevent any possible spread of covid and, whenever necessary, the office staff jumped into production roles. Everyone in the offices started at the bottom before being promoted to their current positions which makes jumping into production roles easy.
|
|
I was that kid in the neighborhood that everyone came to with something to be repaired.
|
|
I built & raced my first short track stock car at 16 years old.
|
|
I coached soccer for the Windsor East Side Kickers in the Michigan Premier League & in Ontario for many years.
|
|
I owned an automotive turbocharger rebuild shop until I took control of Spartan Sling.
|
|
I own a Victory Vegas 8 Ball motorcycle… my stress reliever!
|
I also own a 1969 Buick GS 400 convertible that I am in the process of restoring.
|
3 things to know about your company?
|
|
Spartan Sling Mfg Inc is a family owned corporation. We are not a division of, a partner of, or owned by any other corporation. We sponsor youth sports and support our veterans. We invest in teaching our customers how to properly inspect their rigging & associated rigging hardware. We will assist customers in ‘rigging up’ awkward lifts, heavy lifts and engineered lifts when requested or, if we feel they need our readily available expertise. We want every customer going home safely at day’s end.
|
|
I should mention that every 5 years Spartan Sling Mfg hosts the “Rigging Inspection & Safe Rigging Practices Seminars” event to standing room only attendees from most every industry known. It is an expensive undertaking but it has helped to dramatically reduce overhead lifting ‘incidents’ in our sales region. Well worth the investment I would say. We invite training representatives from our major vendors to speak about proper pre-use inspection of and the correct use of their products. We are already ‘in process’ for the next one which is scheduled for the week of June 12, 2023.
|
|
Spartan Sling Mfg Inc does exactly what the name implies. We fabricate chain slings, nylon slings and wire rope slings to customer specifications in our Oldcastle (Windsor) Ontario plant. Our rigging hardware vendors are very carefully selected based on quality and ready inventory. Everything from lifting magnets, electric hoists, chainfalls, shackles, hoist rings, plate clamps, engineered lifting devices like lifting & spreader beams, coil hooks, Jersey barrier clamps & more. Basically, If you want to lift it, pull it, drag it or tie it down… call us.
|
We service and recertify what we sell. Our employees are trained ‘in house’ initially and then sent for factory training and certification at our major vendor facilities. Vendor training will consist of product knowledge, inspection and repair of their products. It takes us about 5 years to train our employees to the level that I am comfortable with before we send them out on MOL / OHSA required annual inspections or to assist with developing the plans for rigging.
|
Brief history of your company?
|
|
Spartan Sling Mfg Inc was opened for business in July of 1987 by my parents, Gerry & Roseann Black in a 2,200 square foot shop. I purchased the company in 1997 with an idea and an intense drive to succeed. It did not take long before the 2,200 sq ft building was bursting at the seams. Result, we moved from that tiny West Windsor shop to a much better suited 8,700 square foot building around 2013. Around that time, we invested in test beds for proof testing of our products, customer products and to meet heavy / engineered lift legal requirements. Here we are now and the building is bursting at the seams. Looking ahead at my plans, I believe we will be looking for a minimum 30,000 square foot plant to efficiently meet my objective.
|
My son (Dustin) started working part time at the shop after school. When he graduated, he went to the University of Windsor to study Business and Economics. Dustin is perfectly ready now to take Spartan Sling Mfg Inc to the next level upon my retirement. Unfortunately for him, I am still truly enjoying what I do. That being said, Dustin is doing an incredible job working with vendors and customers alike. With his 25 years of experience, he is ready and our customers are very impressed with his knowledge and ability.
|
What is your background / history in industry? Why did you get into this industry?
|
|
I quit school at 16 years old and began working in a mill / industrial supply business. While assembling a 1-¼” 2 leg chain sling, I asked the boss how much weight it would carry. I can’t print what he said but, he handed me the catalogs and told me to read them. I did just that and was astounded! Needless to say, I was hooked on slings and everything associated. By age 18, I was exceptionally well trained by the vendors. My boss then gave me specific accounts to assist with their overhead lifting needs and perform the MOL / OHSA required annual inspections. I assisted engineers at Namasco, Birla, G.M. & Ford with their new and existing plant requirements, to name just a few.
|
I came back into the industry in 1997 to do everything I could to prevent needless injuries and deaths resulting from rigging failures or improper rigging. Everything we do at Spartan Sling is focused on “protect the guy on the ground from physical harm and that will protect his employer from financial harm”.... Do it properly and with full integrity.
|
Something people may not know about the industry you work in
|
|
At some point, most everything you see and touch has been manipulated by slings, rigging / lifting devices and rigging hardware… most everything you see and touch. From your birth in the hospital all the way through your life and finally lowering your vault / casket into the ground… rigging has been involved indirectly or directly.
|
|
|
|
CAMM 2023 MARKETING DIRECTORY
|
CAMM is happy to announce the 2023 Marketing Directory. Information has been sent to members and more information can be found HERE
|
|
CESMII AND SME FORM COUNCIL TO ACCELERATE THE ADOPTION OF SMART MANUFACTURING
|
|
Recognizing the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of Smart Manufacturing, CESMII, (the Smart Manufacturing Institute) and SME (the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) are announcing the official launch of the Smart Manufacturing Executive Council (SMEC).
|
|
Described as “a national think tank of smart manufacturing leaders,” the Smart Manufacturing Executive Council has been created to engage business and technology executives, thought leaders and visionaries advocating for the transformation of the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem.
|
|
“As we transition from one manufacturing era to another, it’s clear that legacy behaviours, business models and technology architectures must make way for new ones,” said CESMII CEO John Dyck. “It’s the charter of this Smart Manufacturing Executive Council to advocate for this transformation, and the practical steps, investments and policy recommendations that will help this ecosystem cross this digital divide.”
|
|
The Smart Manufacturing Executive Council will focus on these strategic initiatives:
|
|
Ecosystem: Collaborative strategies enabling plants connected to the enterprise and supply chains for real-time data-driven business orchestration. Goal: flexible and agile processes and supply chains easily reconfigured for changing market demands and empowering collaboration between OT and IT.
|
|
Technology: Accelerate evolution from proprietary, closed systems, enabling interoperability to eliminate data silos, stovepipe architectures and vendor lock-in. Goal: drive down costs, improve agility.
|
|
Workforce: Aligning education, training, and continuous improvement strategies to develop people with the skills needed to accelerate smart manufacturing and create data driven cultures. Goal: organizational structures and capabilities that align resources and people for SM success.
|
|
“The Smart Manufacturing Executive Council will act as ambassadors for the vision of Smart Manufacturing in the U.S., working to accelerate the transformation of the entire manufacturing ecosystem and to inspire a vision for the future of manufacturing,” said Dyck.
|
|
“Both CESMII and SME are laser-focused on accelerating the democratization of Smart Manufacturing,” said SME Executive Director and CEO Robert Willig. “SME and CESMII are excited to engage with this remarkable assembly of industry leaders to lift the entire ecosystem. From large organizations and their supply chains to small & mid-size organizations, they’re all essential to creating a more competitive manufacturing environment here in the U.S.”
|
|
The Smart Manufacturing Executive Council will convene for the inaugural SMEC Session in December 2022 to affirm the charter and set strategic priorities for 2023.
|
|
|
|
Canada to ramp up immigration to boost economic growth
|
|
The federal government has set targets to integrate 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
|
|
TORONTO — The federal government has released its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, detailing how it will use immigration to help businesses find workers and attract the skills required in sectors that have experienced talent shortages.
|
|
Through this plan, the federal government anticipates that businesses in the skilled trades, health care, manufacturing and technology will be in a better position to manage the social and economic challenges the country is expected to endure in the decades ahead.
|
|
According to Canada’s Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, 405,000 newcomers transitioned into the country last year, representing the highest number of immigrants moving to Canada in a single year.
|
|
Now, the federal government has set targets to integrate 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025. The plan also brings an increased focus on attracting newcomers to different regions of the country, including small towns and rural communities.
|
Highlights of the levels plan
|
- A long-term focus on economic growth, with just over 60 per cent of admissions in the economic class by 2025
- Employing new features in the Express Entry system to bring in newcomers with the required skills and qualifications in sectors facing acute labour shortages such as, health care, manufacturing, building trades and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
- Increases in regional programs to address targeted local labour market needs, through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- Reuniting more families faster
- Ensuring that at least 4.4 per cent of new permanent residents outside Quebec are Francophone
- Support for global crises by providing a safe haven to those facing persecution, including by expanding the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.
|
|
Skilled Trades Ontario to hold a career fair for Grade 7 to 12 students next month
|
|
Skilled Trades Ontario, the new provincial agency responsible for skilled trades certification, is including Thunder Bay in what it calls a first-of-its-kind series of career fairs around the province.
|
|
Five multi-day fairs — in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Ottawa, Mississauga and London — will be aimed at attracting young people into trades where there is a significant shortage of labour.
|
|
“We’re in the middle of the greatest labour shortage in a generation,” Labour Minister Monte McNaughton said during an announcement this week in Toronto.
|
|
The Thunder Bay event is scheduled for Nov. 29 at the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre on Arthur Street.
|
|
Skilled Trades Ontario and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will host students from Grades 7 to 12, and introduce them to people working in dozens of trades, as well as to apprenticeship program recruiters, colleges, employers and unions.
|
|
Hands-on activities and interactive exhibits will be set up.
|
|
The government will arrange transportation for attendees, but there will also be a way to participate online.
|
|
McNaughton said people entering the skilled trades will have “a job for life” if they wish.
|
|
According to the government, there are currently 360,000 unfilled jobs.
|
|
The minister said 100,000 skilled workers are needed just to reach the goal of building 1.5 million more homes in Ontario by 2031.
|
|
“These are good-paying jobs with pensions and benefits, where you can buy a home and raise a family,” he said.
|
|
Skilled Trades Ontario is the central authority responsible for establishing standards in the trades.
|
|
Its mandate also includes setting up mentorship programs, managing the province’s participation in the Interprovincial Red Seal program, and maintaining a public register of people authorized to work in compulsory trades.
|
|
These are trades in which only apprentices and licensed journeypersons are allowed to work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Women in Skilled Trades Initiative
|
|
As part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, the Government of Canada’s Women in Skilled Trades Initiative sponsors projects supporting female apprentice recruitment, retention, and career advancement. This program is available to support one of a total of 39 unique Red Seal Trades across Canada.
|
|
With the thriveFORWARD program, the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (NCFDC) provides funding support for SME manufacturing firms in southern Ontario looking to adopt or commercialize innovative technologies. Businesses can benefit from this program by building resiliency, future-proofing their organizations, and preparing for long-term growth. The goal is to create jobs throughout southern Ontario by promoting a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, and enhancing competitiveness.
|
|
|
2023 Renewals have been sent to members. Dues are payable by January 1st.
|
|
|
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Outreach Program
|
The goals of the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Outreach Program are to:
|
- make the program’s information more accessible to Canadians through a client-centric approach;
- to promote the program’s vision to help foster a thriving research and development culture in Canada.
What is offered
|
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides education to eligible Canadian businesses that are seeking growth through innovation. The CRA is available to assist businesses that may not be aware of potential tax incentives, or that face challenges and barriers that discourage them from filing a claim. Working with industry sector representatives, professional associations, innovation and business facilitators that share our message with their clients can aid in expanding our outreach efforts.
|
CRA’s SR&ED Outreach Program officers work across Canada delivering presentations, hosting information seminars and webinars, and distributing informational products to raise awareness of the investment tax credits to which eligible businesses may be entitled. Our Outreach Program officers can:
|
- deliver an informational presentation for your business;
- display a booth or deliver a presentation at an event you are organizing;
- provide products tailored to your industry;
- let you know how to access SR&ED tax incentives;
- direct you to online tools and other resources.
How to request a visit
|
If your business is participating in eligible research and development and you would like more information, our SR&ED Outreach Program can help. Request a visit by calling your tax services office.
|
|
|
|
|
Labour shortage in manufacturing harming Canadian economy, finds CME survey
|
|
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters’ (CME) annual labour survey results show that labour and skills shortages are harming the Canadian economy. CME explains that in the last year alone, these shortages have resulted in economic losses totalling nearly $13 billion. This figure is calculated from the responses of 563 manufacturers from across the country.
|
|
Over the past year, 62 percent of manufacturers have lost or turned down contracts and faced production delays due to a lack of workers. This has resulted in $7.2 billion in lost sales and penalties for late delivery. At the same time, 43 percent of companies have postponed or cancelled capital projects because of labour shortages, corresponding to $5.4 billion of lost investment.
|
|
“Our survey confirmed what we’ve been hearing from manufacturers on the ground for a long time. Labour and skills shortages are a chronic and persistent issue for manufacturers, and they continue to limit the growth prospects of the sector. If we don’t find the workers we need, Canada’s economy will suffer”, said Dennis Darby, president and CEO of CME.
|
|
Highlights from the survey are as follows:
|
- The ongoing challenge of labour and skills shortages continues to be exacerbated by the fallout from the pandemic. For the second consecutive year, more than 80 percent of manufacturers reported facing labour and skills shortages, up sharply from 60 percent in 2020 and 39 percent in 2016.
- Shortages are most acute in production-related jobs, and manufacturers continue to have trouble finding enough highly skilled workers to fill skilled trade occupations and other workers to fill general labour and assembly positions.
- Eight in ten manufacturers say labour shortages in related sectors, like transportation and logistics, are also negatively affecting their business.
- The survey identified the biggest negative impacts of labour shortages on the manufacturing sector: delivery delays, increased costs, and mental health impacts on current employees.
- 15 percent of manufacturers are considering moving some or all their production outside Canada due to a lack of workers.
- More than 70 percent of survey participants have responded to labour shortages by increasing wages and benefits.
- Manufacturers are calling on governments to provide more support to encourage automation, do more to promote skilled trades to secondary students, introduce and expand apprenticeship programs and incentives, and increase the intake of immigrants.
|
“Today, CME is calling on the government to take concrete actions now to fill the more than 85,000 vacant positions in Canada’s manufacturing sector within a year,” said Darby. “We’re asking for government action on four fronts: providing more support for automation, bringing in more economic class immigrants and enacting reforms that reduce backlogs and improve processing times, providing employer-led training benefits to help upskill and reskill the workforce, and renewing and increasing funding for programs that encourage persons from underrepresented groups to seek a career in manufacturing.”
|
|
CME stated in a release that it will continue its direct engagement with all levels of government on this critical issue, pushing for programs and policy reforms that enable the manufacturing industry to grow and thrive. CME will also continue to regularly survey its members and measure the impact of labour shortages on the industry.
|
|
The complete results of the survey are available here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAMM members are able to secure booth space in a premium location for NPE 2024.
|
|
Payments are due by November 30th.
|
|
|
|
TechTO is the leading community for Canada's startup economy. Join 58,000 others and sign up for our weekly newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events and ideas making waves. You can sign up here: https://www.techto.org/newsletter
|
|
  
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
