On Oct. 2, the County of Simcoe is recognizing National Manufacturing Day in honour of the region’s tremendous businesses and workforce that continue to support our economy while adapting to support COVID-19 response and recovery.
Dedicated to highlighting the benefits of modern manufacturing careers and inspiring the next generation of manufacturers, the county is commemorating this day with the launch of a new video created as part of the 2020 Made in Simcoe County campaign.
The video showcases the work of local manufacturers in retooling and responding to the COVID-19 medical pandemic to produce vital PPE products.
“Businesses, organizations and our workforce have come together in an extraordinary way to respond to this pandemic and meet regional, provincial, national and even global needs,” said Warden Cornell. “We’re proud of our local businesses and workers, and this latest Made in Simcoe County video is a celebration of our resilience and the tremendous collaboration occurring throughout our region.”
Through innovative partnerships and grassroots leadership, companies across Simcoe County have swiftly pivoted to produce much needed PPE and sanitizers during this difficult time.
Many manufacturers are still producing the products for national markets, some completely changing their operations from pre-COVID times. Collaboration between local industry, along with a number of organizations, has been a key component to success, helping to showcase the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector right here in Simcoe County.
“Our local business community in North Simcoe and Simcoe County as a whole is tight knit and prior to COVID-19, there was always a sense of collaboration in this area, so it just seemed natural when the pandemic hit that collaboration would continue. The sense of wanting to help community is very much alive,” said Dan Williams, CEO, Industrial Filter Manufacturing in Penetanguishene.
For more information, visit https://workinsimcoecounty.ca/made-in-simcoe-county/
Additional Initiatives to Support the Manufacturing Sector
The County of Simcoe’s Economic Development Office has worked with regional partners on a number of initiatives to support and promote local businesses that are offering innovative and rewarding opportunities in the hopes of inspiring workers to explore careers in Simcoe County’s booming manufacturing sector. Key initiatives include:
- In collaboration with the cities of Barrie and Orillia and the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board, oversaw the launch of workinsimcoecounty.ca, a new regional jobsite featuring local resources including interactive activities for various STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) careers and the ability to map job opportunities
- In partnership with the County of Simcoe, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia, South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre, Orillia Area Community Development Corporation, Nottawasaga Futures, North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation and the Centre for Business and Economic Development, hosted virtual learning opportunities, including the ongoing “Ask an Expert” Series
- Consulted directly with industry representatives through sector focus groups to guide projects and activities amidst the new economic reality and hosted sector roundtables for industry to share best practices.
- The County of Simcoe, City of Barrie and City of Orillia have been selected to participate in MedTech 2020, in collaboration with the Provincial Government’s presence. The Annual MedTech Conference is the leading conference in North America related to global medical technology and is organized by the Advanced Medical Technology Association. MedTech 2020 will provide an opportunity to showcase our robust MedTech cluster and innovation ecosystem, including medical devices
- The County of Simcoe and area partners will host the 5th Annual Manufacturers Forum in a virtual format – Save the Date for Nov. 17, 2020.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
Source: County of Simcoe News Release.