The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) have developed an alliance to strengthen the competitive skills, knowledge and innovation capabilities of the Canadian manufacturing community through joint efforts in membership development, event planning, professional and workforce development activities, and programs. This alliance brings a full complement of resources to Canadian manufacturers, both from the overall company perspective as well as at the individual practitioner level. CME supports manufacturing companies in developing long-term visions for Canadian manufacturing, while helping them address challenges in a rapidly growing global market. As an individual member-based professional society, SME works with companies and individuals to strengthen manufacturing workforce competency through educational resources, training, certification, and professional networking. Together, the organizations will collaborate on joint membership packages, industry events, workforce development initiatives, and creating awareness with the public that manufacturing is a critical part of the economy and a rewarding career choice.
F. Brian Holmes, CMfgE, SME president, is enthusiastic about this alliance.
“I am very excited about the memorandum of understanding between SME and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters," he said. "It will enable both associations to work together to enhance the capabilities of the Canadian manufacturing workforce. I look forward to the opportunities the alliance brings, because both organizations are looking for the same result: a stronger manufacturing sector through technology and education of the current and future workforce.”
Holmes is vice president of operations at Columbia Plastics in
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Mark C. Tomlinson, CEM, CMfgT, executive director and general manager of SME, expressed that, “Despite the negative press, manufacturing is still a vital part of the North American economy. Addressing workforce development needs and technology transfer are key to the success and viability of manufacturing. The CME-SME collaboration will play a critical role in bringing resources to manufacturers.”
The alliance with CME is part of SME’s larger initiative to bring manufacturing education and workforce development resources deeper into
The CME-SME alliance will contribute toward ensuring that Canadian manufacturers are recognized as a world-leading benchmark for their innovation, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Both organizations look forward to further exciting announcements in the coming months.
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (www.sme.org) is the world’s leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in
Canadian Exporters & Manufacturers (www.cme-mec.ca) is