Category
COVID-19
Ontario launching workplace inspection campaigns in COVID-19 hotspots
The inspections will begin with warehouses, food processors, and manufacturers in Peel and Halton Regions.
1 in 3 remote workers may quit if required to return to office full time, survey finds
More than half of all employees surveyed said they prefer a hybrid work arrangement, where they can divide time between the office and another location.
Canada’s small businesses want rapid testing, not lockdowns: CFIB
A recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that two-thirds of small businesses would consider using COVID-19 rapid tests to remain open.
Governments investing in new vaccine manufacturing plant in Toronto
The new facility is intended to meet growing demand for flu vaccines, boost Canada’s preparedness for future pandemics, and will create 300 jobs.
Industry associations praise manufacturing sector support in new Ontario budget
Among other things, the budget offers a second round of grants – ranging between $10,000 and $20,000 – to small businesses hit hard by the pandemic, and has set aside $1.7 billion for the program.
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Canadian firm launches medical mask manufacturing automation and vision systems
The Canadian Shield, headquartered in Waterloo, Ont., has partnered with local automation companies to design and manufacture proprietary medical mask production cells and vision systems.
CME asks government for more funding to help women in manufacturing
The Ottawa-based association is calling for extra funding for its Women in Manufacturing program, tax incentives to help employers to create childcare options, and additional money to help retrain women for jobs in manufacturing.
Canadian manufacturing growth picked up in February, report says
An improving domestic demand picture, greater purchasing activity, and a sustained period of employment suggests firms expect greater output in the months ahead, the report from IHS Markit said.
“Plastimagen Light” rescheduled as a virtual event only
Originally planned as a hybrid exhibition from March 9-11, Mexico’s largest plastics trade fair will now be held in digital format only from March 22-26.
Ontario opens business applications for $115 million skills development fund
The fund will support projects that will help relieve pandemic-induced barriers to hiring, training, and retaining workers.
Applications now open for Ontario’s new Skills Development Fund
The $115-million fund, which will support workers and apprentices, is designed to address the challenges brought on by COVID-19.
Ongoing border restrictions are costing manufacturers millions, survey reveals
The survey conducted by several industry associations indicates more than two-thirds of respondents have lost business amounting to tens of millions of dollars due to issues at the Canada-U.S. border.
New transparent PVC film capable of inactivating coronavirus
Developed by Braskem and AlpFilm, the film can inactivate 79.9% of the new coronavirus in three minutes and 99.99% in up to 15 minutes.
Arburg announces extended Technology Days event in June
The in-person show is set to run from June 7-12 at the company’s headquarters in Lossburg, Germany, and is being described as “Covid-secure”.
Manufacturing sales down in November, wholesale sales up, StatCan says
Manufacturing sales fell in November for the first time in three months, and sales were down in 5 of 21 industries, driven mainly by the aerospace product and parts, motor vehicle, and motor vehicle parts industries.
Quebec threatens construction, manufacturing sectors with more COVID-19 restrictions
Quebec’s labour minister is threatening on to impose more restrictions on the province’s construction and manufacturing sectors for allegedly flouting health orders.
Ontario manufacturers to receive more testing, inspections as stay-at-home order begins
The province will provide up to 300,000 COVID-19 tests per week to support manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, and food processing.
Ford to close Brazil manufacturing operations
The company is closing two plants immediately and a third later in the year, as part of a restructuring plan meant to cut costs and increase efficiency.
Quebec to impose 8 p.m. province-wide curfew, manufacturing sector stays open
The provincial government won’t close factories or order work sites to stop operating, but factories are being asked to postpone “non-essential” manufacturing.
Record improvement in Canadian business conditions during December, report says
Canadian manufacturers reported an overall improvement in business conditions during December, according to a new report from IHS Markit Canada.
Top 10 Canadian Plastics stories of 2020
A look at our top 10 most-visited news stories and feature articles of the year.
Ontario invests $77 million to help job seekers retrain after COVID-19 layoffs
This funding is being provided through the redesigned Second Career grant program and will help more than 2,750 job seekers with up to $28,000 for tuition, training materials, and living expenses.
StackTeck enhances mold-qualification capabilities during the pandemic
The Brampton, Ont.-based moldmaker now offers a virtual mold-testing capability package for customers limiting travel due to COVID-19.
Ontario injection molder among three firms to get provincial funding for mask and respirator production
Waterloo, Ont.-based Swenco is receiving $2 million to help the company establish a new production facility to make ASTM level 1, 2 and 3 surgical masks.
Absolute Haitian press allows Michigan university plastics lab to expand during pandemic
With a new Zeres injection molding machine, Ferris State University has been able to add an additional lab section for applied learning with one student at each machine rather than two, reducing the number of lab partners.
Global auto sales improve modestly again in October, report says
On a year-over-year basis, sales were in positive territory for a second consecutive month since the pandemic struck, Scotiabank’s latest Global Auto Report says.
Two-thirds of Canadian business owners negatively impacted by COVID-19: CIBC poll
But the majority (75%) of business owners remain optimistic they will rebound once the pandemic subsides, the poll also found.
Amcor adds face masks to healthcare product portfolio
The face masks meet general purpose-use requirements with a triple layer consisting of a non-woven inner and outer layer, and a melt-blown middle layer.
Ontario invests $350,000 for plastic sheeting maker to produce face shields
The funding for Integrated Packaging Films of Ayr, Ont. will help the firm produce an additional four million face shields per month for use during the second wave of COVID-19.
CpK Interior Products R&D team invents anti-viral plastics to kill COVID-19
The formulations kill 99.9999% of SARS-CoV-2 virus on material surfaces in less than 60 minutes.
Canadian government extending funding for innovation assistance program into December
The program an emergency wage subsidy provided to eligible small and medium-sized firms on a priority basis.
