A Real-Life Manufacturer Reacts to Season 10’s Takeaways

Making it in Ontario

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.