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Message From The Editor
Since our pre-pandemic world no longer exists
Challenges abound as we approach the end of the year, and as if the supply chain turmoil wasn't disruptive enough, we've been told that a new variant is coming. A phrase that you will hear from one of our contributors this week got me thinking. He wrote that whenever we experience major changes, we always expect to return to the situation before the changes, but this is never possible. So, we might as well look to the future and here is an enlightening text from a privileged observer of our market on the trends to watch for in the coming year. Good reading! |
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Market Insights
Seven Thoughts for 2022
By John Kerr
I am not big on predictions so I would rather present instead a few thoughts on what I sense for the future of Canada’s electrical industry. Having the luxury of speaking to all segments of the industry every day provides a unique perspective, so I hope what follows will provide food for thought when looking ahead to next year. There is no doubt high-tech distribution will evolve and grow, evidenced by the increasing complexity of products coming forward. More product suppliers alone will drive this as they seek channel partners, but the driver will be end users who need support, expertise, and immediate access to information. Read More |
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EFC
‘SCREAM’ to Recalibrate Your Supply Chains
By Swati Vora-Patel
Nearly every industry has experienced supply chain angst during this pandemic, forcing many leaders to recalibrate their supply chains to surf the waves of unexpected challenges – transportation disruptions, material shortages, demand surges, escalated shipping and freight costs, and labour issues. Every link in the supply chain has been rattled, making anyone involved wanting to ‘scream’ – but what if there is a way to apply this ‘scream’ to a more productive cause? EFC recently hosted its Supply Chain Summit and invited Dr. Paul D. Larson, CN Professor of Supply Chain Management at the University of Manitoba, who shared a ‘Supply Chain Risk Evaluation and Management (SCREAM)’ framework. Read More |
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Best Practices – Distribution
Managing Shortages With Relationships in Mind
By Gene Biben
Many of us “old-timers” have previously gone through product shortages in this industry. However, I never recall so many products being involved at the same time. How companies deal with this may have longer-term affects, however, than in the past.The one thing we know about any product shortage, or delay, is that someone will be disappointed. That is the end result, whether the shortage or delay is unavoidable or not and is called force majeure, the bottom line is that ship dates were missed and projects cannot be completed (and sometimes it is compounded by increased costs). Let’s look at some things we’re hearing. Read More |
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Survey
New Survey Reveals Challenges and Opportunities for Construction Project Cost Management in Canada
Procore Technologies, Inc. released Canadian-focused findings from a report developed in partnership with Dodge Data & Analytics, a leading provider of commercial construction project data. The report found both owners and contractors in Canada face a variety of challenges when it comes to project cost management, but they believe using one streamlined tool will help facilitate construction projects and cost management more efficiently. Conducted in July 2021, the report explores the industry’s perception of project cost management and how construction professionals across multiple regions leverage technology to effectively manage costs. Participants included construction owners, general contractors, and subcontractors in the public and private sectors Read More |
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Trends – Lighting Industry
DISRUPTION 101: Profiting from Change
By Peter Brown
Not much changed for the household incandescent A19 since it became widely available on the market over a century ago — but in the past 20 years, the industry has transformed at breakneck speed. A former client contacted us recently, saying, “We’re stuck.” As in so many cases after 2008’s Great Recession, his division, once an industry leader, had experienced zero growth, using the same outmoded tactics to keep factories running while wishing for the old world order to return. It never did. Read More |
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Looking Back
Modernizing Resource Industries: Maritimes
The resource-based industries of the Maritimes are looking to electronics to make their operations more productive. This trend, in concert with the tremendous amount of work offshore oil development will provide, suggests a glowing future for distributors in the region. Kip Roberts, President of Harris and Roome Ltd., Halifax, points out that several industries are modernizing and much of their new equipment will be purchased from electrical distributors. The fishing industry, for instance, is moving to new types of boats while fish processing plants want more efficient machinery. Old coal mines are being revitalized with new equipment, such as time switches, precision-type instruments, and all kinds of electronic devices. Read More |
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Best Practices – Customer Service
The Future of Customer Service – 3 Buying Trends to Capitalize on in 2022
By Jeff Mowatt
Have you ever seen this much marketplace disruption? The year 2022 marks my 30th anniversary of client companies bringing me in to work with their sales and service teams to grow their business. Over my three decades of speaking, training, and writing on the topic I’ve never seen a shift in customer buying behaviors as dramatic as those we’ve recently experienced during the pandemic. Consider how you and your organization can capitalize on the following big three trends. The pandemic exploded online buying particularly at Amazon. Interestingly, Amazon doesn’t sell products. It sells convenience. Compare buying from Amazon to the typical retail shopping experience. Read More |
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Technology
ABB in Canada for Canada: ABB’s Montreal Plastic Injection Molding Facility Shapes Success
Innovation focus has enabled team to optimize assets and double production of electrical solutions. ABB’s Pointe-Claire facility has developed solid expertise in plastic injection molding, used in a series of electrical solutions for the Canadian market. In addition, its vertical integration efforts have helped optimize production. Known as the “T-Can” facility due to its location on the Trans-Canada Highway, this facility has a rich history. Previously owned and operated by Thomas & Betts, and now ABB, it currently produces three Canadian legacy brands including: the Marrette® wire connector, developed by Bill Marr in 1914, and its various models; the NuTek® series of non-metallic thermoplastic boxes used exclusively in wood frame residential construction, once produced by a British Columbia firm of the same name; and Snap-it®plastic fittings. Read More |
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Code and Standards
Manage Impairment Risks and Improve Investigations with CSA Group Standards
Group has just published two standards that can help you better manage impairment in your workplace and improve your incident investigations. CSA Z1008:21, [IT]Management of impairment in the workplace[IT], a new standard, offers a structured approach to assessing and controlling impairment, including impairment from substance abuse. CSA Z1005:21, [IT]Workplace incident investigation[IT], is an update that provides more guidance on the role of human factors in incidents. Both can help firms of all sizes meet their obligations under occupational health and safety legislation. “The impetus behind [IT/BF]CSA Z1008:21, Management of impairment in the workplace[IT/BF]] was the legalization of cannabis,” says Candace Sellar, CSA Group’s Program Manager, Worker and Public Safety, Standards. Read More |
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Marketing
Sonepar Launches Its New Brand Identity
Sonepar is proud to launch a new brand identity to support the Group’s ambition to remain the world leader in B-to-B electrical products, systems, and services distribution, serving customers with an omnichannel digital experience, promoting best-in-class sustainability, and ensuring associates a diverse and inclusive working environment. Two decades after the launch of the existing logo, the rebrand occurs when Sonepar is engaged in an ambitious transformation to serve customers with the most advanced automated and digitalized omnichannel processes in the industry. The new brand has been designed to be easily deployed across all digital channels. Read More |
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Survey Says
Pay by Experience Level for Inside Sales Representatives
This Survey Shows The National Average Pay For Inside Sales Reps Based On Years Of Experience. Read More |
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Economy
- Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, Fourth Quarter 2021
Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.4% in August, following a 0.1% decline in July. The continued easing of public health restrictions and further reopening across the country increased demand across many close contact service industries.From October to early November 2021, Statistics Canada conducted the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions. The survey collects information on the environment businesses are currently operating in and their expectations moving forward.Businesses expect to face a variety of obstacles over the next three months (see Note to readers) related to the rising cost of inputs; uncertainty in consumer demand; hiring and recruitment as well as those related to supply chains.
- Monthly Estimates of Business Openings And Closures, August 2021
In August 2021, the number of business closures outpaced business openings for the first time since May 2020. By consequence, the number of active businesses decreased by 0.6% (-5,197). Nevertheless, the number of active businesses was above its February 2020 level for the fourth consecutive month. The number of business closures rose by 24.0% in August, following a 16.0% decline in July to return close to its pre-pandemic level. After two consecutive months of increase following the lifting of several public health restrictions, the number of business openings dropped by 2.7% in August, entirely driven by a lower number of reopenings (-4.8%). This suggests that most businesses that reopened did so between June and July, when the majority of the restrictions were eased.
- Gross Domestic Product by Industry, September 2021
Real gross domestic product (GDP) edged up 0.1% in September, as declines largely concentrated in manufacturing, construction and retail trade were more than offset by broad-based expansions in services-producing industries as well as in mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction. Preliminary information indicates that real GDP rebounded in October, up 0.8% with increases in most sectors. Manufacturing led the growth after contracting in September due in part to the effects of the semiconductor shortage. Other notable increases were in public sector, construction, finance and insurance, and transportation and warehousing.
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Changing scene – Awards and Announcements
- Electro-Federation Canada Announces 2021 Marketing Award Recipients
Electro Federation Canada (EFC) is pleased to recognize the 2021 EFC Marketing Award recipients. Go HERE for more information on the winners. Celebrating innovation excellence, recognizing industry talent, and elevating marketing in the electrical sector in Canada, entrants, showcased leading-edge programs across four categories: Digital Innovation, sponsored by Electrical Line; Integrated Marketing, sponsored by Kerrwil; Social & Sustainability, sponsored by Product Care; Virtual Events, sponsored by EFC.
- Eaton Electrical Sector – Americas Region
Rahul Duggal has been appointed to the position of Commercial Operations Manager.
Rahul joined Eaton as part of the Leadership Development Program in 2010 and since that time has held various roles of increasing responsibility in both sales and marketing. Most recently, Rahul held the position of Commercial Construction Market Segment Manager in Milton, ON, managing the low voltage distribution assemblies product offering, while leading the commercial construction market segment strategy for Eaton Canada.
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Changing scene – Awards and Announcements
- Signify Welcomes Bryan Charlebois
Bryan Charlebois has been named Head of the Professional Channel and will report into Martin Stephenson, Market Leader, Canada. Bryan will focus on strengthening our relationships with – and delivering our lighting products and systems to – professional customers across the country. Bryan has more than 15 years of lighting industry experience. He joins Signify from Cree Lighting Canada, where he last held the role of Vice President of Sales.
- Liteline Appoints A.M.G. BAYTECH
Liteline Corporation announced the appointment of A.M.G. Baytech as their newest agent representing us in East Central Ontario as of November 4th, 2021. A.M.G. Baytech is a Lighting and Controls focused agency based in Oshawa and will be covering everything from Ajax to Belleville, calling on all market segments including distributors, contractors, specifiers, end users and municipalities.
- Rittal Rises to the Covid Challenge to Win a Prestigious EFC Marketing Award
The current crisis has reiterated the importance of combining a personalized and digitalized marketing strategy to reach customers far and wide! Rittal System Ltd., Canada, world leading producer of electrical enclosures, climate control, power distribution & IT Infrastructure solutions and software, has been executing a truly integrated marketing strategy by combining the personal touch with the electronic media, to win an Electro-Federation Canada Marketing Excellence Award for the fourth year!
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Changing scene – Awards and Announcements
- Chris Weiser Joins Leviton
Welcome to Chris Weiser to the Leviton Family! He joins the sales team as Territory Manager - Eastern Ontario.
Please join us in welcoming Chris and wishing him much success in his new role.
- Stanpro is Announcing the Retirement of Glen Melanson as of January 2022
After 11 years of loyal service Stanpro announced that their colleague Glen Melanson will soon be retiring. He will remain in his position as a lighting specialist until January 2022 while we seek a new team member for the position.
- Anthony Zellermeyer Promoted to VP Marketing – Electrical Division For Techspan Industries
Sean Dunnigan, President of Techspan Industries Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Zellermeyer to the position of Vice President Marketing – Electrical Division. Anthony will be starting in the new role effective immediately. Anthony had previously worked as Techspan’s National Marketing Manager.
- Alexander Kanouni- Business Development Manager- Eastern Canada for ECS
ECS Electrical Cable Supply is pleased to announce that Alexander Kanouni will be joining the ECS team as Business Development Manager for the Eastern Canada region effective December 6, 2021. Alexander will be responsible for supporting the sales organization across the Eastern Region of Canada to grow the Industrial, data, automation, and specialty product portfolio, in addition to supporting an enhanced product offering in the project business. He will work closely with the sales organization in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada and key vendors, to focus on growing the business in these products.
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Changing scene
- ABB Partners With Start-Up Sevensense to Drive Next Generation Autonomous Mobile Robots
ABB is entering into a strategic partnership with Swiss-based start-up Sevensense, founded in 2018 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, to enhance ABB’s new autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) offering with artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D vision mapping technology. The technology will offer customers unprecedented levels of flexibility as mobile robots will be able to navigate autonomously in complex, dynamic indoor and outdoor environments close to people.
- Focus Group: Building a Sexual Harassment-Free Workplace for Women in Electricity
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is building a comprehensive educational outreach program to support employers in developing sexual harassment solutions that are adaptable to all sizes of companies in the industry. This will include the development of training and learning resources, a safe space mentoring tool and a support strategy and procedure framework.
- Survey Suggests Pandemic Lighting Design Trends
aspectLED recently announced the results from its Annual Survey on Trends in Commercial and Residential Lighting Design, in which hundreds of designers were asked to share insights with their peers about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lighting design. The results suggest a number of interesting trends.
- LabTest Certification Receives OSHA’s Recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for Testing and Listing of Electrical Products
LabTest Certification Inc. is proud to announce its most recent recognition by OSHA as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for Testing and Listing of Electrical products. The new recognition is in addition to the already extensive Scope of Accreditations that LabTest holds for certification/listing of various product categories, such as Hazardous Locations equipment.
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Changing scene
- Jennifer Green, Director of Competitions and Young Women’s Initiatives at Skills Ontario, Receives Women of Inspiration™ Award
On November 13th, the Universal Women’s Network virtually hosted the 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Awards with 150 finalists across Canada, and announced Jennifer Green, Director of Competitions and Young Women’s Initiatives at Skills Ontario, as the recipient of the Dream Builder Award, sponsored by AMJ Campbell, presented by their President and CEO, Pierre Frappier.
- IPEX Announces Another Expansion
IPEX is pleased to announce that as a critical part of its North American growth strategy and customer service focus, the company continues to expand its warehousing and distribution capabilities. The newest distribution centre (DC) is in Charlotte, North Carolina and is now fully operational. Located at Creekside Commerce Center on John Price Road in southwest Charlotte, at over 200,000 square feet the new facility nearly doubles the company’s warehouse space in the region.
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Changing scene – Milestones
- Northern Cables Celebrating 25th Anniversary
When the Philips Electrical plant closed in 1996 in Brockville, Ontario, a few employees decided to start up their own company and thus, Northern Cables was born. 2021 marks their 25th Anniversary as a Canadian owned, world-class manufacture of commercial & industrial power cables.
- Stelpro 1981 – 2021
Stelpro is a family-owned business established in Quebec in 1981, renowned in the electric heating industry, heating cables, ventilation (HVAC) and electronic controls. North American leader in its market, Stelpro offers quality heating products designed and manufactured in Canada that provide maximum performance, safety and innovative design. Learn more about its anniversary.
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In The Next Issue
The Value of Skills Training in a Changing Sector |
Careers
Time for a Change? New Job Openings
Access the latest job and career opportunities in Canada’s electrical industry today. New listings posted regularly. View Current |
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