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Message From The Editor
Commitments and opportunities in the face of new post-pandemic challenges
Carol McGlogan reflects on our incredible good fortune to be in an industry on the positive side of the health crisis — for all the reasons we already know and that make us proud to be members of this resilient, essential, innovative industry. And should we add responsible? This responsibility is particularly evident in new forms of leadership, truly inclusive workforce policies, and innovative environmental solutions. As this year draws to a close, I wish us all a wonderful holiday and hope that this season will finally allow different generations to get together again. Good reading! |
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Electro-Federation Canada
‘Powering a Changing World’ on the Positive Side of the ‘V’
By Carol McGlogan
Within the first year of this pandemic, economists introduced us to a new term to describe the economic impact of COVID-19: the ‘V’ shaped recovery. We learned that some parts of the economy would suffer long-term consequences, while others would recover quickly after a significant downturn. The electrical industry has proved to be on the positive side of the ‘V.’ We are in an enviable position compared to other industries, given that we are an essential service during an era of electrification, Industry 4.0 and a booming residential market. To support our industry during this exciting, yet challenging, time, EFC is expanding our efforts in government relations, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, data intelligence and cyber security. Read More |
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Best Practices – Distribution
A Copper Retrospective and Planning for 2022
By David Gordon
Copper is typically one of an electrical distributor’s top three product categories. It can represent 10-25% of a distributor’s sales, based upon their business focus. Over the past year, as all know, the price of copper has increased significantly, contributing to distributor sales growth as well as an increase in gross margin dollars. This can “color” a distributor’s performance as the key to judging performance is tracking “unit” sales, typically expressed in pounds. A leading copper authority is John Gross who publishes The Copper Journal Weekly Report and consults to the metals industry (on copper and more). Read More |
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Best Practices – Human Resources
The Value of Skills Training in a Changing Sector
By Michelle Branigan
With the energy transformation in full swing, Canada’s electricity workforce is in the midst of change. The introduction of new technologies, the scaling up of others, and the increased demand for a decarbonised power grid means that the workforce must be able to respond with agility like never before. In this context, continuous learning is key to ensure that employees have the ability to adapt quickly and meet the changing needs of the business. With a tight labour market in Canada employers are even more conscious of the need to retain staff, and supporting their professional development demonstrates that the employer is invested in them. Many companies have in-house training modules and programs that help to keep their employees current with best practices. Read More |
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Interview
A Roundtable Discussion with Adrian Thomas on Hitting Climate Change Targets and Smart Innovation to Meet Demands of Electrification
By Blake Marchand
As part of Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit held virtually on November 10th, Electrical Industry News Week was able to participate in a roundtable with Canadian President, Adrian Thomas. Schneider is a company involved in a number of different industries but the focus for this article is Thomas’ comments on topics relevant to the residential market, building codes, as well as on where Canada is at when it comes to climate change. Off the top Thomas explained that, “At Schneider Electric, we are often known as an electrical company, but actually, sustainability has been at the heart of what we do. We’ve been on this journey for the past 15 years. So, although its something we’ve been hearing more and more about in the news, its something we’ve been working on for almost two decades.” Read More |
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Best Practices – SALES
AD Member Electrozad’s Digital Transformation Drives Growth in Customer Adoption and Sales
By Bryana Kennedy
"If we can provide a consistent and high-quality experience across all our channels while solving our customers unique needs, we consider it a win. Increasingly, we’re leveraging data and technology to strengthen our customer and supplier relationships, and make smarter, more informed decisions." - Dean Scott, Marketing Manager at Electrozad. Electrozad was incorporated in the City of Windsor in 1955 and has grown to be one of the largest independently owned electrical distributors in Southwestern Ontario. From their founding, they have thrived on a culture of innovation, and strive to support their customer’s electrical and automation projects with industry leading products, services, and expertise. Electrozad has five full-line stocking facilities located in Chatham, Sarnia, Windsor, and two in London, Ontario. They are a member of AD’s Electrical – Canada Division. Read More |
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Looking Back
Offshore Oil Key to Future: Newfoundland
The spin-off for electrical distributors from seabed oilfields discovered off Newfoundland in 1979 was expected to be tremendous once serious development began, but don't hold your breath waiting for a boom to come, distributors were warned. Jim McLoughlan, president of McLoughlan Supplies Ltd., St. John's, cautioned that oil companies "won't move much beyond exploration for a while. They won't go into production until they have firm contracts with both the federal and Newfoundland governments. All this could take a long time." However, he was optimistic that once the boom started, "We in the electrical distribution business will get our share of the work." Read More |
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Survey Says
Pay by Experience Level for Warehouse Managers
This survey shows the national average pay for warehouse managers based on years of experience. Read More |
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Economy
- Building permits, October 2021
The total value of building permits increased 1.3% to $10.3 billion in October, led by gains in British Columbia (+15.0%) and Ontario (+4.5%). Construction intentions in the non-residential sector were up 4.2%, while the residential sector edged down 0.1%. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), building permits increased 0.7% to $7.0 billion. Residential construction intentions edged down 0.1% to $6.9 billion, with Ontario (-2.2%) and British Columbia (-4.9%) pulling down the sector. Multi-family units fell 8.8% at the national level, following a strong September, mostly due to fewer higher valued permits issued in Ontario and British Columbia.
- Investment in building construction, October 2021
Investment in building construction increased 1.6% to $17.8 billion in October, following five months of declines. Provincially, Quebec led the way, with growth of 3.5%. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction increased 1.6% to $12.3 billion. Residential construction investment rose 1.4% to $12.9 billion in October, the first increase in five months. Quebec (+3.3%) and Saskatchewan (+16.7%) were among the provinces leading the national gain. Investment in single family homes edged up 0.6% to $7.0 billion, with notable gains in Quebec and Alberta. Conversely, a decrease reported in Ontario (-2.2%) partially offset the growth observed in much of the country.
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Announcements
- Sonepar Promotes Jennifer Yates
Jennifer Yates will be appointed as Sonepar Canada Marketing Director. She will officially begin her new position on April 1st, 2022 and will report directly to Sonepar Canada’s VP of eCommerce and Digitalization, Gaurav Sharma. Jennifer will continue to work out of the Gescan Calgary head office.
- Leviton Canada Human Resources Director: Carolle Berlinguette Retires, Meaghan Bayard Joins the Team
After 15 years of service with Leviton, Carolle Berlinguette will retire on December 31st, 2021. Carolle began her career at Leviton in October 2006, and has since held the position of Director, Human Resources. Carolle has always demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication and we are extremely grateful to have had her in our team. We are pleased to announce that as of December 13th, 2021, Meaghan Bayard will be joining the Leviton team as Human Resources Director.
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Announcements
- Weidmuller Ltd Appoints New MD to Accelerate Growth
Weidmuller Ltd. has appointed Michael Daly as its new Managing Director for Canada. Michael Daly previously held several sales roles during his two-decade-long career, working closely in the industrial automation and distribution industry. He has vast experience in scaling company operations and sales, thus adding to growth.
- Panduit Board Names Shannon McDaniel as Next CEO
Panduit announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Shannon McDaniel as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President effective January 1, 2022. McDaniel, who currently serves as the company’s chief financial officer, will succeed current CEO and President Dennis Renaud, who will retire at the end of 2021.
- Darlene Clark Selected as the Winner of the 2021 Red Seal Award of Excellence
Darlene Clark, Manager of Program Standards for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA), has been selected by the CCDA as the recipient of the 2021 Red Seal Award of Excellence. The award is given to an apprenticeship authority staff member who demonstrates inspiring leadership in the development of and promotion of apprenticeship and trade certification.
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Changing Scene
- ABB Expands Installation Products Plant in Canada
ABB is investing CA$16 million in its Installation Products Division manufacturing facility in Pointe-Claire, Canada. This enables expanded production capacity to meet the growing needs of customers from coast to coast. “ABB’s investment is part of a five-year strategy to integrate new digital processes and automation across our operations,” says Matthias Heilmann, President, ABB Installation Products Division. “With our customer-first approach, this enables us to further innovate our products and manufacturing capabilities to meet the specific needs of the Canadian market.”
- Southwire Announces Acquisition of Topaz Lighting Corporation
Supporting the company’s growth strategy and building toward its goal to remain a generationally sustainable, diversified electrical company, Southwire is pleased to announce the acquisition of Topaz Lighting Corporation (Topaz) of Medford, N.Y. Serving the construction, industrial and OEM markets for more than 35 years, Topaz is a leading provider of quality electrical fittings, components, and lighting products.
- CSC LED Opens New Warehouse in Calgary, Alberta
CSC LED is proud to announce the opening of their third Canadian warehouse to better serve our customers in the midwest. “As we continue to expand our product offerings, technical support, and digital tools to make ordering CSC LED products even easier, we understand the need for fast shipping and local support.
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Changing Scene
- TMC Sales to Represent Hubbell Canada Lighting in Manitoba
Rick Blasl, Director of Sales and Marketing Lighting Solutions, Hubbell Canada announces that effective December 1, 2021 TMC Sales will represent Hubbell Canada Lighting in Manitoba. Contact information for TMC Sales Head Office 1126 Sanford Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 2Z9 204.837.5036 Principal Jason Thor jason@tmcsales.ca www.tmcsales.ca
- WESCO Joins ETIM North America
ETIM North America (NA) announced that WESCO, a global supply chain solutions and distribution company, joined the product classification standards organization. WESCO is an industry-leading Fortune 500 supply chain solutions company specializing in electrical and electronic, communications and security, and utility and broadband distribution solutions to keep our world running and advancing.
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Changing Scene
- OmniCable Joins AD Mexico & AD Canada
OmniCable is excited to announce that it has joined AD Mexico (effective July 2021) and AD Canada (effective January 2022) as an electrical supplier. AD is a member-owned organization that provides leading independent distributors and manufacturers with support and resources that accelerate growth.
- CSA Group Opens New Lighting Center of Excellence in Irvine, California
CSA Group, a global leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification, has announced the opening of a new Lighting Center of Excellence in Irvine, California. The new, state-of-the-art facility will centralize and enhance CSA Group’s lighting evaluation services, directly addressing a need by manufacturers looking for a more streamlined testing, inspection and certification process and faster turnaround times.
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Changing Scene
- Sinopé Technologies awarded Grand Prize Winner of the 2021 Integrated Home Competition held by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Sinopé Technologies, one of Canada's largest smart home devices manufacturer for the residential and multi-residential sectors, was awarded Grand Prize Winner at the 2021 Integrated Home Competition for its Home Energy Management Ecosystem. The smart devices presented were recognized for their high quality and innovative designs that exemplify the four tenets of the CEE Integrated Home Competition: energy efficiency, demand flexibility, consumer amenity, and security.
- 2021 EFC Scholarship Program Awards Over $130,000
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), through the support of its members, is proud to support university and college students with scholarships and career opportunities. Many students are coping with increased financial and time pressures during COVID-19. Now more than ever, this support is of greater importance to students who are the upcoming talent for our workforce.
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Changing Scene
- AD Canada’s Women in Industry Network Launches Platform to Unite, Empower Women Across Industries
In November, the 2021 Virtual AD Supplier Summit Industrial & Safety–Canada Division event saw the formal launch of an important new initiative, the Women in Industry Network, aimed at fostering the empowerment and development of women in underrepresented industries within AD Canada’s divisions.
- Light & Building : Always Knowing What’s Coming Next: Predictive Maintenance
Whether in the healthcare, elevator and escalator or heating sectors, regular checks promise early detection of defects or impending failures. In the lighting and building sector, new technologies enable components to connect with each other and data to be collected continuously. This can be achieved through predictive maintenance – one of the top themes at Light + Building 2022. For instance, regular monitoring helps to estimate when hardware components need to be replaced or energy efficiencies are not being used optimally.
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In The Next Issue
A selection of features from 2021 |
Careers
Time for a Change? New Job Openings
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