Canadian Army Maj.-Gen. David Fraser to deliver FABTECH Canada opening keynote

Leadership, innovation, and an out-of-the-box strategy are the keys to success in today’s manufacturing environment.

That’s the message retired Canadian Army Maj.-Gen. David Fraser, who is currently COO for Toronto-based INKAS Armored Vehicle Mfg., will tell thousands of delegates later this month in his opening keynote speech at FABTECH® Canada.

In his keynote speech, “Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation in the Manufacturing Business,” scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on March 22, Fraser will pull from industry and firsthand experiences to provide advice to Canadian manufacturers looking to grow their business in a rapidly changing market.

Reviewing factors affecting the Canadian industry—from market size to oil prices and the Canadian dollar—he will outline the relationship between the country’s west (resources) and east (manufacturing base), review domestic and international opportunities, and offer insight into the cultural differences of doing business in Canada versus the U.S., China, and other countries.

Other highlights of FABTECH Canada’s educational program include:

• Sessions covering lean management, lasers and cutting, stamping, forming and fabricating, finishing, welding, and additive manufacturing.
• Expert panel discussions on what additive manufacturing (3-D printing) means for the metal fabrication industry and how employers can address the global skills development challenge.
• Half-day workshops focused on innovation and team-building strategies, Training Within Industry (TWI) lean practices, aluminum welding, and metallurgy.

FABTECH Canada—a metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event that provides exhibits, educational sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities for manufacturers—will take place March 22-24 at the Toronto Congress Centre.