Weekly Brief
Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from The Manufacturing Outlook
The Manufacturing Outlook: Specials Magazine
From connecting remote communities with subsea cables to carrying renewable energy across provinces, Nexans has become a driving force in Canada’s electrification journey. As a global leader in cable systems and energy solutions, the company provides power, data, specialty cables, and copper rod and wire products that serve as the backbone of modern infrastructure. Nexans’ impact reaches well beyond manufacturing. By turning geographic and environmental challenges into opportunities, the company strengthens communities across Canada, urban and rural, large and small. Grounded in sustainability, it continues to guide the nation toward a cleaner, stronger, and more connected future. With operations in more than 41 countries and a strong presence in Canada, Nexans serves residential, commercial, industrial, and utility markets. Its vertically integrated facilities in Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan enable it to support clients ranging from builders and manufacturers to major provincial utilities such as Hydro-Québec, Hydro One, and BC Hydro. Yet beyond this broad reach lies a legacy of local commitment. In Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Nexans has operated the region’s only utility plant for nearly 60 years, a landmark of resilience and a cornerstone of Canada’s power networks. Connecting Every Link in the Energy Chain Positioned as a pure electrification player, Nexans’ strategy spans the entire energy ecosystem. PWR-Transmission ensures electricity is delivered from geographies with the most supply to those with the most demand. PWR-Grid focuses on reliably distributing power to communities. PWR-Connect delivers energy through infrastructure projects to end users. This structure reflects a customer-first philosophy that aligns Nexans’ capabilities with the challenges and goals of its clients. That philosophy is reinforced by a management framework built on economics, engagement, and environment or E3. Nexans fulfills its financial obligations as a public company, engages meaningfully with the communities where it operates, and integrates sustainability into every part of its operations. “Our commitment to sustainability is what makes us unique. It is about being responsible in the way we manufacture, the solutions we provide, and the communities we serve,” says Tim King, President and Managing Director for North America.
Industrial Equipment
Strong piping is foundational to high-performing buildings. Suffice to say, today’s projects demand energy efficiency, long service life, and environmental responsibility. As regulators, owners and designers push toward higher performance and sustainability goals, many traditional piping materials fall short. Here aquatechnik makes its mark. By using the latest generation of polypropylene random crystallinity temperature (PPR CT) 125 pellets, aquatechnik delivers pipes with higher pressure and temperature ratings than legacy and competing materials. Each pipe also contains a proprietary white oxidative resistance (WOR) additive, giving it about 40× the oxidative resistance of standard PPR—translating to markedly improved resistance to chemicals and chlorine and a longer useful life. The formulation produces an exceptionally tight molecular structure with very low oxygen permeability, creating an effective oxygen barrier that protects metal components in heating systems from corrosion and rust. And because the system is designed for adaptability, those performance and durability gains can be applied across a wide range of heating, plumbing and industrial installations. The company’s UV pipe has astounded the engineering community in industrial slurry application. While a 12 inch pipe in similar conditions typically experiences complete closure within 6 months due to pipe scaling, aquatechnik’s pipe continues to operate flawlessly in place even after 8 years. “Our piping solutions are designed for versatility, allowing easy integration with existing infrastructure and built to handle the pressure of today taller buildings, and the demands of tomorrow,” says Michael Thomas, CEO. “From high-rise buildings to mining, water treatment plants and chemical-heavy environments, we work with our customers to engineer every solution for durability, efficiency and long-term peace of mind.” One of aquatechnik’s flagship products include Fusio-Technik, a fusion welded PPR-CT system available in sizes ranging from ½ inch to 24 inches in diameter. It delivers a continuous, leak-proof pipeline with superior flow retention and low impedance for cost saving in pumping energy. Designed for long-term performance, Fusio-Technik is backed by a 30-year third party insurance company warranty based on its predictable durability proven through pressure-temperature regression curves..
Top Custom Metal Fabrication Services
The ability to mold, adapt and evolve is what propels businesses to serve diverse industries with precision. Elias Custom Metal Fabrication Ltd. (ECM) has been following this principle for over three decades, giving them the expertise to work with a wide range of materials and cater to different industry verticals. Drawing on its decades of experience, ECM is well-positioned to tackle challenges that emerging companies haven’t even encountered yet. It essentially acts as a one-stop shop, tailoring solutions to the tee. Their expertise in engineering, production and logistics allows the company to offer end-to-end solutions—from design assistance and cost analysis to prototyping and full-scale production. “Our strength lies in versatility, driven by our expertise in utilizing diverse materials. This enables us to manufacture a wide range of products for multiple industries while meeting the specific demands of each sector,” says Fadi Emeid, founder. Team ECM is proficient in helping clients fine-tune their product designs for higher efficiency and cost savings. They work closely with the clients, guiding them from the initial concept development to production. The team carefully selects materials to meet project requirements, ensuring structural integrity at every turn. Once the designs are finalized, the company brings them to life with precise fabrication techniques. Precision is key, and with laser cutting and brake forming, it delivers metal components that fit clients’ specifications—ideal for architectural projects, commercial builds and custom retail fixtures. Its powder coating, polishing and other finishing offerings complement the fabrication process. This slew of services guarantees resistance from corrosion, minimal wear and tear, protection against environmental damage while also enhancing visual appeal. The result? Products that are ideal for high-end retail and architectural applications.
Wire and Cable
The Devolution & Revolution of Factory Operations
Christopher Downing, Sr. Director of Operations/Manufacturing, MKS Inc
Industrial Coating
Motivating and Challenging Technical Professionals in a Manufacturing Environment
Scott Marcus, Process Engineering Manager, Flex-N-Gate
Wire and Cable
The Role of Statisticians in Study Design and Why to Engage Them Early
Melanie Buitendyk, Sr. Director, Biostatistical Consulting, Allucent
Industrial Engineering
Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing: The Rise of Prescriptive Maintenance
Joel Colvis, Sr. Director of Maintenance & Facilities, Daikin Comfort
Wire and Cable
Building Innovative and Game-Changing Planes
Anthony Cox, Vice President - Customer Support, Bombardier
IN MY OPINION
CNC Machining
Decarbonizing the Industrial Sector Through Natural Refrigerant Heat Pumps
Wayne Borrowman, Director, Research and Development, CIMCO Refrigeration Inc
LAST WORD
Wire and Cable
The Good Manufacturing Leader
Mark Hughes, Vice President of Manufacturing, iRhythm Technologies, Inc
IN FOCUS
PP-RCT Piping Takes Center Stage in Canada's Infrastructure Evolution
The Canadian PP-RCT heat fusion pipe market is experiencing rapid growth due to its superior performance, efficiency, and innovative manufacturing, which enables it to meet diverse applications and sustainability goals.
AI-Driven Cable Manufacturing for a Connected Canada
Canada's manufacturing is advancing through AI and robotics, particularly in the cable sector, enhancing efficiency and quality while supporting sustainability and modernization through innovative manufacturing ecosystems.
EDITORIAL
The Next Frontier of Industrial Infrastructure
Industrial performance in Canada today depends on more than robust equipment or established processes. It depends on precision, reliability and innovation. Across sectors, organizations are rethinking how they build resilient systems, reduce operational risks and integrate intelligent infrastructure.
PP-RCT heat fusion piping and fittings are transforming traditional plumbing and industrial fluid systems. By combining high-temperature resistance, superior chemical durability and heat-fusion technology, these systems create leak-proof, long-lasting connections that minimize maintenance and maximize operational uptime. From commercial buildings to district heating networks, organizations are leveraging PP-RCT systems to future-proof their infrastructure.
Cable manufacturing is evolving in parallel. Modern projects require cables that deliver high performance under extreme conditions, whether in energy grids, smart factories, or medical systems. Custom-engineered cables with low-smoke, halogen-free properties, enhanced shielding and flexible geometries are enabling safer, more efficient power and data transmission. These solutions help organizations reduce downtime, enhance safety and support complex automation and digital initiatives.
Manufacturers that integrate material science, engineering expertise and precise quality control are redefining what reliable infrastructure looks like.
This edition of The Manufacturing Outlook Canada explores how innovation in PP-RCT heat fusion piping and high-performance cable manufacturing is shaping the future of resilient infrastructure.
Featured thought leaders include Mark Hughes, VP of manufacturing at iRhythm Technologies, Inc., who highlights that successful manufacturing leadership is about scaling operations, fixing broken processes and building high-performing teams, especially in highgrowth start-up environments. Anthony Cox, VP-customer support at Bombardier, emphasizes the importance of collaboration with industry partners and suppliers to maintain operational excellence and develop sustainable solutions for the future.
The edition also spotlights Nexans, which designs and manufactures high-performance power and data cables for residential, commercial, industrial, utility and renewable-energy markets, powering electrification across Canada with sustainable, locally made solutions.
We hope this edition inspires new perspectives on how precision manufacturing and intelligent infrastructure are shaping industrial growth and resilience.
