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The Manufacturing Outlook: Specials Magazine
ason DeHaan joined Gildan in 2017 as Chief Information Officer. In his current position, Jason is responsible for the Company’s global information technology and information security function. During his time at Gildan, Jason has led digital transformation, including projects to optimize manufacturing and shipping, enhance business intelligence capabilities, and streamline the Company’s enterprise systems. Prior to joining the organization, Jason served as the Chief Information Officer of Abercrombie and Fitch and the City of Chicago municipal government, respectively. Jason was previously the Chief Technology Officer of an internet start-up and a member of Accenture’s global retail practice. Jason began his full-time career as a manager of onsite consulting at the Computing and Communications Services Office at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1994. Jason earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his MBA from
Contract Manufacturing
In a market saturated with skincare offerings, Vicora Cosmeceuticals stands out as a full-service contract manufacturer specializing in unique skincare and cosmeceutical products. It partners with brands to unlock new potential, providing tailored formulations and strategic guidance for market entry. Rather than simply producing the next trending product, Vicora creates a path for sustainable, long-term success by acting as a growth catalyst for brands. “We don’t see ourselves as just a contract manufacturer, but we see ourselves as the guardian of our clients’ brands,” says H. Vanaki, executive manager. Innovation through Partnership Vicora’s approach to skincare development and manufacturing has delivered proven results across various cases, solving key challenges for clients. One notable success story involves a brand that struggled with product consistency despite extensive testing and formulation development. When the brand turned to Vicora, the team’s in-depth knowledge and advanced equipment helped stabilize the formula, ensuring consistent texture, performance and stability across batches. Successfully producing over 10 batches helped the brand restore its reputation and re-enter the market confidently. This commitment to quality is further reinforced by Vicora’s robust industry credentials. The company holds a Health Canada Site License, making it a trusted producer of OTC Natural Health topicals. Vicora is also a licensed processor of USDA Organic cosmetic products and maintains GMP certifications for both NHP products and cosmetics. Every stage of production adheres to these rigorous guidelines, ensuring both safety and compliance while ensuring the highest standards of quality. A Vision Beyond Manufacturing By leveraging extensive expertise in formulation, regulatory nuances and scalable production, Vicora helps brands create high-quality products in a crowded market. With its personalized support, brands can seamlessly scale their operations, from small-batch trials to full-scale production. Vicora’s success is rooted in its commitment to a collaborative, growth-focused approach. By working closely with clients, the company develops innovative, tailored solutions that ensure products stand out in the competitive market..
Industrial Engineering
Two engineers who met while working at Toyota both noticed a significant gap between expectations and reality in the automation sector, and subsequently established PH Engineering Solutions Inc. in 2017 with the belief that they could do better. Their belief came to fruition soon afterwards as they applied Toyota’s work culture and Kaizen philosophy in order to excel in transforming manufacturing chaos into streamlined efficiency. In just six years, PH Engineering Solutions became one of North America’s leading integrators, relying largely on word-of-mouth recommendations to expand its client base. Its success was rooted in efficient solutions, cost reductions, and deep industry understanding. Internal testing before shipping minimized on-site commissioning costs, underscoring the company’s dedication to saving clients’ time and money. Today, it has cemented its name in the industry by upholding a superior level of customer service and satisfaction: “The foundation of our company, built on addressing customer needs, is born out of our experiences as customers seeking automation solutions. Our dual perspective uniquely positions us to navigate industry demands and ensure timely project delivery to our clients” says Michael Pawlak (P. Eng), application manager of PH Engineering Solutions Inc.
Contract Manufacturing
Flux Connectivity, a leading contract manufacturer of mission-critical assemblies, offers the perfect mixture of innovation and customer-centric solutions that power the growth engines of its clients. Quality is a central tenet that drives every aspect of the company’s operations. Through thorough testing, including electrical and mechanical evaluations, Flux Connectivity ensures that all manufactured products meet the highest standards. Service that Transcends the Ordinary Every project is handled by a team of experienced manufacturing professionals who understand the intricacies and challenges of contract manufacturing. With knowledge across diverse industries, they optimize production processes and enhance overall efficiency. Clients can be assured that their success is prioritized from the outset. “We operate as a unified team, transcending roles to create a cohesive customer experience that aligns perfectly with their expectations,” says Adam Amos, CEO. Each team member is committed to providing innovative manufacturing services by constantly exploring new technologies, processes and materials to stay ahead of industry trends. Design for manufacturing support is a service they offer for efficient and cost-effective production. Prototyping and new product introduction services further facilitate quick product design validation, rectifying issues before mass production. This assures a seamless transition from prototyping to full-scale manufacturing while minimizing time-to-market and associated risks. Flexibility is Flux Connectivity’s core characteristic, and its ability to offer scalable manufacturing solutions that adapt effortlessly to changing market demands is a rarity in the industry. Whether organizations need to ramp up production volumes or introduce new product variations, the company possesses the capabilities to respond swiftly, guaranteeing uninterrupted operations and business continuity. Customization options are also offered to accommodate low-volume, high-mix production and high-volume, repetitive manufacturing demands. Its technological capabilities give customers a competitive edge. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, the company leverages technologies like Industry 4.0, IoT and AI to automate processes and boost productivity. This commitment to innovation positions Flux Connectivity and its clients at the forefront of the manufacturing industry.
Contract Manufacturing
Gather all Information before Outsourcing Manufacturing
Francine Krenicki, SVP Global Innovation - Consumer Skincare - StriVectin, PanOxyl, Blue Lizard Sunscreen, Crown Laboratories
Personal Care Contract Manufacturing
Contract Manufacturing: Where Idea Becomes Reality
Beata Lawson, Sr. Director of Global Manufacturing, Quality & Regulatory Compliance, Performance Beauty Group
Wire and Cable
The Role of Statisticians in Study Design and Why to Engage Them Early
Melanie Buitendyk, Sr. Director, Biostatistical Consulting, Allucent
Contract Manufacturing
Building a Scalable, Patient-Centered Compliance Program
Jennifer Motchnik, Manager of Pharmacy Adherence Packaging, Central Fill Pharmacy, RITE AID
Contract Manufacturing
From Regulations to Relationships: Elevating Quality in the Supplement Industry
Ted Beyer, Director of Technical Services, Customer Experience Oversight, First Day
IN MY OPINION
Contract Manufacturing
Charting a Trailblazing Path in Clinical Development
Maribelle Guloy, Director of Clinical Development, American Regent, Inc
LAST WORD
Personal Care Contract Manufacturing
Uniting Data and Strategy: Crafting a Strategic Narrative from Raw Insights
George Chamaa, Executive Director - Global Transportation, Estée Lauder Companies
IN FOCUS
The Central Role of Industrial Engineering in Driving Manufacturing Success
Industrial engineering is crucial for optimizing contract manufacturing by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience, ultimately leading to the production of high-quality products and competitive advantages in Canada.
EDITORIAL
Engineering Precision into Modern Industries
Canada’s industrial landscape is being redefined by a convergence of innovation in consumer health, manufacturing, and engineering. From skincare production to large-scale industrial systems, organizations are rethinking how they design, build, and deliver solutions in an era shaped by evolving regulations, sustainability goals, and rising customer expectations.
In personal care, contract manufacturing has become the backbone of product innovation. With consumers demanding clean, safe, and effective formulations, manufacturers are placing a premium on quality assurance and regulatory compliance. The ability to integrate advanced testing, certifications, and supply chain transparency is no longer optional but something fundamental. This evolution is elevating partnerships, where reliability and agility carry as much weight as scale.
Beyond consumer products, the broader contract manufacturing sector is seeing a transformation of its own. Organizations are embracing integrated models that bring design, engineering, and production under one roof. This streamlines timelines, improves quality control, and allows companies to adapt quickly to shifting market dynamics. In industries where speed to market and flexibility dictate success, such integration is a decisive advantage.
Industrial engineering solutions are likewise undergoing a renaissance. With automation, data analytics, and advanced materials reshaping workflows, engineering providers are moving from reactive problem-solving to proactive optimization. This shift is delivering not only efficiency but also resilience—helping industries withstand global disruptions while reducing environmental impact.
What ties these developments together is a commitment to precision. Whether it is ensuring the integrity of a skincare product, the reliability of a complex manufacturing line, or the efficiency of industrial infrastructure, precision underpins trust and competitiveness. Canada’s innovators are showing that progress depends not just on scale, but on the ability to execute with accuracy and foresight.
This edition features insights from Ted Beyer, Director of Technical Services, Customer Experience Oversight at First Day, and Melanie Buitendyk, Sr. Director, Biostatistical Consulting at Allucent, who share perspectives on advancing quality and innovation.
