DAIR SDI supports Coordinate Industries Ltd. to improve processes via lean principles.
About the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Supplier Development Initiative (DAIR SDI): The DAIR SDI has proven to be a vital resource in strengthening and growing the competitive edge of southern Ontario’s aerospace supply chain by providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the right environment for transformation. With its simple but highly effective methodology, the SDI supports SMEs in assessing challenges and issues, prioritizing areas of improvement and undertaking action to enhance their maturity, expand their competencies, develop new capabilities and innovate. The need and interest for such an initiative has been recognized by SMEs who applied in masses to this selective program, which was supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). While receiving financial support and a privileged mentor-mentee relationship through the SDI, an SME gets unprecedented access to a collaborative platform to bank on outside expertise and knowledge from various coaches and subject matter experts. Together with the SME, they work to determine and scope improvement projects to resolve identified gaps, innovate and enhance competitiveness. Coordinate Industries Ltd. engagement with the DAIR SDI: For Coordinate Industries Ltd. (Coordinate), its participation in the SDI has been a success, as the company addressed culture challenges to improve overall performance. Austrian-American management consultant, educator and author, Peter Drucker, is famously quoted as saying, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Coordinate realized through the DAIR SDI assessment workshops that without the engagement of employees, its best plans would not come to fruition. With the funding received from the DAIR SDI, Coordinate embarked on a Lean Six Sigma training and coaching plan for several employees, from senior management to the shop floor. The team learned the benefits and methodologies of Lean Six Sigma, which targets the elimination of waste and process improvement. Lean Six Sigma uses a collaborative team effort that strengthens the relationship among employees and drives engagement. This led to the creation of its own lean steering committee, with members from all departments and a variety of positions, to continually drive productive changes. The improvement plan Coordinate has put in place also includes coaching to ensure the practical skills from the Lean Six Sigma training can be applied to future projects. Coordinate is confident that its employees will benefit from the outcome of this project for years to come and positively impact its workforce, leading to sustainability and growth for the company. “The DAIR SDI has accelerated our transformation. The SDI assessment phase reminded us how fast the industry is moving and the need for quick action to stay on top. The initiative has had a large impact on our company, supporting the creation of a road map to guide us forward and focus on our priorities. This program holds tremendous value – we are back on track. I would highly recommend the SDI to other organizations.” Sanaa ElayasEMA Manager, Coordinate Industries
DAIR SDI assists BMP Metals to revolutionize its operations through business processes improvements and automation
About the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Supplier Development Initiative (DAIR SDI): The DAIR SDI has proven to be a vital resource in strengthening and growing the competitive edge of southern Ontario’s aerospace supply chain by providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the right environment for transformation. With its simple but highly effective methodology, the SDI supports SMEs in assessing challenges and issues, prioritizing areas of improvement and undertaking action to enhance their maturity, expand their competencies, develop new capabilities and innovate. The need and interest for such an initiative has been recognized by SMEs who applied in masses to this selective program, which was supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). While receiving financial support and a privileged mentor-mentee relationship through the SDI, an SME gets unprecedented access to a collaborative platform to bank on outside expertise and knowledge from various coaches and subject matter experts. Together with the SME, they work to determine and scope improvement projects to resolve identified gaps, innovate and enhance competitiveness. BMP Metals engagement with the DAIR SDI: BMP Metals (BMP) recognized the need to improve its operational processes during the assessment phase of the SDI. Using the help of a consultant, the company gained the knowledge and expertise to perform the 5S methodology for organizing, cleaning, and sustaining lean and constructive manufacturing work centres. The 5S pillars – sort, set, shine, standardize, and sustain – help create a workplace suitable for lean production. 5S also creates a safer workplace, reduces clutter, and lowers the risk of employee injuries. With the coaching received from the expert consultant, BMP will use the skills gained to apply 5S to all workstations throughout its manufacturing facility. In addition to its 5S project, BMP also chose to implement a component of its continuous improvement plan and automate some operations at its facility. BMP is evolving to take advantage of the technology available in its current setup. This project will help identify possible activities and processes where technology solutions could be advantageous in supporting operational enhancements. BMP’s machine fleet currently includes equipment with automation capabilities that could be utilized further, and the company is exploring this potential. The outputted action plan will allow BMP to begin implementing automation opportunities to become more competitive in the aerospace industry and continue to grow as a company. “BMP Metals is proud to be participating in the DAIR Supplier Development Initiative. During the strategic assessment phase, we realized we would benefit from operational efficiencies. The SDI funding had a great impact on getting the project started, and we are executing production automation improvements and implementing 5S in the manufacturing facility. As an aerospace manufacturer, BMP Metals would not have had this opportunity without the SDI program, and we thank the team at DAIR for all their hard work.“ Lori HoljevacVice President Finance, BMP Metals
The DAIR Supplier Development Initiative enables Cleeve Technology Incorporated to optimize its operations processes
About the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Supplier Development Initiative (DAIR SDI): The DAIR SDI has proven to be a vital resource in strengthening and growing the competitive edge of southern Ontario’s aerospace supply chain by providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the right environment for transformation. With its simple but highly effective methodology, the SDI supports SMEs in assessing challenges and issues, prioritizing areas of improvement and undertaking action to enhance their maturity, expand their competencies, develop new capabilities and innovate.The need and interest for such an initiative has been recognized by SMEs who applied in masses to this selective program, which was supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). While receiving financial support and a privileged mentor-mentee relationship through the SDI, an SME gets unprecedented access to a collaborative platform to bank on outside expertise and knowledge from various coaches and subject matter experts. Together with the SME, they work to determine and scope improvement projects to resolve identified gaps, innovate and enhance competitiveness. Cleeve Technologies engagement with the DAIR SDI: DAIR has helped Cleeve Technologies Incorporated (Cleeve) upgrade its material requirements planning (MRP) system to improve operational efficiency and better serve the global aerospace sector with electronic components and products. The decision to upgrade these systems emerged as a priority from the SDI assessment. Not without its challenges, Cleeve quickly recognized that the potential benefits outweighed the risks. The MRP system upgrade will provide Cleeve with real-time data to help streamline its operations for efficient manufacturing and supply of products to its customers globally. The new systems will provide access to crucial information such as on hand inventory, providing employees from various departments with access to the data they need to make quicker and more informed decisions. With more than 25 years of experience with the electrical interconnect sector of the aerospace and military industries worldwide, Cleeve has earned a reputation for taking the design and supply of products above and beyond its customers’ expectations. The SDI assessment process and subsequent upgrade will help maintain and strengthen this reputation with its customers. “Thanks to the DAIR SDI, Cleeve has experienced a truly positive transformation. With valuable insights, realistic goals and great ideas for improving our business operations, we had meaningful discussions and identified areas for improvement. We are confident DAIR has contributed to our continued growth and success.” Paul ChurchPresident, Cleeve Technologies Inc.
DAIR SDI helps Avion Technologies Inc. increase its capabilities
About the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Supplier Development Initiative (DAIR SDI): The DAIR SDI has proven to be a vital resource in strengthening and growing the competitive edge of southern Ontario’s aerospace supply chain by providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the right environment for transformation. With its simple but highly effective methodology, the SDI supports SMEs in assessing challenges and issues, prioritizing areas of improvement and undertaking action to enhance their maturity, expand their competencies, develop new capabilities and innovate.The need and interest for such an initiative has been recognized by SMEs who applied in masses to this selective program, which was supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). While receiving financial support and a privileged mentor-mentee relationship through the SDI, an SME gets unprecedented access to a collaborative platform to bank on outside expertise and knowledge from various coaches and subject matter experts. Together with the SME, they work to determine and scope improvement projects to resolve identified gaps, innovate and enhance competitiveness. Avion Technologies Inc. engagement with the DAIR SDI: The SDI assessment helped Avion Technologies Inc. (Avion) assess operations, identify gaps, and implement an Entrepreneurial Operating System® that will set the right environment for undertaking continuous improvement initiatives and bettering on-time delivery. As the aerospace industry is slowly recovering post-pandemic, Avion recognized the need to adapt and remain competitive. With the support of the DAIR SDI, the company purchased a new machine, allowing it to enter a new market with a larger parts envelope. This new equipment also enhances Avion’s productivity by 50 percent and reduces cycle time. Avion brought in a team to train its machinists to operate the new equipment efficiently and coach them on the best methods to perform preventive maintenance. The technological upgrade will significantly increase capacity, allowing Avion to take on larger projects and expand its product mix.The positive impact of this upgrade extends beyond improving current operations as it allows Avion to enhance capabilities, open new markets and grow business opportunities. With these new capabilities, the sales team is particularly thrilled about the immense potential for growth as the SME can now bid on jobs that were previously restricted. The anticipation and enthusiasm among the SMEs’ workforce are palpable. With new resources and capabilities, Avion is poised for continued success in an ever-changing market. The DAIR SDI is promoting the growth of SMEs in Ontario’s aerospace industry and is committed to driving supplier competitiveness and continuous improvement. “The significance of our transformative journey with DAIR cannot be overstated. At Avion, we are grateful for DAIR’s invaluable support and guidance. We hope other Ontario companies can benefit from its expertise and support to achieve their desired growth and success“ Anesha MohammedHuman Resources Manager, Avion Technologies Inc.
DAIR SDI empowers Fleet Canada Inc. in starting a corporate culture transformational and strengthening journey
About the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Supplier Development Initiative (DAIR SDI): The DAIR SDI has proven to be a vital resource in strengthening and growing the competitive edge of southern Ontario’s aerospace supply chain by providing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the right environment for transformation. With its simple but highly effective methodology, the SDI supports SMEs in assessing challenges and issues, prioritizing areas of improvement and undertaking action to enhance their maturity, expand their competencies, develop new capabilities and innovate.The need and interest for such an initiative has been recognized by SMEs who applied in masses to this selective program, which was supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). While receiving financial support and a privileged mentor-mentee relationship through the SDI, an SME gets unprecedented access to a collaborative platform to bank on outside expertise and knowledge from various coaches and subject matter experts. Together with the SME, they work to determine and scope improvement projects to resolve identified gaps, innovate and enhance competitiveness. Fleet Canada Inc. engagement with the DAIR SDI: As a participant in the DAIR SDI, Fleet Canada Inc. (Fleet) pinpointed that the company’s culture needed its utmost attention. With the guidance provided by the SDI’s assessment, Fleet identified that targeting company culture was necessary before embarking on projects to improve processes and implement strategy. Despite a long history of success in the sector and a dedicated leadership team, Fleet realized it had drifted away from its intended direction in recent years. This revelation was surprising as many leadership team members had come up through the ranks, almost all through internal promotions. With the DAIR SDI, Fleet is harnessing the expertise and experience of outside experts specializing in cultural transformation. The company is striving to understand how senior leadership decisions are perceived by their employees, how to communicate these decisions to them, in what priority order these decisions should be communicated, and which decisions are necessary to be communicated with their employees. Fleet is building an intentional culture that is increasing employee engagement and buy-in and, by prioritizing transformation, it is strengthening its culture to sustain long-term success in the aerospace industry. The leadership team has recognized that their approach needs employee involvement from all levels of the organization. With high transparency and pulse surveys, a Fleet task force of employees across departments is monitoring and reporting back on their progress. With an ageing aerospace workforce, Fleet will have the culture in place to retain and attract new talent. Benchmarking high-performance companies to its current and desired standing, Fleet is now poised for growth. “At Fleet Canada, the DAIR SDI has been incredibly valuable and transformative. The SDI has had a positive impact on our employees and our vision. It has been a much-needed breath of fresh air. It has brought our management team to a common understanding and provided us with effective tools for organizational improvement.” Sal MoledinaVice President, Fleet Canada