Changing Scene

  • Sonepar Canada Announces the Promotion of Travis Mann to the Role of Vice President, Supply Chain

    Sonepar is pleased to announce the promotion of Travis Mann to the role of Vice President, Supply Chain, Sonepar Canada. Travis joined Sonepar in 2015 as Director of Operations for Texcan, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to driving efficiency across all aspects of Texcan’s operations. Under his direction, Texcan has continued to drive operational success, including the introduction of standardized operating procedures and processes, advanced health and safety measures, and CDC operational excellence. With more than 20 years of progressive experience in various supply chain and manufacturing environments including General Motors plants in both Ontario and British Columbia, Sonepar is confident that Travis’s leadership will help them move their vision forward.

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    Festo Announces Leclerc Robotique Has Joined the Festo Certified System Integrator Program

    Festo Canada is very pleased to announce that Leclerc Robotique has joined the Festo Certified System Integrator Program! As a certified partner, Leclerc brings high-level expertise in automation and will integrate Festo’s industry solutions to help companies achieve maximum efficiency and innovation. Together, Festo and Leclerc are excited to push the boundaries of automation technology and deliver high-quality solutions to customers across all industries. Join Festo Canada in welcoming Leclerc Robotics to the team!

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    Westburne Partners With ABB to Transform Power Across Canada

    Westburne is proud to partner with ABB, a global competitor in electrification that’s transforming the way that homes, businesses, and industries are powered across Canada. With a strong commitment to local innovation, ABB designs and manufactures products tailored to the unique needs of Canadian customers, ensuring top-notch efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Many of their renowned brands, including IBERVILLE, Marrette, Microlectric, NuTek, and Star Teck, originated right here in Canada and continue to be manufactured or assembled locally to uphold Canadian standards. Join Westburne in celebrating these innovative solutions that power Canadian communities!

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    Arani Launches “Charge for Change” Program to Donate Commerical EV Chargers to Community Organizations Across Canada

    Arani, a Canadian manufacturer and distributor of electrical and lighting products, has officially launched Charge for Change, a national program donating up to 10 Level 2 commercial EV chargers to non-profit and public institutions across Canada. Unveiled at MCEE Expo in Montreal, the initiative supports schools, libraries, municipal buildings, and other community-serving sites in making EV charging more accessible, without complexity or ongoing fees. “We created Charge for Change to help organizations that want to support sustainable transportation but lack the budget to invest in infrastructure,” said Sean Arani, President of Arani. “This program puts EV charging within reach and makes it easy.” Each donated charger reflects Arani’s commitment to practical, user-friendly solutions. Perfect for reliable EV charging made simple, the included model is plug-and-play and is ideal for low-maintenance commercial use.

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    Hannafin Automation & Industrial Controls Inc. Has Joined the Festo Certified System Integrator Program

    Festo Canada is thrilled to announce that Hannafin Automation & Industrial Controls Inc. has joined the Festo Certified System Integrator Program! As a 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿, they bring effective automation expertise and will integrate Festo’s cutting-edge solutions to help businesses achieve maximum efficiency and innovation. Together, Festo and Hannafin are excited to push the boundaries of automation technology and deliver world-class solutions to customers across industries. Welcome aboard, Hannafin Automation & Industrial Controls! 

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    Bedford Industrial Automation: Shining a Light on Their Team Member – Ed Penwell

    At Bedford Industrial Automation, they strongly believe that building a better future starts with sharing knowledge, investing in people, and giving back to their communities. Today, they want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate someone who embodies those values every day, Ed Penwell, Bedford’s Halifax Branch Manager. In addition to leading their Halifax operations with dedication and expertise, Ed has volunteered his time with a student from Riverview High School, focusing specifically on programming, automation and robotics applications. His willingness to mentor and inspire young minds, while balancing the demands of a busy professional schedule, truly reflects the leadership and passion they value so highly at Bedford. By sharing his real-world experience, Ed is not just teaching technical skills, he’s helping to shape the future of the automation industry, encouraging the next generation to innovate, to think critically, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible. On behalf of the whole team at Bedford Industrial Automation, thank you, Ed, for your leadership, your generosity, and your incredible commitment to making a difference. Bedford is proud to have you on their team, and even prouder to see the positive impact you are making beyond their walls. Bedford would also like to extend a special thank you to Ian Fogarty for coordinating these initiatives and creating opportunities for professionals and students to connect. Your efforts are building important bridges between education and industry, and the Bedford team is grateful to be part of that journey. Together, Bedford is investing in something bigger than themselves, the future of automation, and the future of their communities.

  • Apex Automation Ltd. Announces Dan Reid as Vice President of Business Development

    Apex is proud to officially welcome Dan Reid to their growing Calgary team as Apex Automation Ltd’s Vice President of Business Development! With a wealth of experience, a relationship-driven leadership style, and a passion for building long-term connections, Dan brings a fresh spark to their mission of redefining what partnership looks like in the automation industry. Throughout his career, Dan has earned a reputation for doing exactly what he says he will—building trust not through quick wins, but through integrity, consistency, and intention. It’s no surprise that of Apex’s core values—Intelligence, Ingenuity, and Integrity—it’s integrity that resonates with him most. As he puts it: “You’ll have a short and shallow career in sales without it.” Outside of work, Dan is just as committed to serving others. He recently celebrated 10 years volunteering at the Alberta Children’s Rotary Flames House Hospice Center and has spent nearly as long coaching youth football. Whether as a father, mentor, or teammate, Dan leads with heart—believing that life and success are about being something for someone else, not just existing for yourself. A unique piece of Dan’s personal story? He finds his creative flow not in a boardroom—but in his basement Bread Lab, where baking is both his therapy and his art. (Apex is already counting down to the first bread drop-off!). In his new role, Dan envisions tighter integration between Apex’s four core services—Engineering | OT Systems & Security | Systems Integration | Field Services—and the business development strategy. By strengthening cross-department collaboration and aligning deliverables with client goals, he sees an opportunity to build something that redefines success in the automation industry.

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    Ideal Supply Inc. Honored with Outstanding Sales Performance Award for 2024 by Pilz Canada

    Ideal Supply Inc. is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Outstanding Sales Performance Award for 2024 by Pilz Canada. This prestigious recognition highlights Ideal Supply Inc.’s exceptional sales achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence in the industry. Pilz Canada recognizes Ideal Supply Inc. for its remarkable sales performance and its role in fostering a robust partnership. This award underscores the collaborative efforts and shared values between the two companies. “Their dedication to customer service, emphasis on training and strategic planning provide a strong sense of confidence and comfort in our shared customer base” said Marcus Graham, National Channel Manager at Pilz Canada. Ideal Supply Inc. continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry, and this award further solidifies its position as a leader in sales performance and customer satisfaction.

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    Proax Wins SMC 2025 Automation Innovator Award

    Proax Technologies is thrilled to announce that they have received the 2025 Automation Innovator Award from SMC, a global competitor in pneumatic and automation solutions. This prestigious award recognizes Proax’s outstanding contributions in delivering innovative pneumatic systems, custom-engineered solutions, and energy-efficient automation technology to manufacturers across Canada. As an SMC Elite Distributor, this achievement reflects the strength of Proax’s collaboration and the engineering expertise behind every solution they offer.

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    Pilz Canada Signs MPI Solutions as an Official System Integrator

    Pilz is pleased to announce the signing of MPI Solutions Inc. as an official system integrator. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the delivery of advanced automation and safety solutions across various industries. Pilz, known for its innovative and comprehensive automation products, including sensor technology, control systems, and safety solutions, continues to drive forward its vision of “The Spirit of Safety”. With over 30 years of industry experience, Pilz is committed to providing future-proof, intelligent solutions that ensure maximum safety and productivity in industrial environments. MPI Solutions Inc., based in London, Ontario, is a distinguished provider of Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. With a combined experience of over 40 years in controls and automation, MPI Solutions excels in delivering world-class solutions that drive operational efficiencies and improve business performance. Their expertise in electrical design, programming, and commissioning makes them an ideal partner for Pilz.

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    ABB & Charbone Hydrogen Sign Agreement to Advance North American Green Hydrogen Production Facilities

    ABB and Charbone Hydrogen Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement to collaborate on the development of up to 15 modular and scalable green hydrogen production facilities across North America over the next five years, providing a clean fuel source for existing hydrogen users and heavy industrial processes such as steelmaking, which currently use grey hydrogen as an energy source. The MoU scope positions ABB as the preferred supplier for the design, engineering, fabrication, testing and supply of modular and standard electrical substations (eHouses) for the interconnection between production facilities and local utilities. ABB will support Charbone in standardizing basic engineering for systems and components across its project portfolio, to increase energy efficiency and reliability. Future scope may also see ABB operate as the main automation, electrification and telecom contractor depending on project requirements. Among the sites covered by the collaboration is Charbone’s flagship Sorel-Tracy facility near Montreal in Québec, Canada. The facility is expected to be connected to the Hydro-Québec grid by the end of quarter two in 2025, using hydro electricity to power green hydrogen electrolyzers. The plant will create a blueprint for the design and engineering of modular and scalable equipment for other sites being developed by Charbone. The next project to get underway will be in the greater Detroit area in the US, which is the manufacturing base for major automotive companies.

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    Hubbell Canada Announces Frank Magisano as New Vice President & General Manager

    Hubbell is thrilled to announce the promotion of Frank Magisano to the position of Vice President & General Manager of Hubbell Canada. Frank joined the Hubbell team in 2001 and has since demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise across various departments, including engineering, operations, and business development. His comprehensive understanding of the industry and dedication to excellence have significantly contributed to our success and make him the perfect fit for this new role. Please join Hubbell in congratulating Frank on his well-deserved promotion and in wishing him continued success in his new position.

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    Gescan Announces Strategic Distribution Partnership with ABB Canada

    Gescan is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with ABB Motion, renowned for its pioneering solutions in automation and electrification. Gescan will now offer ABB’s high-quality drive solutions in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, making energy-efficient motor control technology more accessible to businesses in the region. “ABB Motion has a long-standing reputation for technological excellence, and together with our extensive distribution network and expertise, we are poised to advance industrial automation,” said Javi Richmond, President of Gescan. “Our collaboration represents a significant step forward in providing solutions that drive operational excellence, reduce environmental impact and create long-term value for our customers.” “By leveraging our comprehensive portfolio, we are expecting this partnership will underscore the value and reliability of our offerings to our customers,” said Benjamin Vadnais, ABB Canada Drives Division Manager. As an authorized distributor, Gescan now offers ABB’s range of variable frequency drives cover

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    EB Horsman Announces Dennis Massey as New Prince George Branch Manager

    Please join EB Horsman in welcoming Dennis Massey as their new Prince George Branch Manager. Dennis brings over 25 years of experience in the electrical and industrial supply industry, with a strong background in branch management, sales, procurement, and customer relations. From leading as a Branch Manager at Nedco to driving success at Mac’s II Agencies, Dennis has built a strong foundation in the electrical industry. His ability to manage branch operations, negotiate with suppliers, and develop high-performing teams has ensured outstanding client service in Northern BC. With extensive experience in distributor and contractor sales, account management, and project quotations, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and relationships to this leadership role. Dennis is not only a technical expert but also an exceptional leader. His previous experience will support EB Horsman as they advance towards their strategic vision of operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Dennis will be working closely with Grant, their Northern BC District Manager, and the Prince George team to ensure a smooth transition. Grant will continue to provide regional support while focusing on district-wide initiatives—helping to drive continued success across all EB Horsman’s Northern BC branches. EB Horsman is excited to welcome Dennis to their team and look forward to the leadership and experience he brings to Prince George.

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    Nedco Announces Don Blake as New Western Canadian Wire & Cable Sales Manager

    Nedco is excited to announce that Don Blake has joined them as the Western Canadian Wire & Cable Sales Manager! With over 20 years of experience in the Wire & Cable industry, Don brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Nedco’s West team.
    His focus will be on expanding their product offerings, enhancing price competitiveness, and driving sales. The team is confident that Don will help position Nedco as a key player in the Wire & Cable market in the West. Welcome Don!