Daily News

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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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    Boîtiers STA & NOARK: Powering Reliability Across Public & Private Sectors

    With over 40 years of field experience, electrical contractor Guy St-Amour developed an innovative product that led to the founding of Boîtiers STA. In 2011, a special request for a safe outlet for an 800-amp mobile load bank resulted in the prototype for a line of custom-made boxes designed for quick and secure electrical connections. Boîtiers STA quickly grew from a garage operation into a thriving business, now co-owned by Guy’s daughter, Karianne St-Amour. Boîtiers STA turned to NOARK when their previous supplier discontinued its 1200A circuit breaker. Karianne St-Amour says: “We really like the NOARK product, and everything about the company: efficient service, quick delivery, extended warranty. Our customers appreciate the product, so we have decided to continue with NOARK as they are always coming up with unique products and features. The frame is not only more appealing, but more effective and safer. Clients also love the warranty and quality – this opens up new opportunities in new markets and puts us ahead of the curve.”

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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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    Endress+Hauser to Supply Canadian Process Sector from Europe to Minimize Tariff Effects

    Customers in Canada will not be impacted financially on their orders due to tariffs at this time. Endress+Hauser announced it will supply the Canadian process sector with its industrial analysis and measurement instruments and other products directly from its production facilities in Europe to minimize tariff effects. The family owned Endress+Hauser Group, headquartered in Reinach, Switzerland, has decided to temporarily shift fulfillment of any new orders from Canada that previously would have been produced in the United States to its production centres in Europe wherever possible.

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    Rexel Canada Announces Acquisition of Jacmar Automation

    Rexel Canada is pleased to announce it has acquired Jacmar Automation, a major industrial automation supplier based in Quebec. This acquisition is in alignment with Rexel Canada’s Accelerate 28 strategy and strengthens their presence in the Quebec market. Since its founding in 1994, Jacmar Automation has built a reputation for delivering exceptional services, support, and innovative solutions in industrial automation. With multiple facilities across the province Quebec, Jacmar has been a trusted partner for over three decades, serving a diverse range of clients throughout Canada and beyond. As Rexel moves forward, the Jacmar Automation team will work closely with Nicholas Zigayer and his Westburne Quebec team, all while maintaining its current leadership structure. This partnership is set to enhance local market support and create synergies that will empower both Jacmar and Westburne to expand their footprint in the vital Canadian industrial sector. This acquisition is a significant milestone for Rexel Canada, highlighting the immense potential they see in their industrial market and creating valuable opportunities for collaboration between Westburne Quebec and Jacmar Automation. It also complements their investment in Apex Automation Ltd in Alberta, further enhancing the momentum Rexel has built within the service segment of their growth strategy. A heartfelt thank you to Gabriel Jacques, Audrey Heurzeau (Pedreira) and Véronique Douville for their hard work in closing this transaction, as well as to the leadership teams at both Jacmar and Westburne Quebec for their dedication in bringing this opportunity forward.

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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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    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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    IPEX Launches New Centre for Advanced Research in Mississauga to Drive Innovation in North America

    IPEX has announced the grand opening of the IPEX Centre for Advanced Research, an investment of over $30 million in a state-of-the-art facility, dedicated to accelerating product innovation and reinforcing the company’s manufacturing operations across North America. Located at 6760 Campobello Rd., the new Centre consolidates IPEX’s innovation processes and will enable the company to bring new products to market faster, while continuing to develop sustainable and reliable piping solutions. The facility will serve a range of customer needs across municipal, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. The facility features over 50,000 sq. ft of operational space dedicated to testing and developing new products, trialing new material formulations, office space, and a training and collaboration area where customers can co-create and experience new product innovations firsthand. IPEX will employ advanced technologies, including 3D printing and AI to further streamline product development.

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    Canada Stands Tall at Hannover Messe 2025

    Canadian skills and talent were highlighted at Hannover Messe earlier this month Canada had a strong presence as the host country with a wide variety of companies and programs focusing on the development of advance technology. The presence was accentuated by numerous halls hosting Canada pavilions. Partner Country Canada presented itself impressively at HANNOVER MESSE. The innovative role of Canadian companies and institutions in key areas such as artificial intelligence, digitalization and renewable energies is particularly noteworthy. The close cooperation with international partners and the strong focus on sustainable technologies underline Canada’s importance as a dynamic player in the global markets of the future.

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    Siemens to Establish Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production in Canada

    Siemens will invest CAD$150 million (ca. €97 million) over five years to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies Research and Development (R&D) Center for Battery Production in Canada. The new R&D center, located initially at Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville, as well as in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, will focus on developing cutting-edge AI manufacturing technologies with an initial emphasis on battery and electric vehicle (EV) production. It will leverage Siemens’ expertise in AI, edge computing, machine vision, digital twins, and cybersecurity to drive innovation and efficiency in battery production, while fostering collaboration with higher education institutions and battery manufacturers. Expected outcomes of the work to be conducted at the R&D center include higher, consistent quality in battery production, increased workforce productivity and capacity, reduction of battery scrap, and improved recycling and circularity. With the Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production, Siemens will contribute to the Canadian government’s strategy to become a global leader in battery manufacturing.

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    SICK Invests in Industrial AI for Automation – Innovative Strength & Cost Management Secure Profitability in Challenging Business Year 2024

    Innovation, customer focus and active cost management: SICK, an international provider of sensor-based automation solutions headquartered in Germany, set these focus points and achieved a solid result in the challenging business year 2024. Sales and EBIT decreased, while investments in research and development remained high. In a difficult market environment, SICK performed robustly and was able to further expand its position for Industrial AI on the global automation market. The 2024 financial year was marked by a difficult industrial economic development. Ongoing local crises and geopolitical uncertainties, protectionist measures and the threat of higher import tariffs put the industry under pressure. The global automation market also developed slowly and the anticipated recovery in mid-2024 failed to materialize.

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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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    Beckhoff: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz Tested AI-Assisted Engineering for Programming Industrial Control Systems Accompanied by Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Special Envoy for Europe & European Union

    The Beckhoff TwinCAT control software plays a central role in powerful automation solutions. It transforms almost every PC-based system into a real-time controller and, with its modular structure, unites all the necessary control functions, including PLC, motion control, machine safety, measurement technology, image processing, and artificial intelligence. AI in particular opens up immense potential, for example in developing machines and systems faster and more efficiently. TwinCAT CoAgent, the powerful Beckhoff tool for AI-supported engineering, is crucial here. TwinCAT CoAgent is a personal digital assistant for engineers that revolutionizes the entire engineering workflow, as Chancellor Scholz was able to see for himself: by entering a simple prompt in TwinCAT CoAgent, he created a control program that made a Beckhoff XPlanar mover hover in a circle. The Federal Chancellor and Canadian Minister were impressed.