UOIT hosts special meeting regarding manufacturers' challenges, opportunities and initiatives

OSHAWA, Ont. - A special meeting of local business and community leaders will be held on November 26 at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) to discuss the challenges and opportunities that manufacturers face, and to identify initiatives that can be taken to respond to the issues.

The 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. meeting at the UOIT dining room is one of many community meetings across Canada this year as part of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' Manufacturing 20/20 initiative. It is hosted by the Durham Regional Economic Development Department and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. A tour of UOIT will be held at 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Marc Rosen, Dean of Engineering and Applied Science at UOIT, will welcome those in attendance and discuss UOIT's manufacturing programs and innovations.

"This initiative is greatly needed so that we can better understand the issues that manufacturers face, and plan for the future more strategically," said Dr. Rosen. "Manufacturing is a critical part of UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. We have a Manufacturing Engineering program, which is one of only three in Canada, as well as several manufacturing-related programs like Mechanical and Automotive Engineering. Our Integrated Manufacturing Centre, which is shared with DurhamCollege, is a world-class facility that showcases advanced manufacturing technologies."

The meeting complements a Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science seminar delivered October 20 at UOIT by Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, on the future of manufacturing in Canada.

"The UOIT Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is particularly well suited to address many of the challenges regarding manufacturing," says Dr. Rosen. "These include the need for technical innovation and skilled employees. Our faculty members are carrying out cutting-edge research into new manufacturing technologies and processes that will benefit industry and society, locally and across the country."

More information about Manufacturing 20/20 is available at www.cme-mec.ca/mfg2020/index.asp. Pre-registration is required for the November 26 meeting at UOIT. For more information, contact Karen Hunt at karen.hunt@region.durham.on.ca or phone 905.723.0023.

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education, and is developing graduate programs. UOIT is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing facilities and selected services with DurhamCollege, UOIT has over 1,800 students following 12 months of operation. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca