WEBINAR: Automation in the Ontario Food and Beverage Processing Sector

Labour shortages represent a major challenge in the Ontario food and beverage sector, resulting in impacts on productivity among processors and stagnated sector growth. As a result, many Ontario processors are pursuing automation in an effort to resolve these issues.

Join Food and Beverage Ontario and MNP to learn more about recent research conducted on the adoption of innovative automation and robotics technology within the Ontario food and beverage sector.

• Automation study overview
• Findings, recommendations and case studies
• Panel discussion with study participants

The Study of Automation in the Ontario Food and Beverage Processing Sector provides a comprehensive review of the state of automation in the sector, and identifies drivers and barriers to technology adoption. The Technology Implementation Guide for the Ontario Food and Beverage Processing Sector equips processors to implement technology in their operations and address short- to longer-term labour challenges while also mitigating COVID-19 risk factors.

Panelists

Doug Alexander, Vice President, Belmont Food Group

Doug Alexander, joined Premium Brands holdings as Vice President and General Manager- Leadbetter Foods , most recently accepting the role of Vice President Technical Services, Belmont Food Group (div Premium Brands Holdings) , a Canadian food company consisting of 60 leading specialty food manufacturing and differentiated food distribution businesses with operations across North America. Servicing over 22,000 customers, the company and its family of brands and businesses with more than 10,000 employees. Doug’s experience running food processing operations spans over 34 years of bakery pasta, sauces, vegetable processing and meat processing.

Currently serving as Director on the Agricultural Adaptation Council board, Food and Beverage Ontario board and the Meat and Poultry Ontario Board. Doug has also served as Chair of the Agri-Food Management Institute, Chair, Food Starter and the board of Directors of Provision Coalition. Doug has diplomas in Science as well as Industrial Engineering.

Jason Haelzle, Principal, Business Group Leader, NA Food and Agribusiness Lead, GHD

Jason – Is a Principal and North American Food and Agribusiness Service Line Leader. He has over 23 years of expertise leading high caliber, cross functional teams in all aspects of Food and Beverage manufacturing. Jason focuses on assessing the complex needs of a clients’ business and driving sustainable solutions in challenging business environments. He is a results driven professional collaborating with multi-national teams to bring innovative solutions to the forefront.

Maria Gonzalez, Consulting Senior Manager in MNP’s Agriculture, Food and Beverage Processing, and Agri-Food and Research and Economics practices, MNP

Maria Gonzalez is a Consulting Senior Manager in MNP’s Agriculture, Food and Beverage Processing, and Agri-Food and Research and Economics practices. With a strong qualitative background, Maria has led a number of projects, including economic impact assessments, market research studies and survey engagements with a primary focus in the agribusiness sector. Maria has strong skills in designing questionnaires, conducting stakeholder interviews, collecting and analyzing data, and writing comprehensive reports on behalf of her clients in the food and beverage processing industry.

Sean Crewe, Assurance Partner and the Ontario Leader of MNP’s Food and Beverage Processing practice, MNP

Sean Crewe is an Assurance Partner and the Ontario Leader of MNP’s Food and Beverage Processing practice. Based in Mississauga, Sean has over 20 years of experience providing business advisory and assurance services to private businesses in the food and beverage processing industry. As a partner in the audit practice, Sean provides knowledgeable input into various business challenges, including accounting for complex transactions and adapting internal control processes for growing companies. He is adept in helping his clients structure their businesses so they can enjoy continued growth.

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. EST

Webinar link to be sent following registration.