Making it in Ontario: The Official Podcast of the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing

PowerCo Canada is building a $7B EV battery plant in St. Thomas, sparking a major recruitment campaign. CHRO Norman Wickboldt discusses the hiring blitz, the skills needed, how EV plants differ from auto assembly, and how PowerCo is developing a strong talent pipeline for the future.

Play Episode

The Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) Hub is advancing Canada’s aerospace industry through collaboration. In this episode, executive director Phil Arthurs shares insights on Ontario’s sector, how programs like the Green Fund and Supplier Development Initiative drive innovation, and why collaboration matters.

Play Episode

Canada’s automotive sector has changed. In this episode, we sit down with David Adams, President and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada, to discuss a new Trillium Network report showing how Toyota, Honda, and other members contribute to Canada’s economy, and what industry stakeholders must know to protect this sector during a dynamic time.

Play Episode

Ontario’s craft beer scene exploded in the 2010s, growing from 50 to over 350 breweries. Todd Lewin was there for it all, helping Muskoka Brewery become a top Canadian-owned brand. He shares his journey from Molson to Muskoka, how strategy is shifting, and where the industry may be headed.

Play Episode

Ed Atwell is reinventing the donut with patented tech that cuts fat without sacrificing taste. From Tim Hortons to founding Healthy Food Technologies in Almonte, he shares his journey, the decline of classic donuts, and what small food innovators should know about patents and breaking into major retailers.

Play Episode

In the Season 11 finale of Making it in Ontario, we look back on standout moments from our most wide-ranging season yet. With 18 insight-packed episodes, narrowing it down to 10 clips was tough—so we focused on two themes: new manufacturing technologies in Ontario and the province’s competitive advantages.

Play Episode

Why aren’t more women in manufacturing—and what’s being done about it? Nikki Morshedi of Women in Aerospace Canada explains how gender diversity drives innovation, what barriers women still face, and how targeted support is helping more women enter and succeed in STEM-focused industries.

Play Episode

This episode features Will Harney, CEO of Hydrocool and former Magna executive. After contributing to Magna’s 1987 Vehma Torrero concept, he co-founded Hydrocool to build hydrogen-powered refrigeration units for transport trailers. He shares insights on Canadian auto innovation and the future of hydrogen over diesel.

Play Episode

n this episode, hosts Brendan Sweeney and Michelle Samson dive into a new Trillium Data Bulletin about Ontario’s dairy product manufacturing industry and what it teaches us about the benefits and drawbacks of local supply chains. They also discuss the local cheese that makes Windsor-style pizza famous.

Play Episode

In this episode, Trevor Walker, CEO of Frontier Lithium, shares how the company is building a lithium supply chain in Ontario, from mining in the Far North to processing in Thunder Bay and supplying EV battery plants. Hear the challenges of being a first mover, the role of government support, and what it takes to lead in critical minerals.

Play Episode

Mitch Debora, CEO of Mosaic Manufacturing, explains how 3D printing is moving beyond prototypes to enable full-scale production. He shares how Mosaic is helping manufacturers reshore supply chains and highlights NGen-backed projects like Athletic Knit. Additive manufacturing is now faster and more flexible.

Play Episode

In this episode, Mitchel Sivilotti, CEO of OmniaBio, breaks down what makes biomanufacturing both similar to and different from other types of manufacturing. He walks us through the company’s growth, from its early days at CCRM to opening a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Hamilton. Plus, hear about the lessons learned from Toyota.

Play Episode