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Dimachem: 50 years of chemical manufacturing in Windsor
A history of auto, a future of innovation
In this episode, Nick chats with Steve Cox and Andrew Conway, respectively, the president and vice president of Windsor, Ontario’s own, Dimachem, a supplier of industrial blended chemicals. First founded in 1972 and originally called Chemfil Canada Ltd., this year, the company celebrated their 50th year of operation.
Today, Dimachem continues to manufacture and innovate. A few years ago, they became the Canadian toll manufacturer of Pine-Sol for Clorox, pivoted their manufacturing to make hand sanitizer during the pandemic, and installed a multi-million dollar packaging machine.
Dimachem’s operations actually grew during the pandemic, and they were able (needed) to hire more staff. The secret to their success is their people. By empowering its employees with the latest technology and actively listening to their feedback, the company has cultivated a culture of adaptability that will ensure operational success for years to come.
Have a listen to learn how they did it.
Timestamp
00:00-03:39 – Intro
03:40-04:04 – Meeting our guests
04:05-07:37 – Dimachem – a history of auto, a future of innovation
07:38-09:35 – How a recent patent…
09:36-13:09 – …can reduce the env. impact of deep draw metal forming + a metal manuf. lesson
13:10-14:09 – Answering their customer’s call for innovation
14:10-15:26 – ‘Even a great idea is tough to sell during a pandemic’
15:27-18:17 – Discussing ‘The Buyback’ from 2015
18:18-22:08 – …and then in 2020, the world got sick – the Dimachem pivot
22:09-23:23 – How to pivot your production line in 48 hours and stay open
23:24-26:35 – ‘Short supply chains matter when things are disrupted’ – Andrew discusses Clorox
26:36-27:20 – Discussing ISO and other certifications
27:21-30:32 – The advantages of Windsor and their ESOP program
30:33-33:57 – How to find employees and double your workforce during a pandemic
33:58-37:24 – The Jose discussion and their modernized workforce composition