Fleming College

MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE NMA:

The Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA) in partnership with Fleming College launched a new annual award to recognize a deserving Northumberland Manufacturer who has demonstrated a commitment and investment into employee development.
The first annual award was presented to Structural Panels Inc. located in Hamilton Township. Structural Panels Inc. was selected for their active employee participation in manufacturing and leadership training programs facilitated by Fleming College and in workshops and training focused events facilitated by the NMA. The firm displayed flexibility in scheduling to allow employees to attend training and development programs and events and continues to provide opportunities for employee advancement through training, mentoring and continuous education programs.
Deborah Clifford, Fleming College, said “In today’s global economy it is increasingly important for businesses to find a competitive advantage. It is evident that manufacturers who invest in skills and training are realizing a return on their investment. For example, participation in the Fleming Manufacturing Operations Program allowed employees in a local manufacturing facility to implement the continuous improvement tools taught in the program. They were able to achieve a projected waste reduction by 75% which translated into a projected savings of $78,000 annually for the plant.”
Dan Ross, NNA President stated, “The Investing in Employee Development Award provides an opportunity to showcase Northumberland manufacturers that have made an investment into employee development and regardless of their size are realizing a return on their investment. We are very pleased to be partnering with Fleming and to present the award to NMA member, Structural Panels Inc.”
The new award was unveiled by Deborah Clifford, Fleming College Manager, Continuing Education and Workforce Development and NMA President Dan Ross at the Tri-Association Manufacturing Conference in Belleville on November 3, 2015. The award was accepted by Lee Rogers and Anne Barrett, Structural Panels Inc.

About the NMA
The Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA) incorporated in 2004 and has been actively representing over 212 manufacturers in Northumberland County for over ten years. The purpose of the NMA is to promote continuous improvement, innovation, high performance and productivity enhancements through collaboration, education and advocacy.

The NMA works to achieve its goals through strategic partnerships with Quinte and Kawartha manufacturers’ associations, government, and stakeholders such as the Northumberland CFDC, and local economic development offices, universities, colleges and training centres.

The NMA strives to deliver value added programs such as workshops, Strategic Focus Groups and a Member Benefits Program. The NMA leads an annual Regional Manufacturing Conference on behalf of our Tri-Association partners, Quinte and Kawartha manufacturers. The historically sold out annual November conference provides high quality, valuable training and timely information locally, negating the need for travel to larger city centres . The NMA also partners in the delivery of value added funding in support of local manufacturing. Visit www.thenma.ca to learn more.

About Structural Panels Inc.
Structural Panels Inc. (SPI) manufactures a high quality, economical, stressed-skin sandwich panel utilized primarily in the building of walls, ceilings, and partitions for commercial and industrial buildings. Rockwall, our mineral wool panel has a 1, 2, or 3 hour fire rating. Isowall, our EPS panel, is particularly indicated for industries requiring clean rooms, controlled temperature rooms, or high wash down areas. SPI also offers a complete range of