Exporters Embrace Automation to Stimulate Productivity and Profits

Coronavirus pandemic has made many things evident to Canadian exporters, including the fact that investing in automation and technology is the future of exporting. President and chief executive officer of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), Dennis Darby says, firms that invested in automation are now availing benefits wherein those that didn't are trying to catch up. "The first group is now saying that we need more new technology to meet demand while the other is saying that it's a time to re-think operations." He adds, "With physical distancing and worker absenteeism two key challenges amid COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadian exporters find themselves in the latter category." There's no surprise given the historical lack of investment in automation.