By Denis Casey, President,
Bedford Industrial Automation Inc.
Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence
Hey friends and partners,
It’s been a while since we’ve connected, and as we’re in April 2025, the manufacturing landscape is more complicated than ever. With the recent geopolitical changes, including the tariffs on some Canadian exports to the US, Canadian manufacturers are facing unprecedented challenges. These tariffs have caused production halts, like GM’s temporary shutdown of its Ingersoll plant, and have introduced a lot of uncertainty into our industry.
But there’s a silver lining. Canada’s manufacturing sector is projected to reach $159.4 billion by 2029, and 89% of Canadian manufacturers have seen benefits from investing in automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, so there’s growth potential.
Automation is a Must
At Bedford Industrial Automation, we believe automation is not just a solution—it’s a strategic imperative. By combining AI, robotics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) manufacturers can be more efficient, reduce costs and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
For example, smart manufacturing allows for real-time monitoring and optimization of production processes, resulting in better product quality and faster time-to-market. That’s crucial as we navigate the new trade policies and tariffs.
Celebrating Canadian Innovation
Canada is innovating in automation. Maple Advanced Robotics, a Canadian company, won the ROBOTICS AWARD 2025 at HANNOVER MESSE for its AI-driven robotics platform, MARI AARS. That’s Canada leading the way in automation technology. (Article)
And Canada is the partner country at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 so we’re on the global stage advancing industrial automation.
We’re Here for You
As the president of Bedford Industrial Automation, I want to tell you we’re here to help you achieve automation excellence. Our team provides customized hardware and software solutions, including robotics integration, to meet your manufacturing needs.We know every business is different and we’ll work with you to develop solutions for productivity, compliance and growth.
Get in Touch
If you’re looking to automate or have questions about the current state of manufacturing, contact us. Let’s build a resilient Canadian manufacturing future.