(MONTRÉAL) –The Honourable Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier and Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy will open the 2018 Montréal Manufacturing Technology Show (MMTS) on Monday, May 14 at 9:00 am. Minister Anglade will join Lyne Dubois, Vice President, Business Development for Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ) for the occasion. MMTS, Québec's leading manufacturing event, produced by SME, will take place at Place Bonaventure in Montréal from May 14 to 16.

In conjunction with this important event and to highlight promising career opportunities in Québec’s manufacturing sector, CRIQ has organized a private visit for the Deputy Premier / Minister to experience Canada’s very first cyber-physical factory in the company of other women who play leading roles in manufacturing companies or organizations that support the manufacturing industry.

While many women take part in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs, they are less likely to choose a professional career in the manufacturing industry, whether in a technical or management capacity. However, it should be emphasized that industry offers some exceptional career options given the digital transition toward innovative manufacturing, the need for a new generation of skilled employees, and the myriad of possibilities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

“CRIQ has always been at the forefront of major technological trends in Québec industry,” says Lyne Dubois, Vice President, Business Development for CRIQ. “Innovation is born out of diversity, and with the digital revolution in the making, the manufacturing sector must tap into a broader pool of talent to attract the finest."

The first day at MMTS focuses on the digital transformation of companies (Industry 4.0). This includes artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, big data, enterprise resource planning, and digital factories that lower costs and boost productivity.

“Investing in advanced manufacturing technologies accelerates innovation, increases the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturing companies and creates new jobs," remarks Steve Prahalis, Vice President, Canadian Operations for SME. “Most industrialized countries have begun the transition to Industry 4.0 and Québec manufacturers must follow suit if they want to compete on a global scale.”

Considered a pillar of the Québec economy, the manufacturing sector generates 14% of the province's economic activity, provides 827,000 direct and indirect jobs, and accounts for 90% of its exports. Québec is fast becoming an international leader in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 and the innovations on display at MMTS will have significant impacts well beyond Canada's borders.

For more information on MMTS or to participate, visit: http://www.mmts.ca 

About CRIQ
The mission of Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ) is to support companies in their transition toward innovative manufacturing. This involves helping them connect to and integrate new technologies in order to manufacture products in a sustainable way and comply with export market requirements. In doing so, companies position themselves to experience dynamic growth, while also adhering to standards and adopting new business practices. To achieve its objectives, CRIQ and its 200 employees deploy a wide range of technical and technological services and create partnerships to benefit businesses. www.criq.qc.ca 

About SME

SME connects manufacturing professionals, academia and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. With more than 85 years of experience and expertise in events, media, membership, training and development, and also through an education foundation, SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

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If you have questions about the press release or need additional information, please contact SME Public Relations at communications@sme.org.