Ontario's manufacturing sector, once Canada's powerhouse for productivity and economic growth, has faltered over two decades. GDP contribution has dropped 17% since 2002, productivity lags at 70% of U.S. levels, and per-worker investment fell from 79% to 55% of U.S. levels since 2014. Now, Ontario is bouncing back with over $50 billion in investments in EVs, battery plants, green steel, and aerospace.
Frank Voss, the President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, spoke at our Manufacturing Symposium. He highlighted current gaps in the industry and how the transition to EVs has exacerbated our province’s existing skilled trades gap and what our Business Council of Toronto’s (BCT) Advanced Manufacturing Council is doing about it.
In an era defined by smart factories, automation, and enhanced productivity — the Toronto region has a golden opportunity to position itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing. However, to fully leverage these benefits and close Canada’s productivity gap, Voss emphasized that we must prioritize workforce upskilling.
During his presentation, Voss highlighted how manufacturing 4.0 hinges on core competencies like scalable, low-cost tech solutions and smart manufacturing practices to reduce waste and improve efficiency. These innovations are essential to optimize productivity, cut costs, and drive the sector towards sustainable growth. But to realize this potential, we need an empowered workforce that is both adaptable and technically skilled, with a focus on remaining efficient and innovative.
“Ontario has a shortage of workers in the skilled trades, impacting critical sectors such as construction, automotive, and advanced manufacturing,” explained Voss. “With an aging workforce this gap is expected to grow. Training and development programs are crucial to address these shortages and build a productive capacity supporting manufacturing 4.0.”
For the BCT’s Advanced Manufacturing Council, the need for innovation, industry collaboration and proof of concept initiatives has been evident from day one, and that’s where demonstration projects come in. Voss highlighted how the Council is considering the creation of a smart automation factory project. This hub concept, which could be replicated in various jurisdictions, is an opportunity to bring in the latest technology for manufacturing 4.0. Through this approach, students and trainees would be given hands-on experience to new technologies.
“You need a demonstration project to show people what’s possible, and that it’s actually a lot easier than you think.” – Frank Voss
Investing in our people is a direct investment in our future. Ontario is well-positioned to lead this shift in advanced manufacturing, but practical steps to bridge the gap between technology and training must happen with urgency.
In a conversation with the Board following the event, Voss mentioned Toyota’s relationships with postsecondary institutions in the Waterloo region has been a key driver for innovation in the advanced manufacturing sector – both for upskilling, and for exposing the workforce to new technologies. By committing to investing in our workforce and technology, we can ensure Ontario remains a global leader in advanced manufacturing and pave the way for a more productive and competitive future.
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Frank Voss
President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
Frank Voss is the President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC), overseeing the production of Toyota RAV4, Lexus RX, and NX models at the Cambridge and Woodstock plants in Ontario. With over 30 years of automotive industry experience, Frank has played pivotal roles in Toyota’s North American operations, advancing production efficiency and sustainability.
A registered Professional Engineer with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, Frank joined Toyota in 2002, quickly moving through senior roles in Production Control, Administration and Manufacturing. His strategic leadership has driven TMMC’s success, making it a model for operational excellence and innovation.
Frank is actively involved in the community, serving on multiple boards, and is committed to fostering industry collaboration and local growth. Based in Kitchener, Ontario, he is recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and contribution to Toyota’s global success.
The Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest and most influential business chambers in North America and is a catalyst for the region’s economic agenda. We pursue policy change to drive the growth and competitiveness of the Toronto region and facilitate market opportunities with programs, partnerships and connections to help our members succeed – domestically and internationally.
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