What Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium of Canada does

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) is a Canadian not-for-profit manufacturing consortium headquartered in Owen Sound, Ontario, founded in 1997 and operating across all provinces and territories through regional Manufacturing Consortium Managers. The organization serves Canadian manufacturers through a membership-based model, with over 18,000 companies and 700,000 employees in its network and active coverage of 60+ consortium regions and 450+ communities. Its core service portfolio spans the Learning Centre (training, micro-credentials, certifications), the Energy & Green Consortium (energy procurement and green manufacturing including the 2024-launched GreenMFG Network), HR Solutions and EMC Protects (group benefits, HR advisory through partnerships with Peninsula and People Corporation), Health & Safety Excellence programs, ManufacturingGPS labour market intelligence, SR&ED tax credit advisory, grant funding navigation, and the Food, Beverage & Bio Sector Network.

EMC operates a peer-to-peer networking model centered on Strategic Interest Groups (SIGs), plant tours, benchmarking exercises, and hundreds of industry events annually. Its revenue model is primarily annual membership dues billed per facility ($950-$1,295 CAD per year depending on region and tier), supplemented by government co-funding from federal agencies (PacifiCan, ACOA, ESDC, FedNor), provincial governments, and partner-funded programs. Key documented outcomes include $140M in member energy savings since 2008, $222M in SR&ED claims facilitated, and 40,000+ audience reach via ManufacturingGPS. The organization is governed by a Board chaired by founder Al Diggins, with Jean-Pierre Giroux as President and Amanda Doman as Vice President and General Manager.

Name

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium of Canada

Legal name

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium

Website

https://emccanada.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

EMC is a Canadian not-for-profit manufacturing consortium serving 18,000+ companies across all provinces through peer networking, training, energy procurement, HR and benefits programs, and government-funded initiatives led by regional Manufacturing Consortium Managers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Manufacturing Industry Association Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Education & Training Providers (EDABALAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

Keywords

• Manufacturing consortium services
• Workforce training programs
• Energy procurement solutions
• Industrial HR services
• Green manufacturing consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Owen Sound

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees charged per facility/location. Includes multi-facility discounts for corporate families. All employees at each facility included in annual membership. Membership provides access to core programs, events, training discounts, and consortium manager support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) is a not-for-profit membership consortium that delivers peer-to-peer networking, training, energy procurement, HR, health and safety, and advisory services to Canadian manufacturers. Members pay annual facility-based dues and gain access to a national network of 18,000+ companies across 60+ regions, supported by regional Manufacturing Consortium Managers and a comprehensive portfolio of programs covering learning, energy, workforce, and operational improvement.

Product overview

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) of Canada operates as a not-for-profit manufacturing consortium offering a comprehensive portfolio of member services organized around several core pillars. The core offerings include: (1) Learning & Development services comprising the Learning Centre and Micro Credentials for skills training and certification; (2) Energy & Sustainability programs including the Energy & Green Consortium, GreenMFG Network for Net Zero transition support; (3) Human Resources solutions including HR Solutions (via Peninsula partnership), Insurance and Benefits (EMC Protects via People Corporation), and Foreign Exchange services (via Western Union Business Solutions); (4) Business advisory services including SR&ED tax credit consulting, Grant Funding assistance, and ManufacturingGPS labour market intelligence; (5) Industry research including Industry Pulse surveys and reports; (6) Sector-specific networks such as Food, Beverage & Bio Sector Network; and (7) Member support programs including Coaching and Mentorship, Health & Safety Excellence, Manufacturing Masters, Member Needs Help, and Funded Programs. EMC also produces the Factory Focus Podcast as a content and thought leadership platform. The organization connects over 18,000 manufacturing companies across more than 60 consortium regions in Canada.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GreenMFG Network: A targeted national initiative designed to prepare Canada's manufacturing sector for a more rapid transition to a green, low-carbon economy while achieving measurable progress towards Net Zero.
• MEC Inclusive Workplace
• Manufacturing Masters
• EMC Protects

Products and services

• Learning Centre A comprehensive training platform providing timely, relevant education on manufacturing topics for leaders, supervisors, and employees. Offers industry-leading learning materials in various formats including in-person, virtual, and e-learning, covering continuous improvement strategies, Lean management, Health and Safety, and more.
• Micro Credentials Recognized, short-duration learning opportunities that align with industry needs, certifying individual accomplishments after completing collections of learning activities. Includes hands-on components or blended learning formats covering manufacturing skills.
• Energy & Green Consortium Canada's largest and only not-for-profit energy buying group for manufacturers, helping hundreds of manufacturers mitigate energy price volatility and access savings. Includes three strategic areas: Energy Supply & Procurement, Energy Efficiency & Green Manufacturing, and Energy Intelligence & Green Skills.
• GreenMFG Network A targeted national initiative launched in 2024 to prepare Canada's manufacturing sector, particularly SMEs, for rapid transition to a green, low-carbon economy while achieving measurable progress towards Net Zero. Provides access to expertise, tools and resources for green and low-carbon production ecosystem transition.
• HR Solutions Human resources support service delivered in partnership with Peninsula, providing comprehensive employment support including documentation review, 24/7 HR advice, online tools (BrightHR), and employment insurance services for small to medium sized businesses.
• Insurance and Benefits (EMC Protects) Industry-driven and innovative approach to insurance and benefits delivered in partnership with People Corporation, providing better cost control and predictability. Includes group life benefits, HRIS system (Collage HR), and wellness programs.
• Health & Safety Excellence Programs providing participants with current best practices and necessary tools to implement effective health & safety programs. Includes services such as racking and warehouse safety, machine guarding, confined space safety, lockout tagout, ergonomics, arc flash assessment, and industrial hygiene.
• Coaching and Mentorship Manufacturing Resilience & Support Program supported by ACOA providing skill development and subject matter support including up to 40 one-on-one coaching opportunities, in-person/online workshop learning, and in-house subject matter expertise with up to 75% funding available.
• SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) Tax Credit Advisory Government tax credit advisory service connecting members with experts to pursue and explore SR&ED tax credit options. Has achieved $222 million in new claims and $67 million in potential cash & tax credits for members.
• ManufacturingGPS Exclusive fully searchable interactive Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) system providing macro-level LMI resources with micro-level detail. Includes benchmarking, skills and capability resources, and reports and outreach portal for positioning Canadian manufacturers on the global productivity map.
• Industry Pulse Member benchmarking survey program providing real-time, real-life pulse of the Canadian manufacturing sector. Publishes reports including Advanced Manufacturing Report, Green Manufacturing & Clean Tech Adoption Report, and Workforce Pulse Survey.
• Grant Funding Advisory Government funding advisory service helping manufacturers identify and utilize Canadian government grants and loans for strategic initiatives including increasing export sales, creating jobs, investing in R&D, and investing in key government priorities.
• Foreign Exchange Services Currency risk management and foreign exchange services delivered in partnership with Western Union Business Solutions, providing comprehensive analysis of foreign exchange practices, currency risk management policy formulation, and hedging strategies.
• Factory Focus Podcast Podcast dedicated to all things manufacturing, diving deep into the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the industry. Features expert interviews with industry leaders, cutting-edge insights on technology including AI, automation, and sustainable practices, and practical advice for improving manufacturing processes.
• Food, Beverage & Bio Sector Network Sector-specific initiative launched in 2008 hosting hundreds of regional networking, learning and training events, plant tours, benchmarking events, conferences, and summits. Provides advanced networking, expert coaching and mentoring, sector resources, and subject matter expertise for food, beverage & bio companies.
• Funded Programs Portfolio of government-funded initiatives including WILWorks (Student Work Placement Program), HerJourney (Women in Skilled Trades), B.C. Youth in Manufacturing, Lean Leader & Management Systems, and Coaching and Mentorship programs.
• Member Needs Help Exclusive service for EMC members designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the manufacturing community, providing a platform for addressing pressing industry-driven questions and sharing insights and solutions.
• Manufacturing Masters Health and safety excellence program providing necessary tools and resources for effective workplace health & safety programs, including services such as racking and warehouse safety, machine guarding, confined space safety, and lockout tagout.

Quantifiable outcome

• $140 million in energy savings for members since 2008
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• ECO CanadacoreOthersEnvironmental partner supporting EMC's energy and green manufacturing initiatives, particularly around green skills certification and training for manufacturers.
• Université de SherbrookecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner collaborating on research, workforce development, and training programs for Canadian manufacturers.
• Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting workforce development initiatives particularly around micro-credentials and skills training for manufacturers.
• Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry council partner supporting manufacturing workforce development in aerospace sector.
• BioTalent CanadasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting biotechnology workforce development and training initiatives.
• NGen CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvanced manufacturing supercluster partner collaborating on research, innovation, and industry reports including Green Manufacturing and Clean Technology Adoption Report.
• Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner supporting workforce research including the Workforce Pulse Survey and Pay-for-Performance Pathway Program evaluation.
• New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner supporting training and workforce development for manufacturers in Atlantic Canada.
• Holland CollegesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrince Edward Island educational institution partner supporting manufacturing training programs.
• Simon Fraser University (SFU)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner supporting research and workforce development initiatives.
• McMaster UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner supporting research and training programs for manufacturing sector.
• Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerICT workforce development council partner supporting micro-credentials and digital skills training.
• Centre of Excellence (NB)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Brunswick Centre of Excellence supporting skilled trades training and workforce development.
• People CorporationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInsurance and benefits partner providing group benefits, HRIS systems, and employee wellness programs for EMC members through EMC Protects initiative.
• PeninsulacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHR solutions partner providing employment support, documentation, 24/7 HR advice, and online HR management tools (BrightHR) for EMC members.
• Western Union Business SolutionssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerForeign exchange partner providing currency risk management, global payments, and FX hedging services for EMC members engaged in international trade.
• BlackBean MarketingsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMarketing partner providing 10% discount on marketing strategy services for EMC members.
• NorthBridge ConsultantscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSR&ED consulting partner helping manufacturers navigate government tax credit claims; achieved $222 million in new claims for EMC members.
• MTEsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTraining support partner providing specialized training services to EMC members.
• Industrial Safety TrainerssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSafety training partner providing occupational health and safety training services.
• Innate LeaderssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLeadership development partner providing training and coaching services.
• ERGO Inc.supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerErgonomics consulting partner providing workplace ergonomics assessment and training services.
• Value Stream SolutionssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLean and continuous improvement consulting partner providing process optimization services.
• G.S. Jameson & CompanysupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFood industry specialist partner supporting food and beverage sector manufacturers.
• Mitchell IndustriessupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIndustrial partner providing specialized manufacturing support services.
• ECNGsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEnergy consulting partner supporting energy management and efficiency initiatives.
• Practical HR Solutions Inc.supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHR solutions partner providing practical human resources support for manufacturers.
• Schneider ElectricsupportingTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing energy management and automation solutions for manufacturing facilities.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): Largest US manufacturing trade association representing 14,000+ member companies. Functions as a broader incumbent analog to EMC, providing policy advocacy, networking, training, and member services at scale — though its scope is much wider and US-focused rather than Canadian regional model.
• Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP): US federal program operating a nationwide network of MEP Centers providing small and medium manufacturers with consulting, training, and technology adoption services. Highly comparable mission and SME-focused delivery model to EMC, though publicly funded and structured differently.

Direct peers

• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME): Canada's largest industry trade association for manufacturers, advocating on policy and providing member services. Directly comparable to EMC's mission of supporting Canadian manufacturers through networking, training, and policy advocacy, though CME is more policy- and export-oriented while EMC is more operations- and peer-network oriented.
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME): US-based professional association serving the manufacturing industry with training, certifications, publications, and events. Comparable membership-driven model delivering peer networking, technical training, and industry resources, though more focused on individual professional members than facility-based corporate memberships.
• Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME): North American association focused on enterprise excellence, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement. Directly comparable to EMC's Lean Management and Productivity suite and Manufacturing Masters program in delivering peer-to-peer learning, plant tours, and benchmarking among manufacturing practitioners.
• NGen Canada: Canadian advanced manufacturing supercluster funded through the Innovation Superclusters Initiative. Overlaps with EMC in supporting Canadian manufacturers with workforce development, innovation, and applied research; EMC lists NGen as a core partner, indicating strong functional overlap and shared member base.

Emerging players

• Skills Canada: Canadian not-for-profit promoting skilled trades and technologies through competitions and workforce development programs. Comparable overlap on skills training, micro-credentials, and workforce pipelines for manufacturers; smaller scope but aligned mission.

Others

• BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada): Canadian federal Crown corporation providing financing, advisory, and growth capital to Canadian businesses including manufacturers. Listed as EMC's financial partner; not a competitor but a complementary ecosystem player serving the same SME manufacturer segment.
• ECO Canada: Canadian environmental workforce development organization and EMC's named partner on green manufacturing and green skills certification. Adjacent enabling organization supporting EMC's GreenMFG Network, providing ecosystem context rather than direct competition.

Regional players

• Canadian Association of Mold Makers: Canadian sector-specific trade association serving the mold manufacturing industry. Comparable trade-association model providing member services and advocacy, though narrower sector focus than EMC's whole-of-manufacturing approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeopen.spotify.com/show/00Eo5MvaRS6LWQiz4dVHnY

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium of Canada