Toma and Bouma have undertaken numerous studies and projects involving economic development supports for the manufacturing and processing sectors. These industries are important economic activities in the province, nationally and globally. Manufacturing and value added processing requires many aspects from applied R&D, supply chain management, lean manufacturing tools and business strategy. Some of our projects include:

Rural Manufacturing Network and Best Manufacturing Guide, CARMA, 2008

We conducted a review of the central Alberta manufacturers (220) to understand their issues and concerns with a view to developing learning events, an inventory and a new organization structure to serve them. This has resulted in a new manufacturing association, CARMA and a print guide on manufacturing practices.

Edmonton Lean Manufacturing Group, 2008

We developed a lean manufacturing network of interested businesses (18) which work together to learn and implement lean manufacturing practices. The approach is to learn from each other in shared training and projects. Training includes lean 101, 5-S, value stream mapping and leadership.

Study Tour of MEP Centres, 2008

We took a group of applied researchers to the USA west coast to review manufacturing centre on USA approaches to supporting their manufacturers in a competitive global economy. This was tied to an innovation capacity building project for the province.

R&D Needs of Oil and Gas Equipment Manufacturers, 2004

We completed a review of product design needs and conducted a provincial survey of 45 CEOs/ senior management on their current// future needs in equipment R&D. One of the challenges in the industrial sector is product design for efficient and competitive plant operations. The project was validated with CME and industry comments.

Best Manufacturing Practices of Food Processors, 2003

A survey of 35 Edmonton region food processors was undertaken to assess and benchmark their practices against USA practices. In addition a literature review of UK and USA methods was completed. The results have led to two new industry approaches of peer group learning and a new Lean Manufacturing program from AAFRD. The work was completed for AAFRD, EDE, WED and AFPA.

Best Practices of Economic Development Agencies, 2000

A review of the best practices of economic development agencies involved with manufacturing including visits to 6 USA centers and several EU centers for comparative purposes. The work entailed a comparison of USA programs and other Canadian provinces approaches to economic development. Several of the concepts have been implemented including Lean Manufacturing, a focus on research support and better research linkages. The work was completed for AED.

Alberta Bioproducts Science Priorities, 2002

We were involved in chairing a series of industry, research and government meetings and workshops in setting the priorities for the province. This work was carried out over an 8 month period and resulted in three focus areas- bio-based materials, bio-chemicals and bio-energy. A general development plan was created and a new organization was set up to carry the mandate (Bioproducts Alberta). Completed for AARI, Innovation and Science. See www.bioalberta.com.