Fabrication Trends 2024: Toronto OEMs Adopting Automation

In the heart of Canada’s manufacturing sector, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are setting benchmarks in metal fabrication by rapidly adopting automation. As Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seek to cut lead times and improve product quality amidst labour challenges, automation in fabrication is proving to be a game-changer across industries—elevator systems, food services, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Why Are Toronto OEMs Turning to Automated Metal Fabrication?

The pressure to balance quality, safety, and efficiency has intensified in recent years. Automation addresses several key pain points for Toronto and GTA manufacturers:

• Labour shortages—Automated plasma cutters, welding robots, and computerized machining stations mean projects progress even when skilled labour is tight.
• Quality control—Automated systems perform highly-repeatable tasks, upholding the consistency needed for regulated industries such as food and pharma.
• Production speed & flexibility—Robotic arms, material handling conveyors, and CNC equipment can increase throughput dramatically, while easily switching between product types.

By investing in these technologies, Toronto-area OEMs streamline supply chains and ensure their operations remain competitive regionally and internationally.

Key Automation Technologies in Toronto Metal Fabrication

1. Robotic Welding and Plasma Cutting

Robotic weld cells and plasma cutters are now standard in many advanced shops. In the GTA, these technologies excel not only in throughput but also in holding consistent weld sizes, bead quality, and cut tolerances—critical for elevator brackets, food production lines, and pharmaceutical systems. With inline sensors, potential flaws are detected early, reducing material waste and costly rework.

2. Automated Material Handling

Smart conveyors, automatic storage/retrieval systems, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) move materials efficiently through the shop, reducing manual interventions and safety risks. For OEMs processing large numbers of custom panels or structural frames, these systems translate to faster turnaround and safer work environments.

3. CNC Machining & Digital Quality Control

Computer-controlled (CNC) machining is coupled with digital QA stations using 3D scanning and real-time gauges. This enhances traceability and assists with documentation required for industries like pharmaceuticals and elevators, which must comply with various Canadian standards such as CSA and CWB regulations.

Industry Applications: Elevators, Food, Pharmaceuticals

For Toronto’s booming construction and industrial sectors, automation delivers exceptional project value:

• Elevator systems: Automated cutting and welding produce more precise rails, brackets, and cab components, driving both safety and fitment accuracy.
• Food industry: Hygienic TIG welding and plasma cutting minimize contamination risk; automated processes avoid human error in sanitary designs.
• Pharmaceuticals: Digital QA, automated documentation, and cleanroom-compatible fabrication for regulatory compliance and product quality.

The Local Edge: Benefits of Toronto/GTA Automation Partners

Partnering with a local, automation-equipped fabricator means rapid response to engineering changes, fast lead times, and a detailed understanding of local codes. This flexibility is essential for businesses balancing project schedules, supply chain volatility, and compliance.

At Phil Bouchard & Sons, we continually invest in cutting-edge automation and maintain rigorous quality standards to deliver precision and reliability across the GTA.

Get Ahead: Request a Custom Consultation

Is your operation ready for next-generation fabrication? Contact our automation specialists today for a tailored quote or on-site consultation. Discover how investing in automation can help your Toronto or GTA business cut costs, control quality, and innovate faster in 2024 and beyond.