PROFILE

years ago – we ’ re now at the beginning stage of industrial internet , which is the next phase ,” Warburton explains . “ It ’ s really quite incredible when you think of the millions of machines and pieces of equipment that are now connected via the industrial internet , and that allows them all to talk to each other . You couldn ’ t do that not long ago .”

One of the most exciting prospects for Ontario as it helps to fund GE is the economic impact . The province is investing over $ 2 billion across a 10 year period through the Jobs and Prosperity Fund to bring in big business and create job opportunities ; companies which are settling in Ontario to manufacture include Fiat Chrysler , General Motors , IBM , Google , and Huawei .

“ Our aspiration is that Welland ’ s Brilliant Factory becomes one of the top GE factories in the world for advanced manufacturing ,” Allan says , “ and we look forward to working with the City of Welland to create jobs and economic growth .”

“ Because of digitization and the tools involved in achieving it , you can do things more efficiently which puts a whole new face on traditional manufacturing ,” Warburton adds . “ Now we can have skilled workers doing skilled tasks .

– Kim Warburton , VP of Commucations and Public Affairs , GE Canada

10 November 2016