A leadership gift provided by Magna International, a leading supplier for the world’s automotive industry, is the catalyst for a new applied research, education and training centre launched today at Conestoga College.
The company will invest $800,000 over the next four years to support the establishment of the Magna Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, which will work in collaboration with government, business and industry partners to help enhance the productivity of labour and capital to keep Canada’s manufacturing industry competitive. The new centre will address Canada’s critical shortage of skilled supply chain specialists, develop innovative and practical solutions for real-world challenges, and leverage innovation and resources across a global network of partners and associated groups.
"We are deeply grateful for the generous support provided by Magna International to establish this new centre,” said President John Tibbits. “The contributions of our industry partners play an essential role in Conestoga’s efforts to foster innovation, address industry needs, prepare students for successful careers, and support economic growth across our dynamic region.”
Canada’s supply chain sector employs more than 870,000 individuals, accounts for over $500 billion in total export goods, and is responsible for planning, coordinating and moving more than $1 trillion in goods each year. According to the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council, more than 10,000 supply chain positions will need to be filled each year over the next five years as the result of new job creation, retirements and turnover.
“Our partnership with Conestoga spans 30-plus years,” said Marc Neeb, Chief Human Resource Officer at Magna. “Together we are working to strengthen the college’s educational programs, help bring in partners for applied research, and ultimately provide employment opportunities for students and graduates.”
Magna International is a leading global automotive supplier with 328 manufacturing operations and 99 product development, engineering and sales centres in 29 countries. Magna has over 163,000 employees focused on delivering superior value to its customers through innovative products and processes, and world class manufacturing. Magna has complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing expertise, as well as product capabilities which include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, vision, closure and roof systems. The company also has electronic and software capabilities across many of these areas. Its common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit: www.magna.com.
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is a leader in polytechnic education, delivering a comprehensive range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs to prepare students for success, support industry and workforce needs, and promote economic prosperity throughout our region and across Ontario. Supply chain management programming delivered through the college’s School of Business has a proven track record for developing highly skilled, in-demand graduates who are well-positioned to contribute to the improved productivity, operational and financial performance of their employers.
For more information about the Magna Centre for Supply Chain Excellence at Conestoga College, visit: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/centres/magna-supply-chain-management.