Go Global: Export Support for Ontario Wood Manufacturers
Ontario’s advanced wood manufacturers have significant opportunities in global markets. Through our export development initiatives, we provide practical training, trusted trade expertise, and direct connections to government programs and international partners—helping members build export capacity with confidence.
Export Readiness Events & Training
Our export training series supports wood manufacturers in strengthening export literacy, benchmarking best practices, and identifying new market opportunities.
These export training events are designed to strengthen export capacity within Ontario’s advanced wood manufacturing sector and support long-term international market growth.
Loading…
Event Recaps & Industry Insights
Explore summaries and key takeaways from our export readiness sessions, including expert presentations, benchmarking discussions, and market intelligence shared by industry and government partners.
AI in Wood Manufacturing: Building a Practical Foundation
On April 16, WMCO hosted a webinar on AI in Wood Manufacturing, with over 60 participants joining for an introductory... read more →
April 19, 2026
WMCO Quarterly Networking Event: Driving Growth, Investment & Industry Connections
On March 26, WMCO hosted its Quarterly Networking Event at the new WEINIG HOLZ-HER Canada showroom in Mississauga, bringing together approximately 50... read more →
March 30, 2026
Wood Manufacturing Day Brings Brampton Industry Together
On March 10, the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (WMCO), in collaboration with the City of Brampton and Mayor Patrick Brown, successfully hosted... read more →
March 21, 2026
WMCO Plant Tour at Tayco Draws Strong Industry Engagement
WMCO was pleased to host nearly 60 members and industry partners for an exclusive behind-the-scenes plant tour at Tayco, a... read more →
February 14, 2026
Webinar Recap: Exploring Alternative Export Markets for Canadian Wood Products
On December 10, WMCO hosted a timely and well-attended webinar, “Alternative Export Markets + Funding Programs for Canadian Wood Products,” bringing together... read more →
December 15, 2025
Woodlore International Plant Tour Highlights – October 29, 2025
Woodlore International Plant Tour | October 29, 2025Brampton, ON On October 29, 2025, WMCO members gathered at Woodlore International in... read more →
November 3, 2025
WMCO Quarterly Networking Event at Biesse Brings Industry Together on Cybersecurity, AI, and Funding Opportunities
On October 1st, WMCO members, technology partners, and government representatives gathered at Biesse for a Quarterly Networking Event focused on some of the... read more →
October 10, 2025
WMCO CEO to Discuss U.S. Tariffs on CBC Ontario Morning
WMCO CEO Mike Baker appeared on CBC's Ontario Morning to speak about the recently announced U.S. Section 232 tariffs on... read more →
October 7, 2025
WMCO Press Release (October 2, 2025)
The advanced wood manufacturing sector in Ontario and across Canada condemns the latest United States administration’s decision to impose unjustified... read more →
October 2, 2025
WMCO Bulletin: Responding to the U.S. Tariff Crisis
The Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (WMCO) is actively responding to the current trade crisis emerging in the United States... read more →
October 2, 2025
Webinar Recordings & Resources Library
Our export training series supports small and medium-sized manufacturers in strengthening export literacy, benchmarking best practices, and identifying new market opportunities.
WMCO Export Session (2026)
Video: WMCO Alternate Export Market Session 2 – TCS and EDC
Date: February 27th, 2026
Topics:
- Trade Diversification 101
- Leveraging EDC
- Export Funding
***Click below for Slide deck Presentations and Material:
WMCO Export Session (2025)
Video: WMCO Alternate Export Market Session – Global Affairs and EDC
Date: December 10th, 2025
Topics:
- Global Affairs Support
- Leveraging EDC
- Export Funding
***Click below for Slide deck Presentations and Material:
WMCO Roundtable (2025)
Video: Section 232 Tariff Roundtable
Date: October 6th, 2025
The Recording of WMCO’s Tariff Roundtable featuring US Trade Lawyer Heather Jacobson. Due to anonymity concerns, the visuals of the recording were removed.
Government Funding & Assistance Updates
Discover current government programs, funding opportunities, and trade support services designed to help manufacturers expand into international markets. We regularly highlight relevant resources to keep members informed and export-ready.
Export Partners & Market Intelligence
We work closely with leading Canadian trade and export organizations to ensure our members receive timely intelligence, trusted advisory services, and access to international networks.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian companies expand into international markets by connecting them with experienced trade professionals in Canada and around the world.
Through its global network, the TCS provides market insights, qualified contacts, and practical support to help businesses navigate new markets and succeed globally.
WMCO: US Export Toolkit
How to Enter/Expand into US Markets
OPERATIONAL EXPORT READINESS SERIES
In the first event in our Export Roundtable Series: How to Enter/Expand US Markets, we presented an extensive US Export Toolkit developed by WMCO in partnership with NRCan and Shaftesbury Associates.
To access the downloadable toolkit, read the event summary, and watch the event recording, you must login. If you need assistance logging in please contact Brayden DeWitt, Cluster Administration Specialist e: bdewitt@wmco.ca
Export Development Canada (EDC) is dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage.
As international risk experts, EDC helps Canadian companies to navigate, manage and take on risk to support their growth beyond Canada’s borders. Since 1944, businesses of all sizes and sectors have counted on EDC for the export knowledge and financial solutions they need to succeed in global markets.
EDC solutions include:
- Capital – access to working capital and financing
- Risk mitigation – insurance that lowers the risk of doing business abroad
- Trade knowledge – expertise to help companies make informed decisions
- Global connections – relationships that connect Canadian and international companies and help both parties grow
To learn more contact:
Lucci Mihet
Senior Account Manager | Southwestern Ontario Region
e: lmihet@edc.ca
Social Media & Ongoing Updates
Ready to Explore What AI Could Do for Your Business?WMCO is bringing members together to explore how an AI Accounting Agent could be developed around real manufacturing workflows and industry needs.Join our September 15 Information Session to:• Learn how the AI Agent will be trained• Ask questions about the cohort program• Explore how your business could participate• Help shape practical AI solutions for our industrySeptember 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via ZoomNo commitment required — just come learn, ask questions, and see what’s possible.Register: www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/#!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session
AI is being built for manufacturing — and WMCO members have a chance to help shape it.WMCO is developing an AI Accounting Agent with participating manufacturers, using real-world workflows and industry needs to build something practical.Join our September 15 Information Session to discover how your company can:• Help shape the AI tool• Incorporate your real business workflows• Learn how the AI cohort works• Get an early look at WMCO’s future AI servicesSeptember 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via ZoomNo commitment required. Come learn what’s possible and ask your questions.Register: www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/#!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session
New U.S. tariffs are here. What are Ontario manufacturers seeing?WMCO is hosting a free Facilitated Networking Forum tomorrow, Monday, August 24 at 1:00 PM EDT to bring manufacturers and industry partners together to compare experiences and discuss what comes next.New 50% U.S. tariffs now affect a broad range of Canadian exports, including wood and building products, machinery, manufacturing inputs and other goods.This is a working discussion, not a presentation.We want to hear:How is your business being affected?What are customers telling you?What strategies are you considering?Where can manufacturers work together?What should WMCO be doing to support the industry?Monday, August 24 | 1:00 PM EDT | Virtual | FreeRegister here: www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/#!event/2026/8/24/wmco-facilitated-forum-u-s-tariffs-industry-responseMembers and industry guests are welcome.
WMCO Facilitated Forum: U.S. Tariffs & Industry Response
www.wmco.ca
WMCO Facilitated Forum: U.S. Tariffs & Industry Response at Zoom on Mon Aug 24 2026, 1:00pm EDT: New U.S. tariffs affecting a broad range of Canadian...
AI for our industry is being built now — and our members can help shape it.WMCO is bringing members together to develop an AI Accounting Agent based on real manufacturing workflows, company data, and valuable industry use cases.Join our September 15 information session to learn how the cohort works, what you'll gain from participating, and how you can help influence the future of AI in wood manufacturing.September 15 | 11:00 AM ET | Online via ZoomNo commitment required to attend.Register here: www.wmco.ca/eventcalendar/#!event/2026/9/15/wmco-ai-accounting-agent-webinar-second-session
Celebrate the next generation of skilled cabinetmakers!Join Georgian College for the Student Cabinetmaking Exhibit 2026 and explore outstanding student projects that showcase creativity, craftsmanship, and technical skill.Where: Barrie Campus Dates: Aug. 5 & 6, 2026#Cabinetmaking #Woodworking #SkilledTrades #Manufacturing #OntarioManufacturing #GeorgianCollege #WMCO