On April 23, 2025, WMCO members had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of Ontario’s most innovative manufacturers during a dynamic and insightful plant tour hosted by Cayuga Displays, renowned for their cutting-edge custom food retail fixtures
The day began with a lively morning networking session, where members reconnected over coffee and conversation. Michael Petrie, WMCO’s Cluster Manager, officially opened the event with welcoming remarks and shared updates on several exciting WMCO initiatives aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.
After the introductions, attendees were split into smaller groups and guided through Cayuga Displays’ impressive 57,000 sq.ft. facility. Tour leaders Ryan Schotsman and Tom Snyder provided an in-depth look at both the wood and metal fabrication divisions, the company’s sophisticated powder coating line, and its unique approach to cross-border logistics.
What truly stood out was Cayuga’s forward-thinking mindset in navigating an increasingly complex trade environment. In the face of recent tariffs and global supply chain pressures, Cayuga has taken bold steps to remain competitive. Attendees heard firsthand how the company is:
- Strengthening key supplier partnerships,
- Differentiating its product line through quality and customization,
- And modernizing operations through strategic investments in a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and a shift toward paperless workflows.
Tour Debrief & Discussion: Tariffs, Digital Integration, and Future Readiness
Following the tour, members participated in a valuable Q&A and debrief session, where the conversation focused on how Cayuga is addressing ongoing tariff-related challenges and leveraging process improvements enabled by funding from FedDev Ontario’s Digital Integration Program.
This funding has supported critical investments in digital systems that improve operational efficiency, data tracking, and cross-departmental coordination — tools that are helping Cayuga future-proof its operations and serve customers with even greater agility.
Special Thanks to Our Lunch Sponsor
This event lunch was proudly sponsored by Microvellum, a long-time advocate and pillar of support for the WMCO community. We extend our sincere appreciation to Tim Scholman and the entire Microvellum team.
Thank You to All Who Attended
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the event’s success. Your participation is what continues to make WMCO’s events impactful and future-focused.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming tours, workshops, and networking events as we continue to drive innovation and excellence across Ontario’s wood manufacturing industry.
Stay connected – more exciting WMCO events are on the horizon!
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