As Mitutoyo Canada prepares to celebrate the major milestone of its 50th anniversary, we caught up with president Matt Dye to discuss the most important changes over the past half century and how he sees the industry and Mitutoyo product offerings evolving to meet new demands.
SHOP: Fifty years conducting business in Canada is certainly a milestone. Much has changed in the metalworking industry over this time. What would you say have been the most important changes?
DYE: Automation and the use of advanced technologies. We are seeing the application of automation in manufacturing from short-run production shops to high volume producers. As automation options become easier to adopt and support, we see in-line and near-line inspection becoming more frequently requested.
SHOP: How has Mitutoyo changed in both its product and service offerings to keep up with these changes?
DYE: Our development teams from around the world and factory staff in Japan have worked continuously to improve our products and expand their reach. With new technologies impacting the manufacturing floor, Mitutoyo has focused on improved accuracy of measuring devices and increased access to real-time data. When tied to the manufacturing process, our measuring systems can improve efficiencies and reduce cost through process improvement.
SHOP: Looking ahead to the next decade and beyond, what do you expect will be the most important trends to impact metrology and the metalworking industry?
DYE: Mitutoyo will continue to expand its role in the manufacturing process. With collaboration with automation providers, Mitutoyo measuring systems will be applied to maintain high quality production in machining, molding, additive, and electronic processes.
SHOP: How is Mitutoyo preparing itself in terms of strategic focus and product innovation to deal with these trends?
DYE: Mitutoyo has created teams of specialists and engineers in Canada and across our global operations to support a solution-oriented approach. With in-house developed I/O options to partnerships with integrators and automation providers, Mitutoyo has embraced integrating our products to increase productivity and functionality.
SHOP: Mitutoyo Canada’s 50th anniversary will be a year-long celebration with many events planned, including a multi-day event this summer. What can you tell me about that event?
DYE: We are planning many events throughout 2023. Some months will be dedicated to awareness through magazines and social media, while others will be focused on distributor and customer education. We will be running many promotions on product, as well as ensuring our partners know that Mitutoyo Canada does, and will continue to, appreciate them. Additionally, Mitutoyo Canada is planning to host an event in the summer to celebrate our employees, both past and present, and to thank our distributors and end users who have been part of our success over the last half century. September 2023 will also see our in person return to the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show.
