CTMA’s 2026-27 board of directors. Top row, from left: Steven Lenardon, Arlen Tool Group; Alex Mazerolle, Archer Precision Inc.; Mike Van Nie, Valiant TMS; Ted Rosts, Densmore Tool & Die Works Ltd. Bottom row, from left: Larry Delaey, AarKel Tool & Die; Rob Forstinger, FBTinc.; Tania Sabados, Rapid Gear; Louis Jahn, Jahn Engineering; and Eli Meisels, FGL Precision Works Inc. Missing from photo: Michelle Henning, Answer Precision Technologies, Jeff Blackburn, Exco Engineering and Stephane Boucher, Global Vehicle Systems Ltd.
More than 200 members of Canada’s precision metalworking and manufacturing community gathered at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre in London, Ont., on October 29 for the Canadian Technology & Manufacturing Association’s (CTMA) 2026 Annual General Meeting & Dinner.
The evening brought together industry leaders, manufacturers, suppliers, educators and partners for an evening focused on collaboration, leadership and celebrating the people who continue to drive Canadian manufacturing forward.
A key highlight of the Annual General Meeting was the election of CTMA’s 2026–27 Board of Directors, including the appointment of Eli Meisels of FGL Precision Works as the Association’s new President.
“I’m honoured to serve as President of the CTMA and excited about what’s ahead,” said Meisels. “I look forward to working with our board and members to support our industry, develop the next generation of skilled trades, and continue building a strong future for the Canadian technology and manufacturing industry.”
Meisels succeeds Louis Jahn of Jahn Engineering, who will remain involved with the Association as Government Relations Chair.
CTMA’s 2026-27 board of directors include:
- Eli Meisels, FGL Precision Works Inc. – President
- Michelle Henning, Answer Precision Technologies – Vice President
- Tania Sabados, Rapid Gear – Treasurer
- Louis Jahn, Jahn Engineering – Past President & Government Relations Chair
- Jeff Blackburn, Exco Engineering
- Stephane Boucher, Global Vehicle Systems Ltd.
- Larry Delaey, AarKel Tool & Die
- Rob Forstinger, FBTinc.
- Steven Lenardon, Arlen Tool Group
- Alex Mazerolle, Archer Precision Inc.
- Ted Rosts, Densmore Tool & Die Works Ltd.
- Mike Van Nie, Valiant TMS
“CTMA is fortunate to have a strong group of industry leaders who are committed to supporting our members and strengthening Canadian manufacturing,” said Robert Cattle, Executive Director of CTMA. “We thank Louis for his leadership as president and are excited to welcome Eli into the role. His experience and commitment to our industry will be a tremendous asset as CTMA continues to evolve and expand its reach.”
David Andrews, president of CMTDA. CTMA photo
This year’s AGM & Dinner also marked an important milestone in industry collaboration, as the Canadian Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (CMTDA) joined CTMA for the event and held its Annual General Meeting alongside CTMA’s. Bringing the two associations together provided an opportunity for members of both organizations to connect, strengthen relationships and explore opportunities to work together in support of Canada’s tooling, machining and manufacturing sectors.
CTMA extends its sincere thanks to CMTDA President David Andrews and CMTDA members for joining us and helping make the evening a memorable celebration of industry collaboration.
“We are pleased to have CMTDA join us again for this year’s AGM and share in an evening that celebrates our industry,” said Cattle. “Having both associations come together reinforces the value of collaboration and a united approach to supporting Canadian manufacturing. We thank David Andrews for his leadership and partnership and look forward to continuing to build on this relationship.”
CTMA Announces New Name and Brand Identity
Another significant announcement at the AGM was the approval of a new name and logo for the Association, marking an exciting new chapter in its evolution. Following a member vote, CTMA will officially transition to the Canadian Technology & Manufacturing Association, while retaining the familiar CTMA acronym.
The updated name reflects the Association’s continued growth and its commitment to representing a broader cross-section of Canada’s manufacturing industry, including tooling, machining, automation, robotics and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Members and industry partners will begin seeing the new name implemented across CTMA’s communications, programs and materials in the coming months. The Association’s new logo and visual identity will be officially revealed soon.
“This is an exciting step forward for our Association,” said Cattle. “Our industry continues to evolve, and our name needs to reflect the breadth of the companies, technologies and people we represent. While our name and identity are growing, our commitment to supporting Canadian manufacturing and our members remains at the heart of everything we do.”
The evening also celebrated the accomplishments of the next generation of skilled trades professionals through CTMA’s annual Apprentice Awards.
Congratulations to this year’s Apprentice Award winners! From left: Gord Dakins, Armo-Tool; Shawn Liu, Manor Tool & Die; Chantal Janik, Valiant TMS; Jesse Martin, Armo-Tool; Kyler Osborn, Armo-Tool; and Ben Henning, XL Tool Inc. CTMA photo
The Pre-Apprentice Award was presented to Gord Dakins of Armo Tool Ltd., recognizing his dedication and commitment to pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
CTMA’s Apprentice Award Winners:
- Shawn Liu — Manor Tool & Die
- Chantal Janik — Valiant TMS
- Kyler Osborn — Armo Tool Ltd.
- Ben Henning — XL Tool Inc.
The CMTDA Award for Top Apprentice was presented to Jesse Martin of Armo Tool, London, recognizing his outstanding achievement and commitment to excellence in the skilled trades.
Louis Jahn (right) presents new member plaque to Chris Dones of CERATIZIT.
David Sippos (left) of Buildtek Imports accepts their new member plaque.
CTMA also welcomed two new members to the Association, presenting new member plaques to Chris Dones of CERATIZIT and David Sippos of Buildtek Imports. The recognition highlighted CTMA’s continued growth and the importance of building connections across Canada’s manufacturing supply chain.
Jason Cyrus put on a motivating and engaging presentation during the CTMA’s AGM & Dinner.
A major highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote presentation from Jason Cyrus, who delivered an engaging and motivating presentation that left attendees energized and inspired. His presentation provided an opportunity for members to reflect, connect and take away valuable insights both personally and professionally.
The 2026 AGM & Dinner also provided an opportunity for members to network with industry colleagues, connect with new contacts and celebrate the achievements of the Canadian manufacturing community.
“Events like our AGM are an important reminder of the strength of our industry and the people behind it,” added Cattle. “From recognizing our apprentices and welcoming new members to celebrating the leadership of our Board, the evening showcased the talent, dedication and collaboration that make our industry so strong.”
CTMA extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended the 2026 AGM & Dinner, as well as the sponsors, speakers, volunteers and partners who helped make the evening a success.
A full event recap, including photos and highlights from the evening, will be shared soon.