Blending humour, storytelling, and just the right touch of magic, Yan left everyone amazed — and perhaps still wondering, “How did he do that?” CTMA photo
More than 160 members of the precision metalworking community came together on October 23 for one of CTMA’s most memorable events yet — the 2025 Annual General Meeting & Dinner, held at the Lamplighter Inn in London, Ont.
This year’s event was extra special as members of the Canadian Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (CMTDA) joined us for a combined celebration, strengthening the collaboration and connection between our two organizations. It was a fantastic opportunity for both associations to share ideas, network, and celebrate our industry’s continued growth and innovation together.
From inspiring recognition moments to mind-bending entertainment, the evening was filled with celebration, connection, and excitement for the future of our industry.
Welcoming CTMA’s 2025–26 Board of Directors
CTMA was proud to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for 2025–26. We’re thrilled to welcome Rob Forstinger (FBT Inc.) and Ted Rosts (Densmore Tool & Die Works Limited) as new members of the board.
CTMA’s 2025-26 Board of Directors. CTMA photo
A special congratulations to Louis Jahn (Jahn Engineering), who will continue serving as CTMA’s President for another year.
Celebrating Excellence and Leadership
One of the most memorable moments was presenting this year’s Apprentice Awards, which recognizes the next generation of skilled trades talent. Since 1994, CTMA has proudly honoured apprentices and pre-apprentices who are shaping the future of the precision metalworking sector — and this year was no exception.
Congratulations to this year’s Apprentice Award winners! CTMA photo
Congratulations to our outstanding award recipients:
Dylan Kettlewell, Integrity Tool and Mold Inc.
Austin McCue, FDF Race Shop Inc.
Derek Boere, Armo Tool
Noah Ocampo, Massiv Die Form
Brandon Silveira, Armo Tool (CMTDA’s Top Apprentice)
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our incredible 2025 Apprentice Award sponsors, whose generosity makes this recognition possible:
Answer Precision Technologies, Armo Tool, BDC, CMTDA, EDC, Hallink Moulds Inc., GoEngineer, In-House Solutions, Kamal Jain, LMS Management Inc., Mitutoyo, MNP LLP, Prothane Ltd., Sandvik Coromant, Unique Tool & Gauge, and XL Tool Inc.
The Power of Perception
A true highlight of the night was the unforgettable keynote presentation by Yan Markson — a world-class mentalist, speaker, and perception strategist. Sponsored by Answer Precision Technologies and CMTDA, Yan’s talk, The Power of Perception, captivated the audience from start to finish.
Blending humour, storytelling, and just the right touch of magic, Yan left everyone amazed — and perhaps still wondering, “How did he do that?” His message on mindset and human behaviour reminded us all how perspective can transform not only our work but our lives.
Yan’s presentation, The Power of Perception, captivated the audience from start to finish. CTMA photo
Recognizing Industry Ambassadors
The Trades Ambassador of the Year Award celebrates those who go above and beyond to mentor, inspire, and shape the next generation of trades professionals.
This year’s honouree, Matt Lyle, manufacturing engineering teacher and major head of technology at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, has shown exceptional dedication to helping students explore rewarding careers in precision metalworking. Congratulations, Matt — and thank you for all you do to promote the skilled trades!
Congratulations to this year’s Trades Ambassador of the Year, Matt Lyle! CTMA photo
Welcoming New Members
The CTMA was pleased to welcome four new members during the event: Lyndex-Nikken, Grant Synergy, Allied Machine and Engineering, and Epicor. Each company’s representative was presented with an official new member plaque as a token of recognition. Welcome to the CTMA community!
Networking, Music, and Celebration
Of course, no CTMA event would be complete without great food, conversation, and connection! Platinum sponsors — BDC, MNP, GoEngineer, and Grant Synergy — had the opportunity to showcase their products and services during the networking reception, while members from both CTMA and CMTDA mingled over cocktails and shared stories of innovation and collaboration.
After dinner, attendees enjoyed live music from Richard Janik, whose lively performance kept the crowd entertained well into the evening.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Events like this are made possible thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors. CTMA extends sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this year’s AGM and Apprentice Awards.
AGM Sponsors:
Answer Precision Technologies, CMTDA, BDC, EDC, MNP, GoEngineer, Grant Synergy, Black Controls Company Inc., Canadian Metalworking, Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing Ltd., Epicor, FBT Inc., FGL Precision Works Inc., Hallink Moulds, In-House Solutions, Javelin, Mazak, NorthStar Technical, OCTE, Rapid Gear, Seco Tools, Shop Metalworking Magazine, SME Canada, Southwestern Manufacturing Inc., and YG-1 Canada Inc.
A Night that Reflected CTMA’s Spirit
The 2025 AGM & Dinner was more than just an event — it was a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and the incredible people who keep Canada’s precision metalworking industry thriving.
A big thank-you to everyone who attended — especially our partners at CMTDA — for helping make this combined event such a tremendous success. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in Canadian manufacturing!
Keep an eye out for more photos in the Winter Issue of the CTMA View magazine!