FABTECH Canada keynote explains common strategic drives of military, manufacturers

Retired Maj.-Gen. David Fraser, COO of INKAS Armored Vehicles Mfg. addressing attendees of FABTECH Canada.

Retired Maj.-Gen. David Fraser, COO of INKAS Armored Vehicles Mfg. addressing attendees of FABTECH Canada.

There was a packed ballroom for FABTECH Canada’s opening day keynote address on March 22nd by Retired Maj.-Gen. David Fraser, COO of INKAS Armored Vehicles Mfg. Fraser shared experiences from both his military and private sector careers to offer attendees advice on how they can more effectively manage their operations to grow their businesses.

Fraser insisted that the military and private sector had more in common than one might think. In both, the team looks at a new recruit and wants to know how that person can benefit the operations to create a better outcome.

“Both groups are intensely proud of what they do and professional about what they do,” said Fraser. “The differences between the two are in the processes, environment and outcomes.”

Fraser noted that a clear objective and end state are paramount to the success of any endeavor.

“Without a clear understanding of the objective and keeping an eye on that objective leads to failure,” said Fraser. Having an unambiguous aim is the keystone to any endeavor.

The second important point Fraser made was that you have to understand your environment. In business terms, this would be your finances, the bench strength among your employees, your equipment, the external market environment, etc. Not only does situational awareness lead to better-informed decisions, but it also makes it possible to adapt more easily when the environment changes.

Fraser used INKAS as an example of a company that has used its understanding of its market to create new opportunities for growth. The company vertically integrated its business model recently by bringing its metal fabrication processes in-house under the Metaline Fabrication name. This has created better communications channels among the company’s sales team, its engineering group, and those on the Metaline production floor.

The company also diversified into the production of soft-body limousines and hearses to further solidify its place in the custom-build automotive market.

Attendees take in Fraser's keynote address.

Attendees take in Fraser's keynote address.

People make all such moves possible, of course.

“People are not a resource, they are an asset,” said Fraser. “The collective can accomplish so much more when you’re working together.”

Fraser said that to benefit from a strong team of people, trust is key. This means listening to ideas that are suggested by everyone on the team, because they often better understand their own role in their job than anyone else can. It also means allowing team members to fail on occasion.

“Allowing employees to grow without a constant fear of criticism actually encourages them to improve their outcomes and improve their performance,” he said.

As Fraser put it, these are the people who will achieve your aims for you.

 

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

One of the big draws of FABTECH Canada is getting a chance to see new technology in action. Below are just a few photo highlights from the show floor.

 

FABTECH Canada attendees check out the newest Mitsubishi fiber laser in the MC Machinery booth.

FABTECH Canada attendees check out the newest Mitsubishi fiber laser in the MC Machinery booth.