Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a key industry in the Canadian economy, accounting for 10 per cent of the gross domestic product. Nevertheless, the manufacturing industry is facing challenging times. Manufacturers have had to deal with a fluctuating Canadian dollar, increases in global competition and disruptions to supply chains. These challenges have driven Canadian manufacturing companies to be resilient and adaptive, investing in and adopting new technologies related to robotics, artificial intelligence, automation and additive manufacturing (3D printing), among others, to achieve valuable process improvements and operational efficiencies. In addition, some companies have chosen to outsource their regular processes to foreign partners, while others have placed efforts on domestic production and reorganization.

Regardless of the approach taken, our Manufacturing group has proven to be a world leader in providing services and solutions to a wide range of companies in the manufacturing sector. We have represented some of the world’s largest manufacturing companies in issues ranging from licensing and distribution to patents and trade-marks, transfer pricing and tax, and union negotiations.

Blakes lawyers also have unrivalled expertise in advising on acquisitions and divestitures, arranging trade finance, drafting supply chain agreements and handling regulatory issues. In particular, we provide specialized skills in risk management, trade and regulation insight, brand promotion, and protection strategies.

Our global experience also means we can help manufacturers navigate through the complexities of international trade issues such as multi-jurisdictional tax implications, outsourcing and regulatory compliance.

The economic volatility and business-cycle shocks affecting the Canadian manufacturing sector have driven companies to innovate and pursue new strategic initiatives. Throughout the challenges and changes, Blakes has remained at the forefront to provide effective business solutions and support industry players in every facet of the manufacturing industry.

Recent Experience

Allied Mineral Products, LLC on its acquisition of Gemcast, Inc.
KIK Consumer Products Inc. on the sale of its Auto Care business to Recochem.
SPX Technologies, Inc. on its C$405-million acquisition of Ingénia Technologies Inc.
SEA Electric Inc. on its US$300-million acquisition by Exro Technologies Inc.
The owners of Westgroupe Optical Inc., distributors of eyewear in Canada and the United States, on the sale of their business to FYI Eye Care Services and Products Inc.
The Riverside Company on its C$178-million acquisition of PFB Corporation.
OpenGate Capital on the sale of its portfolio company Energi Fenestration Solutions.
Canadian counsel to Cytiva on its acquisition of Vanrx Pharmasystems Inc.
Canadian counsel to TricorBraun, Inc. on its acquisition by Ares Management Corporation and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board.
Brenntag Canada Inc. and Brenntag (Holdings) B.V., members of the Brenntag Group, on the acquisition of all of the shares of Alpha Chemical Limited and Alpha Chemical Guyana Inc., respectively.
Belimo Holding AG on its acquisition of the shares of Opera Technologies Inc., a Montréal-based specialist in air quality and gas sensors.
Mader Holdings LP, a portfolio company of Chartwell Investments Entrepreneur & Founder Capital (CHIEF) Capital, on its sale of Mader Machine Co. to a joint venture entity with CECO Environmental and the joint venture's acquisition of CECO's Effox-Flextor Business.
Ideon Packaging Ltd. on its acquisition by Great Little Box Company (GLBC).
Caterpillar Inc. in connection with its acquisition of a mining technology and consulting company.
Labomar S.p.A. on its acquisition of ImportFab.
Koch Membranes Systems, Inc. on the acquisition of Eco-Tec Inc.
Maroon Group LLC on its acquisition of Cambrian Solutions Inc.
Canadian counsel to Pretium Packaging, a portfolio company of Genstar Capital, on its acquisition of Starplex Scientific Inc. from Apotex Corporation.
Audax Group, Inc. on the acquisition of EIS, Inc.
Abbotsford Concrete Products Ltd. on the sale of its business assets to Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
Sappi Canada Enterprises Inc. on its acquisition of Rayonier A.M. Canada Enterprises Inc.’s pulp mill and related assets in Matane, Quebec.
Backrack Inc. on its sale to Truck Hero, Inc.
Altium Packaging Canada, a subsidiary of Consolidated Container Company, LLC, on the acquisition of Plastique Micron Inc. and its affiliates, IMBC Blowmolding and Action Plastic Products.
Europack S.A. on the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary Wulftec International Inc. to Duravant.
ABC Group Inc. on the sale of Polybottle Group Limited and Humberline Packaging Inc. to Reid Canada Inc.
Celestica Inc. on its acquisition of Impakt Holdings, LLC from Graycliff Partners.
Savaria Corporation on its C$100-million acquisition of Garaventa Accessibility AG, a Swiss company with operations in North America, Europe and China.
Canadian counsel to Novolex, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, on its US$2.3-billion acquisition of The Waddington Group from Newell Brands, Inc.