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OBAA 2018 Finalists: Beyond Borders, Medium Business Award
November 16, 2018Since 1983, The Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs) have been the most recognized industry gala in the province with a single focus on celebrating business success. Throughout the evening, we will celebrate our spectacular Ontario business community, highlighting the incredible innovations and achievements of each one of our 2018 OBAA finalists. Join us on Wednesday, November 21 as we reveal our winners at the Liberty Grand in Toronto!
Presenting: The Beyond Borders, Medium Business Award
The Beyond Borders, Medium Business Award recognizes a medium-sized business (50-500 employees) that has implemented an export strategy that has positively affected its bottom line.
Finalist #1: INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing
Industry: Vehicle Manufacturing
When did your organization first open its doors? What motivated you to get into business?
Being a proud member of INKAS® Group of Companies, an international conglomerate that offers security products and services in wide range of industries, INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing provides luxury and custom-built armored vehicles and is known internationally for producing high-quality multipurpose tactical vehicles. INKAS® Armored was established in 2000 in Toronto, Canada, initially to supply its sister company with cash-in-transit vehicles. With increased demand in security products, INKAS® expanded its portfolio towards manufacturing executive SUVs and luxury vehicles for civilians and political leaders, armored personnel carriers for law enforcement agencies, and extended its line of cash-in-transit vehicles to financial institutions.
What does being an OBAA finalist mean to you?
We are very honored to have been selected and shortlisted as a finalist in the 2018 OBAA awards. Being nominated for the “Beyond Borders, Medium Business Award” recognizes our continuous business expansion that allows us to create additional job opportunities in the province and benefit the Canadian economy. We are proud to be a Canadian business leader within the security industry and represent Ontario on an international scale. Regardless of how many borders we cross or how many gloabal offices we open, INKAS® always was and always will be a true testament to the strength of the Canadian business landscape.
How does your organization positively contribute to Ontario’s economy?
Over the past three years INKAS® has significantly increased its presence within Ontario as well as improved its positions worldwide by building strong commercial partnerships with Israel, China, Kazakhstan and within several Latin American countries. Through global expansion and increased brand recognition, INKAS® continuously expands its local footprint through sustained growth of highly-skilled personnel.
What can we expect to see from your organization in the years to come?
INKAS® is committed to staying ahead of potentially-problematic economic pressures. Through the careful execution of the company’s R&D strategy, a proactive approach to sales, marketing & PR, coupled with expansion to both established and emerging markets, INKAS® consistently thrives in segments where others have struggled. INKAS® is actively developing various strategies which will open new verticals within the professional engineering and manufacturing segments, enabling INKAS® to further enhance its presence within the security sector.
Connect with INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Youtube.
“INKAS® is nothing without its skilled workforce. We have developed a synergy between design, manufacturing, sales and marketing that is unrivaled within our sector. Our ability to respond to market needs, to shift focus as necessary and to product high quality and dependable products has strongly influenced our success.”
David Khazanski, CEO
Finalist #2: Innovative Automation Inc.
Industry: Automation Solutions
When did your organization first open its doors? What motivated you to get into business?
The company was founded on Dec 4, 1989 by Paul Tyndall, James Carnegie and Stephen Loftus. Paul and Jim have retired. Long term employees Michael Lalonde and Matthew Setterington joined Stephen Loftus in the ownership team in 2013. We have experienced rapid growth in the past 3 years, fuelled by a vision to be the first choice provider of automation solutions to global leaders in manufacturing.
What does being an OBAA finalist mean to you?
Becoming a 2018 OBAA finalist is an opportunity to set an example for businesses in Ontario looking to grow and keep Ontario competitive at a global scale and receiving recognition for every Innovator’s hard work and dedication in a challenging and dynamic industry.
How does your organization positively contribute to Ontario’s economy?
- Created 72 new full-time jobs in Barrie since late 2014
- Growth in export sales on 2017 FS of 37%
- Built new 63,000 square foot office/manufacturing facility in Barrie in 2017 (used local contractors for the build)
- Building 24,000 square foot addition to same new facility in 2018, to be opened in Jan 2019
- Investing into researching new technology every day
- Investing in the training of youth, through mentorship and apprenticeships
- Dedication to supporting local charity organizations, such as United Way and Big Brothers/Big Sisters
What is a fun interesting or unique fact about your company?
We annually raise $50,000 for United Way. Our signature event is our Pie in the Face contest which raises $20,000 in just over an hour, thanks to the generosity of our suppliers and employees. (It took place this year on Oct 12, 2018 with a special appearance by Mayor Jeff Lehman!) The remaining $30,000 comes from payroll pledges and other fun events, designed to inspire teamwork, community involvement and fun.
Connect with Innovative Automation Inc. on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn.
“Our business is successful due to the passion and pride that each Innovator brings to work each day.”
Stephen Loftus, President