Co-Owner and President, Steve Loftus of Innovative Automation is proud to call Barrie home. As one of the fastest-growing business and manufacturing hubs in Ontario, Steve Loftus says, “The City of Barrie really puts out an effort to support growth. I’ve had great success putting up a new building because they’ve been more than helpful.”
Innovative Automation which manufactures custom robotics has more than doubled its revenue and its workforce over the last three years which signaled the move toward a new facility. Now, situated in a 62,500 square foot workplace, Innovative Automation is able to offer further opportunities within the community.
One prominent and mutually beneficial partnership has been with Barrie’s Georgian College campus which gives Innovative Automation first pick at talented graduates from the engineering program and provides students with valuable industry experience through co-op placements.
According to Steve, the driving force behind his businesses’ success is its location. Barrie’s population is expected to grow by 70,000 over the next 15 years and has already grown 560 percent in the last 40 years. With a median age of 37, Barrie has become a hotspot for young, educated entrepreneurs who enjoy big-city convenience along with a scenic landscape, recreational activities, and family-focus – all with minimal commute times.
At Innovative Automation, the company culture that many young workers are looking for comes easy. In fact, in 2018, Innovative Automation won an award for the most employee-recommended businesses across Canada for its focus on employee health, well-being and company culture.
To read more about Barrie’s development and Steve Loftus, visit Industry and Business.