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Feature article
Built to Last: TMG’S Evolution Over 40 Years
As the industry evolved, so did TMG. The launch of the Ever-Kleen® Conveyor System in the early 2000s marked a pivotal moment, offering a game-changing solution for food safety and sanitation. Over time, the company expanded its capabilities through strategic growth and acquisitions—adding design-build capabilities, millwrighting, and automation to its suite of services. Today, TMG isn’t just a manufacturer; it’s a full-service solutions provider trusted by some of the biggest names in food processing.
But ask anyone at TMG what really sets the company apart, and the answer is simple: its people. “This place is like family,” says Linda Sansome, a Finance team member who’s been with the company for over 10 years. “A lot of us have grown up here. We’ve seen the business change, grow, and become something special.”
With team members who’ve been with the company for 30+ years, TMG’s legacy is deeply rooted in its employee loyalty and culture of mentorship. It’s not uncommon to see second-generation employees following in their parents’ footsteps, continuing a tradition of trades excellence and innovation.
This year marked another major milestone: TMG was awarded Canada’s Best Managed Companies Gold Standard status, a recognition that highlights years of strategic growth, strong leadership, and operational excellence. To celebrate this achievement—along with 40 years in business—the team came together for a company-wide event in Elmira, complete with a hockey game, corn hole tournament, food trucks, and an unmistakable sense of pride.
Looking to the future, TMG shows no signs of slowing down. With a continued focus on automation, food safety, and expansion into complimentary sectors, the company is poised to keep building better—for customers, for communities, and for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
“We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come—but we’re even more excited about where we’re going. This company has always been about pushing boundaries, and that starts with our people. They’re the heart of everything we do” said Krystal Darling, CEO of TMG.
Four decades in, TMG remains a story not just of equipment—but of endurance, excellence, and a team built to last.
SKILLED TRADES EXCELLENCE
TMG Builds Stronger Workforce Through Skilled Trades Accelerator Program
As Ontario faces a skilled trades shortage, TMG is tackling the challenge head-on with a program designed to train, support, and launch the next generation of trades professionals.
In 2023, it was reported that one third of Ontario’s skilled trades workers were aged 55 or older. With many set to retire in the next 5 to 10 years, the need for new talent in fields like machining, fabrication, and millwrighting is more urgent than ever. Amid this growing demand, TMG’s Skilled Trades Accelerator Program offers a solution—one that not only addresses the labour shortage but also empowers individuals to build lasting, rewarding careers.
Designed to provide paid, hands-on training and real-world experience, it offers participants a practical path into the skilled trades and long-term employment. Unlike traditional post-secondary routes, this program allows students to earn while they learn and removing financial barriers that often keep young people from pursuing a trade.
The program is structured into three stages:
Stage 1: Skilled Trades Bootcamp as a Pre-Apprentice Student
This intensive three-month bootcamp equips students with the foundational skills, knowledge, and safety training needed to launch a successful career in the skilled trades. Delivered at TMG’s on-site Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence, the program com bines classroom instruction with hands-on learning in a safe, purpose-built environment.
Participants who successfully complete the bootcamp and pass the final evaluation will be invited to advance into a trade-specific Pre-Apprenticeship placement.
Stage 2: Skills Rotation as a Pre-Apprentice
Over the course of nine months, Pre-Apprentices rotate through a variety of trade-specific stations, gaining exposure to key areas such as pre-fabrication, welding, machining, rigging, and piping—tailored to their chosen trade stream. This immersive experience builds both confidence and competence, preparing participants for the next step in their career journey.
Upon successful completion and evaluation, participants are offered a TMG Apprenticeship in their selected trade, officially beginning their path as a 1st Year Apprentice.
Stage 3: Become a Registered Apprentice with your Blue Seal Certificate
Graduates of the Pre-Apprenticeship stage receive TMG’s Blue Seal Certif
icate and are eligible to register as apprentices. From here, they begin accumulating hours toward their Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) and work toward becoming certified Journeypersons.
Current trade streams include:
- 429A – General Machinist
- 433A – Industrial Mechanic Millwright
- 437A – Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
TMG apprentices benefit from clear career progression opportunities, with potential roles including Lead Hand, Foreman, Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Estimator, and more
The program also reflects TMG’s commitment to promoting women in skilled trades, with 28% of current pre-apprentices identifying as women, an encouraging sign of growing diversity in traditionally male-dominated trades.
“The Skilled Trades Accelerator Program has been a great experience for me” said said one Pre-Apprentice enrolled in the program. “I’m learning a lot, enjoying the hands-on work, and even picking up skills like hoisting and rigging that I didn’t expect. It’s exactly the kind of program I was looking for.”
As Canada continues to face a critical skilled trades shortage, programs like TMG’s Skilled Trades Accelerator Program stand out as essential tools in rebuilding the labour pipeline. With hands-on training, paid experience, and a commitment to long-term success, the Skilled Trades Accelerator Program is helping to ensure that the next generation is ready—not only to fill the gap, but to thrive in it.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Fueling Innovation: Grants & Incentives For Equipment Investment in North America
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, innovation isn’t just a differentiator—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re scaling production, upgrading to more efficient systems, or automating key processes, the right equipment can unlock new levels of productivity, safety, and profitability.
But innovation requires investment—and that’s where government support can help.
Each year, billions of dollars in grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans are made available across Canada and the U.S. to help businesses modernise, expand, and compete globally. These programs are especially valuable for companies in the food, beverage, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors, where regulatory compliance, hygiene standards, and production efficiency are critical.
Government incentives can help:
- Offset the cost of capital equipment and automation
- Fund facility upgrades or expansions
- Support R&D and product innovation
- Improve energy efficiency and sustainability
- Hire and train skilled workers for new systems
Whether you’re a small processor or a large-scale manufacturer, there are programs designed to support your growth.
Need Help Navigating the Process?
Applying for funding can be complex—but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are ready to submit an application, we’re here to help. Our team can connect you with the right resources, guide you through eligibility requirements, and support you in building a strong, strategic application.
Let’s make your next investment not only more affordable—but also more impactful, sustainable, and aligned with your long-term growth goals. With the right support, your next step forward could be your biggest leap yet. Reach out to a TMG expert today to start your production upgrade today.
Your Funding Toolkit: Programs to Power Your Next Move
CANADA-ONTARIO AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION ALLIANCE: 1
Who it’s for: Ontario-based food and beverage processors What it funds: Equipment upgrades, automation, and process innovation Funding type: Cost-share grants (typically 25–50%) How to apply: Through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
STRATEGIC INNOVATION FUND (CANADA): 2
Who it’s for: Large manufacturers across Canada What it funds: Large-scale investments in innovation, including equipment and technology Funding type: Repayable and non-repayable contributions How to apply: Direct application to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
CLEAN TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT PROGRAM (CANADA): 3
Who it’s for: Canadian manufacturers investing in energy-efficient or low-emission equipment What it funds: Equipment purchases, retrofits, and process improvements Funding type: Grants and low-interest loans How to apply: Through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)
USDA VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANT (U.S.): 4
Who it’s for: U.S.-based food producers and processors What it funds: Equipment and marketing for value-added products Funding type: Grants up to $250,000 How to apply: Through your state’s USDA Rural Development office
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TAX CREDIT (U.S.): 5
Who it’s for: U.S. manufacturers investing in automation or clean tech What it funds: Capital equipment and facility upgrades Funding type: Tax credits up to 30% of eligible investment How to apply: Through the IRS and Department of Energy
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Ontario Investing in Agri-Food Research to Help Farmers and Agribusinesses Compete Globally (Ontario Newsroom)
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Strategic Innovation Fund (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)
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Government of Canada invests over $45 million in advanced clean technology projects (Sustainable Development Technology Canada)
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Value-Added Producer Grants (USDA Rural Development)
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Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (Internal Revenue Service)
MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE
Tri-Mach Delivers Custom Conveyor Solution to Elevate Accessibility in Meal Services
A recent upgrade to a facility producing nutritious meals for seniors and individuals with disabilities has gone beyond just increasing output— it’s helped power a mission of accessibility and care.
Originally scoped for 33 Ever-Kleen® sanitary conveyors, the project quickly expanded into a two-phase solution: boosting productivity in a new processing area and streamlining kitchen and meal assembly operations. From prepping meals to spiral freezing, each conveyor was designed to enhance both flow and food safety. But the real impact lies in the purpose.
One line, for example, reimagines comfort foods in textures suitable for those with swallowing disorders—ensuring familiar, enjoyable meals for all. It’s a blend of engineering and empathy that supports the organization’s core values of inclusivity. Installation wasn’t without challenges. Integrating seamlessly with a third-party spiral freezer required real-time problem solving, but the team responded with agile, collaborative engineering.
Key Takeaway
No two systems are alike. Success depends on collaboration and flexibility.
“Every conveyor project is unique,” said the Project Manager. “The customer had a vision—we partnered with them to bring it to life.” This project proves that behind every technical solution is a story about improving lives through thoughtful design.
Ready to bring purpose-built performance to your facility? Let’s create a solution that not only boosts efficiency but also brings your vision to life. Reach out to a TMG expert today to get started.
Advance Millwrights & ICS Team Up To Transform Flour Milling with Automation & Ingenuity
When Advance Millwrights and Industrial Contracting Solutions were tasked with relocating and modernizing a flour mill from Aurora to Port Perry, they didn’t just move a facility—they transformed it.
Over three years, the teams worked together to create a fully automated, high-efficiency milling operation that sets a new standard for the industry. The goal was bold: fit a complex milling system into a smaller footprint without sacrificing performance.
Advance Millwrights led the charge on layout and material flow, while ICS powered the automation—installing 60 motors, over 200 sensors, and programming the entire process from intake to output. One standout innovation was a fully automated cleaning system, the first critical step in wheat processing. Along the way, the teams overcame major challenges, including a delayed transformer.
ICS quickly developed a workaround, using the existing electrical infrastructure to keep progress on track. The success of the project came down to experience, communication, and trust— something both teams have built over years of collaboration.
Now fully operational, the Port Perry mill is lean, scalable, and future-ready. With strong partnerships and a shared commitment to quality, Advance Millwrights and ICS turned a complex relocation into a model for what modern milling can achieve.
Looking to upgrade your feed or flour process? Reach out to a TMG expert today to get started.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Maximize Production with Tri-Mach’s Ever-Kleen® Diverter Reject System
In today’s competitive food processing industry, maintaining peak efficiency without compromising sanitary equipment is no longer a goal, it’s a necessity. That’s why processors are turning to cutting-edge solutions like the Ever-Kleen® Diverter Reject System from Tri-Mach. Engineered for performance, precision, and food safety, this innovative piece of conveying equipment helps facilities across North America meet the industry’s toughest demands.
A Smarter Way to Manage Product Flow
The Ever-Kleen® Diverter Reject System is more than just a conveyor component, it’s a smart solution for controlling product movement on high-throughput production lines. Designed to gently direct products into multiple lanes, this hygienic diverter helps streamline sorting, distribution, and packaging processes while ensuring strict sanitary standards are upheld.
Built from durable stainless steel and designed for high-moisture, high-sanitation environments, the diverter supports food and pharmaceutical processors handling everything from baked goods and frozen foods to meat, pill bottles, and packaged items. Its multi-lane capabilities mean it can easily integrate with automated packaging systems, inspection equipment, or downstream processes: reducing manual handling and improving overall line efficiency.
The Ever-Kleen® Advantage
What truly sets the Diverter Reject System apart is its foundation in Tri-Mach’s industry-leading Ever-Kleen® design methodology. These features help minimize the risk of contamination and reduce the time required for cleaning between production cycles — keeping uptime high and food safety risks low.
The Ever-Kleen® Lane Diverter also meets USDA, CFIA, and AMI compliance standards, making it a trusted choice for facilities that must adhere to strict regulatory requirements.
Custom Built for Your Operation
No two production lines are the same, and Tri-Mach understands that. The Ever-Kleen® Diverter Reject System can be custom-engineered to fit a facility’s specific layout and production goals. Whether you need a compact two-lane setup or a more complex multi-lane configuration, Tri- Mach’s team works directly with processors to design and install a tailored solution that aligns with both performance needs and space constraints.
Discover how Tri-Mach can elevate your processing line. Connect with us to learn more about our custom solutions.
Increasing Agricultural Efficiency with ICS’ Hazard Monitoring Systems
In today’s fast-paced agricultural sector, reducing downtime is critical. That’s where ICS’ Hazard Monitoring Systems come in—smart technology designed to detect issues early and keep operations running smoothly.
These systems track vital metrics like temperature, speed, and product flow using high-precision sensors, including belt alignment, speed switches, and vibration detectors. Built for agricultural use, they help maintain product quality, streamline workflows, and reduce cleanup time by catching problems before they escalate.
Investing in this technology means fewer disruptions and smarter operations—keeping your farm or facility efficient, productive, and ready for the future.
Smarter Receiving Starts Here: Introducing YieldShield™ Receiving Pit Systems from Advance Millwrights
When harvest season is in full swing, every second—and every kernel—counts. That’s why Advance Millwrights developed the YieldShield™ Receiving Pit System: a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient way to handle grain at intake.
Backed by IRONCORE™ durability, YieldShield™ is more than a pit—it’s protection for your yield, time, and bottom line. Designed with input from farmers, it’s easy to install, simple to maintain, and engineered to reduce waste and cleanout time.
Its modular design fits both new builds and retrofits, while gentle grain handling minimizes damage and loss. A sloped interior simplifies cleanout, and the wide intake keeps trucks moving—reducing bottlenecks. Like all IRONCORE™ equipment, it’s built tough for long-term performance. YieldShield™ supports the efficiency and profitability of grain facilities across Ontario and beyond.
Ready to upgrade your grain handling? Connect with us to see how YieldShield™ can make a difference at your facility.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
TMG Welcomes New Director of Health & Safety
Health & Safety is central to how we operate at TMG. It reflects our commitment to protecting our people and creating a workplace where safety is part of everything we do. It’s not just a policy—it’s a mindset we live every day.
We’re excited to welcome Blaine Cressman as TMG’s new Director of Health & Safety. Blaine brings over a decade of experience in industrial safety and consulting, along with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. His specialised background in ergonomics and machine safety makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team.
Since joining TMG in January 2025, Blaine has already made a strong impact. He’s focused on making our safety systems more accessible and easier to navigate for all employees—whether they’re in the office, on the shop floor, or out in the field. He’s actively reviewing practices, identifying improvements, and streamlining documentation to support stronger safety habits across all teams and sites.
Blaine is also working closely with operations and site leads to ensure safety isn’t just a checklist— it’s a culture. His goal is to build a proactive and practical safety mindset that’s fully integrated into how we work every day. With a stronger in-house safety department, we’re now able to increase site visits, provide more hands-on support, and respond faster to evolving needs.
“My goal is to make safety something that’s not just talked about, but lived, every day,” said Blaine.
We’re thrilled to have Blaine leading our safety initiatives and look forward to the positive changes his leadership will bring.
TMG Further Enhances Commitment to Quality with New Quality Manager
This year, TMG proudly welcomed Tanya Walesch as our new Quality Manager—a strategic addition to our management team as we continue to strengthen our commitment to excellence. Tanya brings a diverse background in HR, Health & Safety, and quality systems coordination, primarily within the automotive sector.
At TMG, quality is more than a benchmark—it’s a commitment to doing things right the first time. It drives our reputation, fuels customer trust, and supports every innovation we deliver. That’s why we’re focused on building a culture where quality is owned by everyone, every day.
Since joining the team, Tanya has hit the ground running. Her initial focus has been on reducing rework hours and associated costs by identifying and addressing issues at their source. She’s working closely with teams across all business units to drive participation in quality improvement submissions, ensuring that quality isn’t just a department—it’s a shared responsibility. From the shop floor to vendor relationships, Tanya is helping build consistency through clearer documentation, better training, and stronger accountability.
One of Tanya’s key initiatives is the rollout of standardised procedures that support custom builds without compromising quality. This includes defining conveyor testing parameters and establishing pre-FAT requirements to ensure alignment across departments. These efforts are laying the groundwork for a more proactive and preventative quality culture—one that’s embedded in daily operations rather than reactive to issues.
Tanya’s vision is to create a unified system that supports innovation while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.
We’re excited to have Tanya on board and look forward to the continued improvements her expertise will bring to our organization.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Celebrating a Remarkable 40 Years in Business
As I reflect on Tri-Mach Group’s 40th anniversary, I’m filled with a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead. This milestone is more than just a number — it’s a celebration of the people, values, and vision that have shaped who we are today.
When I think back to our early days, I picture a small but determined team, driven by a shared belief in doing things the right way. We didn’t have all the answers, but we had a clear purpose: to build high-quality, innovative solutions and to treat people — our employees, customers, and partners — with respect and integrity.
Over the past four decades, we’ve grown from that small team into a thriving, multi-division company. We’ve adapted to change, embraced new technologies, and expanded our capabilities — all while staying true to the core values that built this business.
This year, we’re not only celebrating 40 years of excellence — we’re also incredibly proud to have earned the Canada’s Best Managed Gold Standard designation. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and commitment of every single person at TMG. It confirms what I’ve always believed: that we have a team capable of achieving great things, and a culture that drives sustainable success.
To our employees — you are the heart of this company. Your creativity, dedication, and work ethic are the reason we’ve reached this milestone. You make TMG a place people are proud to work, and you make us better every single day.
To our customers and partners — thank you for trusting us, challenging us, and growing with us. Your support has been instrumental in our journey, and we’re excited to continue building the future together.
Here’s to 40 years of excellence — and many more to come.
Krystal Darling, B. Sc, MBA, ICD.D
Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Mach Groups Inc.