TORONTO — Attendees of the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo (WMS) are set to gain unique insights into modern manufacturing on Thursday, November 13, with a free keynote address: "Money Does Grow on Trees."
Scheduled for 10:00 a.m.– 10:50 a.m. at the WMS Live Stage (Booth #804), the presentation will feature Luke Elias, president of Muskoka Cabinet Company. He will discuss how his company has thrived even through challenging economic times by transforming his manufacturing plant into a high-tech, data-driven operation.
Muskoka Cabinet, under Elias's leadership for over 30 years, has a much-earned reputation for advanced manufacturing, demonstrating that innovation doesn't have to break the bank.
Elias will share Muskoka’s comprehensive automation journey, which includes implementing RFID tracking, robotic material handling, and a fully integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This connected factory approach has allowed the company to triple production and increase profit margins by 40% without the need for increased headcount or buying additional heavy equipment.
The core message of Elias' presentation is that "measurable flow equals profitable growth." Elias will illustrate how investing in smart integration and material handling has been the key to weathering labor shortages and economic pressures. Attendees will learn about the real ROI behind these innovations, from robotic panel processing and assembly cells to finishing line automation, all centered on maximizing output with the existing workforce. Elias will also discuss how the company incentivizes employees to share in this success through performance-based incentives.
A legacy of automation
Elias's commitment to technology is long-standing. With a career dedicated to finding ways to automate and increase efficiency across various businesses, his journey at Muskoka began in 1989. Since then, he has systematically implemented cutting-edge technology, including Nested Based Manufacturing (2000), ERP software (2004), a paperless shop floor (2009), Robotics (2015), and automated part tracking (2017).
His pursuit of efficiency led him to co-found SMARTMRP Inc., an ERP/shop automation software designed specifically for the woodworking industry. Leveraging SMART, Muskoka now boasts one of the most advanced panel processing cells in the world, utilizing Robotics, RFID, ERP, and an AGV for machining, sorting, labeling, transporting, and tracking parts, leading to an output three times the industry average.
View the full three-day schedule of WMS events.
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About the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo
For more than four decades, WMS has connected Canada's woodworking professionals with the world's most prominent machinery manufacturers and industry suppliers. This year's show, November 12-14, moves to the Toronto Congress Centre located minutes away from Pearson International Airport. In addition to being the largest tradeshow, WMS 2025 will feature free industry best practice presentations plus the opportunity for attendees to earn CEUs by attending some of the sessions Also on tap are the returns of Student Day and the popular WMS Live Auction.
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For information about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, contact Gavin McAuliffe of Corcoran Expositions at 312-265-9649 or [email protected]. For general inquiries, contact Kim LeBel, Executive Director - Events, [email protected].
More Woodworking Network events
Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, Oct. 23-24, 2025, Spooky Nook Sports/Warehouse at the Nook Hotel, Manheim, Pennsylvania.
Closets Conference & Expo, co-located with Wood Pro Expo Florida, June 30-July 2, Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Florida.
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