Inside modern manufacturing

At SCHÜTZ in Belleville, the future of manufacturing depends on people who can learn new technology, solve problems and keep complex systems moving.

As Plant Manager, Greg Park sees that shift [LV1] every day. The facility produces thousands of intermediate bulk containers each week, and the work behind that output is increasingly technical, automated and precise.

“Manufacturing today isn’t what it was 20 or 30 years ago,” he says. “Technology has transformed the industry, and with that come exciting career opportunities for people who are willing to learn and grow.”

Before joining the industry, Greg served in the Canadian Armed Forces. The military gave him valuable experience and discipline, but over time, he realized it was not where he wanted to build his long-term future.

His move into manufacturing led to decades of learning and leadership. Today, Greg sees the same potential for others entering the field, especially as companies introduce more advanced technology into their operations.

Employers like SCHÜTZ need people with mechanical aptitude, technical training and problem-solving skills. Some may move toward millwright or electrician pathways, while others may be drawn to automation or programming. In each case, Greg says the common thread is a willingness to keep learning.

“We’re looking for people who want to build a future,” he says. “As we introduce more automation, the jobs continue to evolve. They require new skills, and that creates new opportunities for the people who work here.”

That is one of the reasons manufacturers in the Bay of Quinte region are looking at graduates from Loyalist College. Local training matters because it helps connect people in the region with the skills local employers need.

For anyone who still pictures manufacturing as repetitive or limited, Greg offers a different view.

“The opportunity for long-term growth is there,” Greg says. “If you’re looking for a career with stability and room to grow, manufacturing is worth exploring.”