August 2026 Volume 8

MEMBERS SPEAK

A Real Example: Electrical Grid Forgings A recent discussion within the Canada Advisory Committee illustrates why the industrial middle perspective matters so much. Members raised concerns about the growing presence of unfairly traded imported forgings used in high-voltage electrical transmission systems. Initially, this appeared to be a relatively narrow trade issue affecting a limited range of products. Viewed more carefully, however, the discussion expanded into something much larger. Reliable electrical transmission underpins virtually every aspect of a modern industrial economy. It supports manufacturing facilities, defence production, transportation systems, hospitals, communications infrastructure, data centres and the growing electrification of industry. Without resilient transmission infrastructure, broader ambitions concerning industrial expansion become much more difficult to achieve. The question therefore extends beyond the commercial interests of individual manufacturers. If North American companies gradually lose the capability to produce strategically important forgings for electrical infrastructure, future utilities may become increasingly dependent upon external suppliers for components that are fundamental to economic resilience and national preparedness. Recovering lost capability after a crisis would be significantly more difficult than maintaining it beforehand. This example also demonstrates the value of bringing together companies from different product areas and customer markets. What began as a discussion about imported forgings quickly evolved into a broader conversation about energy security, infrastructure investment, industrial mobilization, trade policy and long-term competitiveness. That ability to connect seemingly unrelated issues is one of the greatest strengths of the industrial middle perspective. What the Canada Advisory Committee Can Contribute The Canada Advisory Committee was created to provide a forum through which Canadian members of the FIA can examine developments affecting both the Canadian industry and the broader North American forging community. Its value extends well beyond commenting on individual policy initiatives. By bringing together manufacturers with different capabilities and customer relationships, the Committee helps identify broader industrial trends that might otherwise remain fragmented across multiple sectors. The Committee can help identify emerging risks, translate Canadian policy developments for the wider FIA membership, encourage constructive dialogue between industry and government, and strengthen collaboration between Canadian and American manufacturers. During periods of geopolitical uncertainty, those functions become increasingly valuable because industrial resilience depends upon cooperation as much as competition. Most importantly, the Committee contributes a practical manufacturing perspective to policy discussions that are often dominated by theoretical analysis or sector-specific viewpoints. Companies operating in the industrial middle understand how investment decisions ripple across supply chains, how workforce shortages constrain production, how trade policy influences long term capability, and how resilience depends upon maintaining industrial depth before it becomes urgently needed. Where and when appropriate, the Committee is sharing these informed views with policymakers and elected officials in Canada. We find that

input has been highly-valued. When I wrote for this magazine in 2020, I argued that manufacturing capacity formed part of the broader system that keeps our societies safe, free and competitive. I believe that argument has become even more relevant today. The strategic importance of industrial capability is now widely recognized. The next challenge is ensuring that industrial policy is informed by companies that understand how the entire manufacturing ecosystem functions. The forging industry occupies a unique place within that ecosystem. We see where materials originate. We see how they are transformed. We see where investment is occurring, where capacity exists, where vulnerabilities remain and where opportunities are emerging. Our responsibility is not only to manufacture the components that underpin modern society but also to share the perspective that only the industrial middle can provide. If the Canada Advisory Committee can help bring that perspective into conversations shaping the future of North American industry, it will have made an important contribution not only to our members but to the resilience and competitiveness of the continent as a whole.

Robert Dimitrieff President & CEO Patriot Forge Co. Phone: 519-720-1020 Email: robertd@patriotforge.com

Member Voices Series: Check out the new FIA Member Voices Series on YouTube.com (@forgingindustry) to hear from more FIA members about their membership experience. Want more information: Find

out more about FIA benefits by contacting Membership & Engagement Director, Tricia Abruzzino at tricia@forging.org or call 216-781-6260.

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