Human Resources Director Elaine Andrews and Director of Operations Shane Le Bel
During Local Manufacturers Week, we’re shining the spotlight Limpact International in Cobourg, reminding the region that this local firm produces components crucial to mining operations around the world.
Limpact develops cathodes for non-ferrous metals refining (for example, copper, zinc, nickel, and cobalt), shipping its products globally while investing in local talent and innovation. (Learn more about their technology at limpact.com.)
Human Resources Director Elaine Andrews describes the cathode as deceptively simple in appearance but deeply technical in design.
She says Limpact is investing in robotics, automation, and training so that staff can handle evolving technologies, while retaining that human touch in final quality checks. One of the ongoing challenges, she adds, is ensuring the workforce continues to develop in step with industry shifts.
Director of Operations Shane Le Bel outlines how Limpact structures its product line: aluminum cathodes used for zinc extraction, and stainless-steel ones primarily for copper, nickel, and cobalt. Once focused nearly entirely on aluminum, the company now maintains a roughly 65/35 split in production. He notes that global competition, shipping costs, and labour differentials are among the challenges facing a Canadian manufacturer operating in the global metals supply chain.
Le Bel also emphasizes Limpact’s collaborative workplace culture.
That philosophy fuels day-to-day innovation. Limpact’s efforts include refining the materials and bonding processes to extend cathode lifetime in harsh environments-because once the product is in service it’s exposed to acidic, corrosive conditions that erode performance, and they’ve earned a reputation for producing the most efficient, longest-lived products you can buy.
As part of their local engagement, Limpact invites high school co-op students into the plant to gain firsthand exposure to advanced manufacturing.
Le Bel adds, “It gives exposure to kids who might not realize what manufacturing really looks like – they get hands-on experience, and we get to develop a future generation of innovators.”
What emerges is a picture of a company that’s both deeply global and firmly local, balancing advanced engineering, community investment, and workforce development both during Local Manufacturers Week and beyond.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
