The Manufacturing & Export Enhancement Cluster
Launched in early 2021, the Manufacturing Export Enhancement (MEE) Cluster has been a dynamic, industry-led initiative dedicated to driving growth and enhancing the global competitiveness of Western Canada’s manufacturing sector. Through its focus on fostering collaboration, de-risking innovation, and accelerating technology adoption, the Cluster has become a trusted platform for catalyzing industry advancement.
Enhancing Industry Capabilities
Now, in a pivotal step forward, the MEE Cluster is formally integrating into Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) — Canada’s largest and most established manufacturing consortium. This integration brings together the MEE Cluster’s strong regional network, industry insight, and cluster-driven model with EMC’s national infrastructure and comprehensive suite of programming and services.
The MEE Cluster’s foundational model — built on the input of industry members, program partners, and guidance from its Steering Committee and Advisory Panel — will continue under EMC’s umbrella. The integration also expands access to EMC’s coast-to-coast network of solution and service providers, ensuring all initiatives are more robust, agile, and connected than ever before.

MEE Cluster Team
David Rist
Program Director
David has built a career in Project Management, Business Operations, and Change Management in various capacities.
David has extensive experience implementing new systems and technology, and helping businesses realize opportunities to create efficiencies within their current business models.
He is adept at building strategic relationships and advocating on behalf of an organization and stakeholders he represents.
David’s hobbies include being an avid mountain biker, hiker, and kayaker, and enjoys all outdoor pursuits.
Bruce Ennis
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
MEE Cluster Process Improvement Guru
Bruce Ennis is a Quality Management Professional with thirty years experience in the field of Quality, Process Improvement, and Lean. He’s been recognized for his accomplishments in Lean by being invited to present at the American Society for Quality’s (ASQ) Global Lean Summit and has published a whitepaper through the ASQ as well.
Bruce is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Senior Member of the American Society for Quality. He has created Lean programs that have dramatically improved the speed, quality and profitability of numerous businesses from a wide variety of sectors – aeronautics, manufacturing, petroleum, administration…and even professional sports management.
Bruce has consulted for multi-billion dollar conglomerates down to small family owned businesses and is passionate about supporting local manufacturers in process improvement.
Holly Blair
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Holly is a Chemical Engineer and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with over 18 years of experience in various industries including chemical processing, fabrication, assembly, food processing, nuclear, healthcare, and small businesses.
Holly began her career as a process engineer and worked in the chemical processing industry for nearly 10 years. She has a knack for distilling business processes down to what really works, creating simplicity in chaotic and complex environments. She has worked as a Lean Consultant for over 10 years helping companies of all sizes streamline processes, eliminate waste, and improve business performance.
Scott Regier
Lean Practitioner (Special Projects Team)
Scott is a seasoned manufacturing leader and Six Sigma Blackbelt with over two decades of experience in operational excellence and process efficiency. He specializes in driving productivity and innovation by identifying inefficiencies and hearing the needs of the business owner and business leaders.
Scott fosters a culture of continuous improvement through hands-on coaching, employee development, and cross-functional collaboration. He empowers manufacturers with a “boots on the ground” approach while also dedicating time to his community and family.
Paul Hogendoorn
Digital Transformation Consultant
Paul brings 40 years of experience in manufacturing and technology industries, having co-founded multiple companies, building them from start-ups to internationally recognized brands. Paul Hogendoorn is a co-founder of FreePoint Technologies (2013), a co-founder of OES-Inc (1981) and related companies OES-A (El Paso), IST and BloomAuction.com.
Paul is a self described “incurable entrepreneur” that leveraged natural technology development skills to successfully launch numerous companies, building them to international acclaim and significance, and effectively transition them to future owners and management teams for continued growth and prosperity. His primary skills include: ‘tactile’ information technology (IIoT) development and implementation skills, proven sales and marketing abilities, and demonstrated leadership, vision casting and team building skills. Primary assets include a vast knowledge of manufacturing machines, methods and industry verticals; comprehensive understanding of technology development from design of hardware, firmware and software to team building, R&D ITC and intellectual property protection applications; decades of trust-based relationships with technology companies, manufacturing companies, industry influencers and leaders.
MEE Cluster Steering Committee
Kent Wilkinson
VP Engineering – Manufacturing & Sustaining, TAQA
Carter Will
Director – XLab & Advanced Manufacturing, Exergy Solutions Inc.
Robert Stegmeier
President, Kaymor Machining & Welding Ltd.
Matt Cornall
Technology Development Advisor, Alberta Innovates
Nathan Starchuk
Design Engineer, Flexcim Manufacturing Services
Alicia Cafferata
Co-Chair, CARIN/Applied Research Specialist, Red Deer Polytechnic
Tonya Wolfe
Associate VP -Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic/Director, Alberta Additive Manufacturing Network
Chris McPhee
President, C&A Group
Donovan Nielsen
President, Scovan