Simcoe Team Delivers Historic Performance Across Key Metrics

At the Essex Solutions facility in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, a strong commitment to continuous improvement is delivering measurable results across the operation. 

In May, the team achieved its highest monthly production of Continuously Transposed Conductor (CTC) since September 2008, marking a significant milestone for a group focused on operational excellence, quality, and customer service. 

The production achievement is part of a broader trend of performance gains across the site. Since the start of November 2025, Simcoe has maintained its lowest average scrap rate since 2015, reflecting disciplined execution and a sustained focus on efficiency. The facility is also currently operating with its longest streak without a recordable safety incident since 2017, while continuing to exceed established quality targets. 

Together, these accomplishments highlight a balanced approach to manufacturing excellence—one that prioritizes safety, quality, productivity, and collaboration. 

“It has been a great run. It took a lot of work,” said Ryan Lapadat, Plant Manager. “We have benefited from a lot of collaboration from people like Kevin Park, our Vice President of Operations, Matt Foster, Plant Manager in Fort Wayne, and North American President Jared Rowntree. These results belong to the entire team and demonstrate what can happen when everyone is working toward the same goals.” 

The recent performance reflects the collective efforts of employees across production, maintenance, quality, engineering, supply chain, and leadership functions. The progress at Simcoe has been driven by a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, supported by knowledge-sharing and collaboration throughout the North American organization. 

For Jared Rowntree, who also served as the Simcoe Plant Manager for three years during one of the facility’s most successful periods, the results demonstrate both the strength of the team and the enduring capabilities of the facility. 

“Having spent part of my career in that plant, I know firsthand the talent, determination, and pride that exist within this team,” he said. “What they have accomplished over the past several months is remarkable. They have raised the bar across every area that matters. Most importantly, they have done it together.” 

While each of these milestones is impressive on its own, taken together they tell a larger story about the momentum building across the facility. By improving safety performance, reducing scrap, exceeding quality expectations, and reaching production levels not seen in nearly two decades, the Simcoe team is demonstrating what can be achieved through consistency, discipline, and a shared commitment to excellence. 

As the facility continues to build on this progress, these accomplishments provide a strong foundation for future growth and continued success in serving customers across North America and around the world.