Contractor Bios

overview
Contractors play a vital role in supporting CME’s Peer Councils and Consortia by providing specialized expertise and facilitation to enhance member engagement and value. These professionals bring industry-specific knowledge, guiding discussions, benchmarking best practices, and driving actionable insights for participating manufacturers. By leveraging contractors, CME ensures that Peer Councils and Consortia maintain high-quality, relevant programming that addresses evolving industry challenges. Their involvement strengthens collaboration, fosters innovation, and enhances the overall effectiveness of these strategic networking and learning groups.
Scott Keddie - Bsc in Engineering
Scott Keddie is a senior executive with extensive experience leading business, operations, and engineering teams in large-scale OEM organizations. As President of KPC Inc., he has provided consulting services to companies across various industries, specializing in strategic planning, leadership development, and Lean operations. Previously, he held leadership roles as General Manager of Masterbrand Operations at Kitchencraft, VP of Operations at Loewen Windows, and Director of Operations at Boeing Canada, where he led major operational transformations, Lean production strategies, and IT system implementations that enhanced efficiency, capacity, and cost savings.
Scott holds an Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba and has completed executive programs at Queen’s University, the Rotman School of Management, and the University of Washington. A former board member and chairman of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), he also served as President of the Manitoba Chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and contributed to his community as President of the Oak Bluff Recreation Center.
Jim Neirinck - Coach, Mentor, and Leader
Jim Neirinck is a seasoned coach, mentor, and strategic leader with over 30 years of experience helping teams achieve their highest potential. Currently, he serves as a contract Lean facilitator and trainer for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), specializing in strategic planning, operational execution (Hoshin-Kanri), problem-solving, continuous improvement, and leadership development. Jim also facilitates the Manitoba Supply Chain Peer Council for CME and its members.
Throughout his career, Jim has held senior-level positions and contributed to operational excellence across industries such as aerospace & defense, environmental products, and custom building products. His credentials include certifications in Project Management (PMBOK), Business Management (C.I.M.), APICS, and Lean Black Belt through the Lean Sensei Institute and CME. Jim is also honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in Winnipeg, where he is Chair of the Nominating Committee.
Greg Archibald - BSc, MBA
Greg Archibald is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, and leadership across various industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia. Greg’s career includes key roles with Procter & Gamble and Weyerhaeuser in Alberta, where he worked in engineering, maintenance, and production, ultimately becoming the Pulp Mill Manager at Weyerhaeuser’s Pulp and Paper facility in Prince Albert.
In southern Manitoba, Greg led a flax processing business, developed new markets in North America and Europe, and served as plant leader for Decor Cabinet Company. He also served as President of Schulte Industries in Saskatchewan, overseeing rock and snow removal equipment manufacturing for global markets. Greg recently retired as CEO of the Pembina Valley Water Coop, a not-for-profit utility serving 14 municipalities in southern Manitoba.
Greg holds an MBA from Athabasca University and is an active board member and Secretary for Operators Without Borders. He is a volunteer peer group facilitator for Leader Impact and has served on various industry boards, including the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association and the Red River Basin Commission. Greg’s extensive manufacturing experience and leadership skills make him a valuable advisor, mentor, and strategic planning facilitator for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
John Tuhkanen - CPA, CMA
John Tuhkanen is a seasoned manufacturing executive and Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in financial management, operational strategy, and Lean principles. As Principal of Hawkesbury Strategy, he provides senior advisory support to manufacturing companies, helping them develop and implement strategies for growth, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. His expertise includes manufacturing financial management, operational leadership, and fractional COO and CFO services.
John has held key leadership roles throughout his career, including Executive Advisor for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, CFO at Color Ad Packaging, COO at HERD North America, and President & CEO of JRS Mfg. Ltd. He also served as CFO of the Pritchard Group and General Manager of Pritchard Metal Fab.
He holds a CPA designation and has completed executive education at Ivey Business School. He is also Lean Black Belt certified through Lean Sensei International, further reinforcing his expertise in process optimization and operational excellence.