Matthew Setterington

Lakehead University alumnus Matthew Setterington says he can trace much of his career success back to his time on Thunder Bay’s campus: the college transfer program allowed him to earn his degree in two years instead of four, and the emphasis on both theoretical and practical skills still serves him day-to-day.

“My broad education means I can understand, learn and adopt the concepts each of our customers need to be successful,” says Setterington, Vice-President Sales at Innovative Automation Inc. in Barrie, Ontario. “It’s about having the right foundation to do what you want to do in life to be happy and successful, and Lakehead gave that to me.”

Several positive experiences stand out for Setterington from his degree, including being in the university’s ski club and making friendships with other students that he still maintains to this day. But it’s the final group project analyzing a Bombardier railcar contract from an engineering and business perspective that he says set him up for his future career.

“What a unique opportunity to dive in like that,” says Setterington. “We learned a lot about the business side of engineering on that project—it was a huge life lesson for a group of young people.”

Setterington joined Innovative Automation a few years after graduating, and the company has since grown from 40 employees to 135. Serving companies in Canada, the US, Mexico, Europe and Asia, Innovative Automation creates automated manufacturing and quality assurance testing processes that are often robotic in nature, for products where automation is the only feasible way to make them for reasons of safety, quality or the numbers required.

For decades, this has largely meant producing electronic and automotive parts. But in recent years, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s most significant business has been producing pharmaceutical and medical devices like oxygen masks, bio fluid collection containers and IV tube sets.

“Our customers had to pivot in response to COVID-19—thankfully we’re able to pivot with them into new spaces where Innovative can be successful.”

But the company also plays a big role in the community: they’re an important employer in Simcoe County and a dedicated supporter of local charities. For example, recipient of the 2019 Pay It Forward-Barrie Business Award, Innovative Automation pays each of its employees to volunteer at a charity of their choice for a full day coinciding with company’s five-year anniversaries.

“It’s part of our mission to lead locally and help make our community a better place for everyone,” explains Setterington. “There are always organizations that need help, and if an employee has a particular passion for a cause, then we find a way to support that.”

Setterington says it’s all part of his philosophy on success. 

“The stepping stones to happiness come from contributing—you have to get more from a job than just a paycheque, you have to give back.

“For me, being successful means being happy where you work, where you live and with the people you’re surrounded by. I had this at Lakehead, and I’ve continued to make choices that give me the challenges and opportunities to find success and happiness.”