PEMAC Members Lead the Conversation at PetroChem Canada West

PetroChem Canada West brought together industry leaders, and it was great to see so many PEMAC members actively contributing to discussions on asset management, reliability, and operational excellence. Throughout the conference, experts shared insights on best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative strategies to improve efficiency and sustainability in the petrochemical industry.

Member Participation

Planning for Success: Key Steps in Turnaround Preparation
Featuring: Frank Engli (Member) & Corey Smart (Graham, Allied Member)
This session explored how organizations can minimize downtime, control costs, and ensure safety during turnarounds. Speakers discussed key steps in turnaround preparation, including scope development, contractor coordination, and risk management, offering practical strategies to optimize project outcomes.

Effective Integration of Supply Chain in Petrochemical Operations
Featuring: Ron Bettin (Member)
This presentation focused on the challenges that arise when supply chain, contracts, and operations teams are not aligned. Bettin outlined strategies to improve collaboration, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance procurement and inventory management, ensuring smoother operations and cost control.

End-to-End Reliability and Maintenance
Featuring: Dave Mason (Member, Nova Chemicals Corporate Member), Ahmed Musa (Nova Chemicals Corporate Member), Eliot Umole (Member), and Floyd Baker (Antea, Allied Member)
This session highlighted best practices for proactive maintenance and asset reliability, emphasizing how companies can leverage technology, predictive analytics, and maintenance planning to improve operational performance and extend asset lifecycles.

Tank Integrity Program Optimization
Featuring: Jana Johnson (Suncor, Corporate Member)
Johnson’s presentation explored strategies for enhancing the longevity and efficiency of storage tanks through data-driven Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) and effective maintenance planning. She discussed opportunities to streamline inspections and repairs, ensuring regulatory compliance while reducing downtime.

Work Management & Optimized CMMS: The Foundation for Asset Management
Featuring: Robert Martin (Member)
An optimized Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) serves as the backbone of an effective asset management program. Martin outlined how companies can align their CMMS with operational workflows, improve data accuracy, and incorporate IoT and predictive analytics to drive long-term reliability and cost savings.

Operational Excellence (Case Studies)
Featuring: Susan Lubell (Member), Paul Daoust (Scio Asset Management, Allied Member), and Kemal Terzo (Suncor, Corporate Member)
This session showcased real-world case studies demonstrating how leading organizations are achieving operational excellence. Speakers discussed process optimization, predictive maintenance strategies, and cross-functional team collaboration, emphasizing the importance of a culture of continuous improvement.

Asset Performance Management (APM): Getting the Most from Your Assets
Featuring: John Harvy (Member), Paul Daoust (Scio Asset Management, Allied Member), and Pablo Correa (Member)
This session provided a deep dive into how Asset Performance Management (APM) helps extend asset lifespan, optimize productivity, and reduce costs. The speakers shared best practices for monitoring asset health, leveraging predictive analytics, and aligning maintenance strategies with business objectives. Using real-world case studies, they illustrated how APM tools enhance decision-making, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve the reliability of critical assets.

Training, Development, and Mentorship: How Organizations are Equipping Their Teams for Success
Featuring: Susan Lubell (Member)
In today’s fast-changing business environment, organizations must invest in both training and mentorship to build an agile and skilled workforce. This session explored how leading companies integrate training programs with mentorship initiatives to develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and mindset necessary for long-term success. Speakers discussed strategies for preparing teams to adapt to industry changes, enhance collaboration, and drive continuous improvement.

A sincere thank you to all speakers, panelists, and attendees who contributed to these important discussions.