Elrex Manufacturers Makes Its CANSEC Debut as Defence Manufacturing Opportunities Grow

Elrex Manufacturers was proud to participate in CANSEC 2026, Canada’s largest defence, security and emerging technology trade show, held in Ottawa this May.

This year marked our first time exhibiting at the event. It gave our team an opportunity to introduce Elrex’s custom manufacturing capabilities to defence contractors, technology companies and industry representatives from Canada and around the world.

Our participation was also featured in a recent Ottawa Business Journal article examining the growth of Ottawa-area manufacturers within Canada’s defence sector.

Quick Links

A Record-Setting Year for CANSEC

Organized by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, CANSEC 2026 welcomed more than 21,000 registered attendees, a significant increase from approximately 14,000 in 2025. Elrex was among 50 first-time exhibitors and more than 325 participating companies at the two-day event.

Representing Elrex at the show were Sam Gazin, Matt Stanesby and myself. Throughout the event, our team met with delegates interested in learning more about our materials, manufacturing processes and ability to support specialized component requirements.

The response was extremely positive, and the experience confirmed the value of participating in an event that brings together so many organizations from across Canada’s defence and security industries.

As I shared with the Ottawa Business Journal during the event, it was a fantastic experience, and we are already looking forward to returning next year.

Expanding Our Work in the Defence Sector

Founded in 1963, Elrex has more than six decades of experience supporting custom design, fabrication and manufacturing projects. Our customers operate across several industries, including telecommunications, electronics, aerospace, medical, transportation and defence.

Defence-related projects represented approximately three per cent of Elrex’s revenue a year ago. That figure has since increased to roughly 10 per cent as more organizations have approached our team with specialized manufacturing requirements.

Our work for the sector includes components such as durable rubber and silicone gaskets, precision-fabricated plastic parts and impact-resistant polycarbonate windows incorporating specialized shielding materials.

These applications require careful material selection, controlled manufacturing processes and close collaboration with customers. They are well suited to Elrex’s practical, problem-solving approach.

At Elrex, we do not immediately dismiss an unfamiliar or complex request. Our team evaluates the application, determines which materials and capabilities are required, and works with the customer to identify a practical way to move the project forward.

Investing in Canadian Manufacturing Capacity

Elrex relocated from Montreal to Ottawa in 2023, beginning operations in a 10,000-square-foot facility on Stevenage Drive with approximately 12 employees.

Since then, we have expanded into adjoining units and now occupy approximately 35,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space. Our team has also grown to more than 65 employees, with much of that hiring taking place during 2026.

This expansion gives us additional capacity to support customers from the initial design and prototyping stages through production and assembly.
Our in-house capabilities include:

• Plastic CNC machining
• Die cutting
• Laser cutting
• Industrial 3D printing
• Direct-to-component UV printing
• Material sourcing
• Prototyping
• Custom assembly

Elrex is also ISO 9001 certified, a member of CADSI and a registered Ontario Made manufacturer. These commitments reflect our focus on consistent processes, continuous improvement and supporting Canada’s domestic manufacturing sector.

Building New Industry Relationships

CANSEC gave our team the opportunity to connect directly with organizations looking for responsive Canadian manufacturing partners.

For Elrex, the event was not simply about showcasing our equipment and capabilities. It was an opportunity to listen to the challenges facing defence and technology manufacturers, better understand their supply-chain requirements and explore where our team could support future programs.

The growth of Canada’s defence sector is creating new opportunities for domestic manufacturers with the capabilities, flexibility and technical expertise to support specialized projects. Elrex is well positioned to contribute to that growth while continuing to serve customers across our other core industries.

On behalf of everyone at Elrex, I would like to thank those who visited our booth and took the time to speak with our team.

We look forward to continuing the conversations that began at CANSEC and returning to the event next year.

Have a Custom Manufacturing Requirement?

Whether you require a functional prototype, a specialized plastic component or ongoing production and assembly support, Elrex can help evaluate your project and determine the right path forward.

Contact Elrex Manufacturers to discuss your design, material and production requirements.