The Barrie manufacturing community and Canada’s automotive sector are in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Steve (Stephen) Loftus, co‑founder and longtime Chair of the Board at Innovative Automation Inc., a pioneering robotics and automation firm based in Barrie, Ontario.
🛠️ Legacy in Innovation & Industry Leadership
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A 1989 Visionary Founding
Alongside Paul Tyndall and Jim Carnegie, Loftus launched Innovative Automation in 1989. Since then, the firm has forged a reputation as a trusted supplier of automated equipment—serving automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers—with installations worldwide -
Trailblazing Growth
Under his leadership as President (from 2014) and later as Board Chair, the company experienced explosive growth: over triple the workforce, significant revenue gains, and a relocation to a 62,500 ft² purpose-built facility in Barrie . In 2020, Loftus was named CEO of the Year for his leadership in safety, innovation, and rapid COVID-response manufacturing -
Pioneering Culture & Community Engagement
Loftus was deeply committed to fostering a people-first company culture—emphasizing fairness, professional growth, and social responsibility. The firm paid fair “living” wages well above minimum standards raised substantial funds for United Way, co‑hosted community events, and empowered students through co‑op positions with Georgian College
🌍 Global Reach, Local Impact
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Scaling Abroad
Innovative Automation expanded its clientele beyond Canada, actively pursuing projects across North America and Europe. Loftus spearheaded strategy and outreach including global partnerships in Germany and Mexico -
Investing in Education
A notable milestone: a $250,000 donation to Georgian College’s new Advanced Technology, Innovation and Research Centre, supporting hands-on engineering talent—honouring his own roots as a former student -
Community Recognition
In 2019, Loftus publically celebrated Barrie as the ideal location for growth—citing its youthful demographic, supportive business climate, and vibrant community spirit His leadership earned the company national acclaim, including being named one of Canada’s most employee‑recommended workplaces .
🚗 Deep Roots in Automotive & Beyond
Innovative Automation’s hallmark has been customer-focused solutions for the automotive sector—retrofitting legacy lines and designing fully automated factories. More recently, they also ventured into medical device automation and rapid pandemic response manufacturing, including face-shield and ventilator production.
💬 Barrie & Industry React
While formal obituaries are still pending, reactions are already pouring in from colleagues and community leaders. Many highlight his visionary leadership and genuine dedication to employees—a figure whose loss is felt industry-wide.
🕯️ A Lasting Legacy
Steve Loftus leaves behind a powerful legacy: a thriving business, a compassionate culture, and a community strengthened through his leadership and philanthropy. His unexpected departure leaves a void at Innovative Automation and within Barrie’s industrial fabric.
Barrie—and the broader manufacturing community—grieves the loss of a trailblazer whose passion for innovation and people made him a beacon for generations of engineers, employees, and citizens.
