C O M P A N Y O V E R V I E W
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Surespan Construction
espan Leading Wind Turbine, nstruction Industry in Canada
hainsaw to business empire in just over 35 years, Surespan is nothing short of a success story Written by: Ian Hanner Produced by: Rich Gentile
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February 2015
CONSTRUCTION
F
rom humble origins as a small, independent forestry bridge and construction service, Surespan has spent more than 35 years becoming the Canadian industry leader that it is today. Surespan was founded in 1977 by Nigel Bester (principal of the Surespan Group), a South African expat living in Vancouver, with little
more than a borrowed chainsaw and the knowhow to achieve results. According to the company website, Surespan’s early success was largely centered on erecting bridges in remote environments in British Columbia. “Today, Surespan Construction is the recognized specialist in permanent and portable bridge w w w. s u r e s p a n . c o m
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supply and construction,” the company said. “[It took] always staying ahead,” said Jordan Hiebert, divisional manager, on 35 years of business. “The technology, investing in new equipment and not being afraid to try new things… We’ve really made a push into wind energy in the last couple of years and that’s been driving a lot of our growth.” According to Hiebert, Surespan first got into wind energy doing infrastructural development— predominantly roads and bridges. Seeing opportunity in turbine erection, Surespan purchased some specialized equipment for heavy-lift crane installations and has been able to carve out a substantial market share in the time since. “Growth has been very steady and fast in Ontario, and throughout the rest of the country,
SUPPLIER PROFILE
Turbine Holst
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Experience the Progress. Liebherr cranes for wind power. Liebherr offers optimized crane concepts for the most diverse situations and requirements for the erection of wind power generators for highest efficiency and economy.
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The Group
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it’s a project here, a project there. There are usually one or two large projects in Western Canada, but it’s hard to say what the future looks like,” Hiebert said. Aside from several infrastructure projects relating to power developments, the company’s website currently lists two turbine erection projects underway— the Grouse Mountain and Chatham-Kent Wind turbine erection projects. According to Surespan Wind Energy Services’ (a subsidiary) website, Grouse Mountain is the first wind turbine in North America to be built at what’s considered an extreme high altitude location. The company had the challenge of lifting a 1.5 megawatt, 250 tonne turbine into place in an area with exceptionally poor access. “The unique aspects of this project included
SUPPLIER PROFILE
LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
Liebherr is the leading manufacturer of mobile and crawler cranes. The range of the all-terrain mobile cranes extends from the two-axle 35 t crane to the heavy-duty crane with a lifting capacity of 1,200 t on nineaxle chassis. The lattice-boom cranes on mobile and crawler chassis achieve lifting capacities of up to 3,000 t. The Liebherr plant in Ehingen covers a total area of 850,000 m2, of which 240,000 m2 is a roofed manufacturing facility. The Ehingen plant employs a workforce of 3,000. A comprehensive, worldwide service guarantees the high availability of mobile and crawler cranes. Website: www.liebherr.com
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The Right Choice, The First Time.
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February 2015
MONTREAL 514-636-6344
TORONTO 905-542-1333
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EDMONTON 780-414-1808
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mobilizing to the peak of Grouse Mountain up a winding narrow old mountain road,” the company stated. Surespan was also contracted for turbine erection at the Chatham-Kent Wind farm— Canada’s largest. According to CTV News, “The farm utilizes 124 Siemens 2.3 megawatt wind turbines, which are estimated to produce renewable energy for up to 100,000 local homes.” “We are committed to the local communities and are pleased to see more than 800 jobs dedicated to wind turbine blade manufacturing and tower fabrication in the Province,” said Jacob Anderson, who was VP of wind power for Siemens at the time of comment. Equipment plays a large role in distinguishing Surespan for jobs like these. With the largest truck-mounted crane in Canada, the company is able to gain access in ways competitors can’t. “We purchased a crane that allows us to install turbines up to 150 meter hub height. That will allow us to stay competitive for a number of years into the future and also lift in much higher wind speeds,” Hiebert said.
Company Information INDUSTRY
Construction HEADQUARTERS
North Vancouver, BC FOUNDED
1977
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Surespan Construction Suite #301 – 38 Fell Ave. North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7P 3S2 (604) 998-1133 www.surespan.com