25 company reports WITH canada’S BUSINESS LEADERS
www.businessreviewcanada.ca | December 2010
HOLIDAY gadgets
EMPIRES ARE BUILT OUT OF TOUGH TIMES high
go
tech
this is the sub standfirst this is the sub standfirst
Holiday Office Party Rules
A Short Commute Keeps Giving
Merry Social Media Drives
Get your FREE
SUBSCRIPTION Business Review Canada is the premium business magazine for executives
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE
HOW TO REACH US CANADA White Digital Media Ltd 30 Eglinton Ave WestSuite 740, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3E7 T. +1 905 890 8111 E. usinfo@whitedm.com EMEA White Digital Media Ltd Grosvenor House, Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1NS T. +44 (0) 1603 217530 E. ukinfo@whitedm.com US WEST COAST White Digital Media INC Centerpoint Plaza, 5901 Priestly Drive, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92008 T. +1 760 827 7800 E. ukinfo@whitedm.com US EAST COAST White Digital Media INC 100 Cummings Center, Suite 402C, Beverly, Mass 01915 T. +1 978 279 9200 E. usinfo@whitedm.com INDIA White Digital Media Ltd H5 Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd, Satellite Silver, 5th Floor, Anderhi-Kurla Road, Marol Naka, Anderhi East, Mumbai 400059 T. +1 760 827 7800 E. indiainfo@whitedm.com
LINKS
PUSH OUR BUTTONS Check out our ‘Editorial Calendar’
View Now http://whitedm.com/Media Interested in our ‘Email Databank’ mailto:s.zubick@whitedm.com Find out More Part of ‘White Digital Media Group’
SIGN UP! 2
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Visit Website http://www.whitedm.com
THE CANADA TEAM Editorial
eric johnson editorial director > E-mail Me mailto:e.johnson@whitedm.com
Matt Johnson Group art director > E-mail Me
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John T. Connelly Associate Editors michaela mcnamara, laura clapper, laura canter, nadia ibanez, andrea marino
Design
Creative Director sherelle peterson Art Editors CARRIE SOUTH, Michelle Rial, Dustin Harris, Jessica Clegg
mailto:m.johnson@whitedm.com
Project Management
Kiron Chavda Group project director > E-mail Me
Group PROJECT Director Aaron Wells MARKETING manager CHAD RECCHIA VICE PRESIDENT Marcus VandenBrink Senior Project ManagerS Cory Challoner, Xan Wynne-Jones
mailto:k.chavda@whitedm.com
Q F ancy talking about advertising or want us to report on your company’s success? A Give ME a call Dial, +44 (0) 1603 217553
>D ownload Media Kit
http://www.businessreviewcanada.ca/MediaKit/BusinessReviewCanadaMediaKit.pdf
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
3
BY John T. Connelly
‘Tis the Season
of office holiday parties, gift giving
and social gatherings. Fortunately, the December holiday issue of BRC is your guide to smoothly navigating interactions with colleagues to avoid awkward moments and major missteps. Our technology cover story features the cool gadgets of the season, conveniently broken so you don’t over spend on the intern or under spend on the boss. Gifts are but one holiday requirement. Attending the office holiday party is a must. Don’t get your jingle bells in a bunch. With our holiday office party guide, you’ll be networking like a pro and leaving the embarrassing moments to the sales team. Be sure to read the Class B office space feature as well. The best bonus of the year for employees is a shorter commute. And our marketing 2.0 feature is sure to bring some holiday cheer. Lastly, don’t forget our Company Reports section for valuable insight into today’s industry leaders.
QUOTE OF THE ISSUE “Christmas is only 3 weeks away. Have you thought about your office gifts?” —Holiday Gift Ideas for the Whole Office Staff TECHNOLOGY
Happy Holidays,
John T. Connelly editor-in-chief
> j.connelly@whitedm.com
http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Business-ReviewEurope/297707068750?ref=ts
http://www.linkedin.com/ company/846684
READ MY WWW.BUSINESSREVIEWCANADA.CA BLOGS
Visit Website
http://twitter.com/ bizrevieweurope
Click an icon to view or follow our social networks
Investing is an activity almost entirely dependant on Information. An investor’s success is determined by the quality of information available at hand!
www.utoronto.ca
THE ECONOMIC MONITOR E-MAGAZINES POWERFUL INVESTOR INTELLIGENCE TOOL
The Economic Monitor E-Magazines stem from our desire to deliver quality and reliable information in an intuitive and efficient format. The news and analysis is backed by the global journalist network of The International Business Times who currently offers exclusive reporting, data-gathering and analysis services in 14 countries. Experience the power of information with The Economic Monitor E-Magazines.
Subscribe today for a free two weeks trial at StockmarketDigital website: www.stockmarketdigital.com/em/
DecEMBER
26 Business Celebs
22 Business Leaders
Innovation
20 FEATURES 10 News The latest news and analysis from the past month 14 Business Travel Rolling Down the Tracks 16 Social Media Social Media Madness 18 Business Celebrities Canadian Jonathan Duhamel Wins WSOP 20 Innovation Canadian Innovation Exchange 22 Business Leaders Holiday Office Party Rules to Abide By 28 Money Matters Toronto B-Class Office Space a Bargain Deal for COOs 34 Technology Holiday Gift Ideas for the Whole Office Staff 40 Marketing Social Media Icons of Three International Manufacturers 46 Events & Tradeshows Up and coming events for your diary
ASSOCIATION profiles 48 CAMESE Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
7
DECember
Clothing for Modern Times
106
126 Talisker
Chemco
82
Energy 52 Therapure Biopharma Experts in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing 58 Industrial Drive Service Controls its Destiny 64 Knight Piesold Niche Consulting with the Environment in Mind 70 Wabi Steel & Iron Wabi Iron & Steel Corp Succession Plans are Ironclad 76 Xeneca Renewable Energy Projects with Xeneca 82 Chemco Electrical Industry Leaders in Electrical Contracting 76 Golder Associates Supports Clients Through the Entire Mine Life Cycle 82 RWDI Expert Consulting for Environmentally Sound Buildings 82 Laforo Iron Foundry Iron Castings from Recycled Materials
supply chain 126 Garda Security Securing the World, One Individual at a Time 96 La Vie En Rose A true national success story 106 Clothing for Modern Times Transportation with a Smile 112 Mandrake Finding Exceptional People, Building Exceptional Organizations 118 Colliers International Property managers with a long-standing reputation as... 126 Talisker Customized properties from a boutique manager 8
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
172 Koss Aerospace
Hardwoods Inc.
140
construction 132 ConCreate USL The Concrete Expert 140 Hardwoods Inc Hardwoods Specialty Products 140 The City of Spruce Grove Makes Community Sustainability a Top Priority
FOOD & DRINK 146 Sodexo Canada Is Taking Care To Create A Better Quality of Life
MANUFACTURING 160 a.b.m. Canada Leading the North American Plastic Injection Mould Industry 166 AP Plasman One of Canada’s Leading Manufacturing Companies Serving the... 172 Koss Aerospace Canada’s Koss Aerospace 178 Durabuilt Windows & Doors Family Plus Sound Business Equals Success for... 184 Omega Tool Corp Omega Tool Corp Is Back In The Hands of Its Original...
healthcare 160 E-Z-Em Canada E-Z-EM Canada Has Come Into Its Own www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
9
FOR THE LATEST canada NEWS Visit Website
Mortenson Canada Constructs Fifth Wind Power Project Mortenson Canada’s latest wind power project is the Comber Wind Project, which will be built near Lakeshore, Ont., located south of Lake St. Clair. Mortenson will begin construction in this month on a new 165.6-megawatt wind power facility for Canadianbased developer, Brookfield Renewable Power. The Comber Wind Project is being built right next to the Gosfield Wind Project, which Mortenson recently completed in September. For this project, Mortenson is erecting 72 Siemens 2.3-megawatt turbines for a total projected output of 165.6 megawatts, which will provide electricity to more than 21,500 households
Condo Sales Up Sharply Across Ontario and Nova Scotia Condominiums now represent one in every three homes sold in the Greater Toronto Area; close to one in every four homes sold in Ottawa and HamiltonBurlington; and almost one in every five homes sold in London, KitchenerWaterloo, and Collingwood, according to the 2010 RE/MAX Condominium Report that identified trends in eight Ontario markets and one in Nova Scotia. “As one of few affordable housing options available to first-time buyers, the concept is poised for dramatic growth in years to come,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX OntarioAtlantic Canada.
10
Western University Strike Averted with UWOFA Deal The University of Western Ontario and the UWOFA reached a tentative deal at around 3 a.m. in mid October, ensuring classes
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
will continue as regularly scheduled. “Negotiation is never a simple matter, and I sincerely thank UWOFA and the University bargaining team for their dedication and professionalism throughout this process. I also want to thank all members of the Western community for their patience, understanding and support during this time,” said University President Amit Chakma.
canada
BUSINESS NEWS
MP Garneau Urges CRTC to Adopt Universal Broadband Coverage Liberal Industry, Science and Technology Critic Marc Garneau urged the Canadian Radio and Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission and the federal government to set a minimum standard for 100% high-speed internet coverage by 2014. “Canada must establish a clear objective to achieve 100% high-speed internet for all Canadian c o m m u n i t i e s ,” said Garneau. “Canada needs
both its Parliament and the Commission to speak, unambiguously, with one voice on the importance of high-speed internet to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Canada and its regions.”
NEWS IN BRIEF MYTRAK Wins Canadian American Business Achievement Award Canadian-based MYTRAK Health System Inc. announced today that it will receive the esteemed 2010 Canadian American Business Achievement Award delivered by the Canadian American Business Council.
Baffinland Iron Mines Bought By Steel Producer ArcelorMittal
Potash Corp Hostile Takeover Bid by BHP Billiton Blocked The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced a notice has been sent to BHP Billiton, informing the Australian company of its decision. Clement cited the Investment Canada Act when explaining he could not reveal specifics. As of now, Saskatchewan has scored a victory, but the game is far from over. BHP Billiton will certainly review the notice and submit a new bid that addresses concerns. “I can confirm that I have sent a notice to BHP Billiton indicating that, at this time, I am not satisfied that the proposed transaction is likely to be of net benefit to Canada,” said Clement.
ArcelorMittal, which is the world’s leading steel company with operations in more than 60 countries, targeted Baffinland Iron Mines for its wholly-owned Mary River iron ore deposits located on Baffin Island, Nunavut Territory, Canada.
Poynt Named Canadian Launch Partner for Windows Phone 7 Poynt Corporation, a leading provider of mobile local search services, today announced their Poynt Local Search application is available for Windows Phone 7 and was selected as a launch partner in Canada.
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
11
FOR THE LATEST canada NEWS Visit Website
NEWS IN BRIEF TELUS, Bell Top List of Wireless Service Complaints “As outlined in this report, the number of communications from consumers has risen 150% over the past year. The number of complaints received and resolved has also increased substantially,” said Mary Gusella, Chair of the Board of Directors.
SNC-Lavalin Inks $587M Hydroelectric Deal SNC-Lavalin signed a $587 million contract to design and build the Waneta Expansion, a 335 MW hydroelectric power facility on the Pend d’Oreille River just south of Trail, British Columbia. The project will provide clean power to British Columbia. .
Healthcare Spending Sees Lowest Growth Rate 13 years According to a report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, health care spending per person is expected to increase by 1.4% in 2010, the lowest annual growth rate seen in 13 years.
12
Gordon Campbell Forced Out of Office by HST Opposition
Embattled Premier Gordon Campbell has resigned as British Columbia’s leader. Tthe former-Premier himself admitted that the harmonized sales tax, HST, played a large role in his decision. “After considerable soul searching and discussion with my family I have decided to ask the BC Liberal Party executive to hold a leadership convention at the earliest possible date to select a new leader for our party,” said Campbell. “That [long-term interest] is what the decision on the HST was all about. I hope that my announcement today will allow British Columbians to move forward and fully consider the HST and the alternative on their merits between now and September 2011.”
Jim Prentice Takes Job with CIBC, Raises Ethics Questions Jim Prentice has cashed in his Minister of Environment position for an undoubtedly lucrative banking job with CIBC. So the question arises, ‘when will the conflict of interest revelations start coming to light?’ After nine years in public
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
service, a major decision on two mines in as many days and zero time between jobs, the public will surely question the outgoing Minister’s recent dealings. At this point, speculation reigns, but where there is smoke there is a fire.
canada
BUSINESS NEWS
Teacher’s Pension Plan and Borealis Buy Britain’s Only High-Speed Rail The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, the largest singleprofession pension plan in Canada, and Borealis Infrastructure, the infrastructure investment arm of the OMERS Worldwide group of companies, have jointly entered into a binding contract today for the purchase of Britain’s only high-speed rail link to the Channel Tunnel, dubbed High Speed 1 (HS1). The deal is valued at $3.4 billion. “HS1 is a high-quality asset ideally suited to our investment criteria and we are extremely pleased that our bid was selected,” said Stephen Dowd, Senior Vice-President, Teachers’ Infrastructure Group.
Canada Becomes Number One Country Brand in the World Construction Jobs Lead October Employment Gains Statistics Canada released the monthly labour force survey for October, and for the second consecutive month unemployment edged down a mere .1 per cent. The unemployment rate now stands at 7.9 per cent, as it has hovered around 8 per cent the last eight months. In the last year, total employment has risen by 375,000 (+2.2 per cent)—the number of private sector employees increased in October; self-employment declined and public sector employment was unchanged.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), issued the following statement, last month: “This is an incredible achievement, and we are proud to be at the top of FutureBrand’s 2010 Countr y Brand I n d ex . C a n a d a h a s risen from 12th to 1st
place in just four years. This recognition is the result of the strong promotion efforts by our government’s marketing agency, the Canadian Tourism C ommission (CTC), to showcase our country far and wide as a premier travel destination. Clearly it has been doing a tremendous job.”
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
13
John connelly
Rolling Down the Tracks VIA Rail a Viable Business Travel Option
The friendly skies just aren’t as friendly anymore. Passengers have to remove their shoes, belt jackets and basically be subjected to any humiliating security procedure asked. And for what? A 20-year-old Asian man walked right through security wearing a silicon mask boarded a flight to Vancouver without a single airline representative raising an eyebrow. Well, business travelers, unless you’re fortunate enough to be flying on your own Bombardier luxury jet, I say abandon the skies and take to the rails. 14
VIA Rail routes
VIA Rail Canada operates the national passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada. In Leger Marketing’s 2007 Top 100 Companies in Canada survey, VIA ranked 2nd among transportation companies and enjoyed the largest increase in reputation score. VIA operates up to 503 trains weekly on 12,500 kilometres of track, and serves 450 communities across the country, from coast to coast and north to Hudson Bay. VIA carried close to 4.2 million customers annually.
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Business Travel
Business Executives should have no problem accessing where they need to go. VIA Rail offers business a range of amenities to make the rail experience a productive: Complimentary Internet access on board most of its trains, in its Panaroma station lounges, and in select stations in the Québec-City – Windsor corridor. Corporate accounts for discounts and the VIA BizPak, which allows employees traveling frequently between the same two cities special rates. Chartered car service for the exclusive
use of one or several train cars or even an entire train. The chartered car service offers personalized itineraries, audiovisual equipment and entertainment packages. Rail travel is regaining its popularity and VIA Rail is a viable business travel option. Let’s face it; the Board isn’t as complacent with travel READ MY expenses as they once were. BLOGS Visit Save the company money and Website ride in style. Sounds like a corporate victory to me.
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
15
John connelly
social
madn Ever wonder who creates social media icons? I’ve noticed a subtle evolution in the little ‘F’ or ‘T’ strategically placed on what seems like every website on the internet. I mean, everywhere I look I see a social media icon—on television, email signatures, business cards. Why the hell does a business card need a social media icon? A Mashable article went as far as to claim that a paper business card ‘showcases your progressive approach to doing business.’ I think it showcases an infatuation with a fantasy world. Does anyone else want to stand on 16
a soapbox and say to the world, ‘hey… it’s time to look up from the keyboard and have a real interaction…with words, inflection, eye contact’? I was driving home from work the other day listing to the radio…a BBC report to be exact. The commentator was talking about a recent satirist who ripped Starbucks with a slamming Tweet. Supposedly, the CEO of Starbucks actually took the time out of his schedule to address the negative
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
social media
ial media
ness
Since when did Twitter followers equate credibility?
Tweet with a Tweet of his own. The commentator raised some interesting points, namely that we as a society have gone social media mad. She went on to question if the rebuking Tweet was needed, and if so, why. She presumed that because the satirist had 80,000 followers, damage control was needed. But I pose the question, since when did the number of Twitter followers correlate to credibility?
Does that mean because my Twitter account only has a tweet over 1,000 followers, that I am not credible? I say that’s preposterous. Maybe it’s just because I’m too busy bringing pertinent information and news to my loyal business Executives for me to be soliciting followers. READ MY Or maybe, I need to get BLOGS the latest social media icon, Visit put it on my business card Website and then…and then what? > j.connelly@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
17
John connelly
Canadian Jonathan Duhamel
Wins WSOP A few absurd investing tips for Canada’s newest millionaire Canadian Jonathan Duhamel won the 2010 WSOP Main Event Championship in Las Vegas, collecting $8,944,310. Duhamel became a household name overnight and the 23-year-old will have to find something to invest in with the nearly $9 million in winnings. Perhaps he can check out the Canadian Innovative exchange for some ideas. Duhamel, from Boucherville, Quebec became the first Canadian citizen in history to win poker’s world championship. Duhamel overcame a huge field of 7,319 entrants who entered what was the second-largest WSOP 18
Main Event in history. The No-Limit Hold’em tournament began on July 5th and took more than four months to complete, including the customary recess prior to the November Nine. Duhamel’s father Luc is a machinistengineer who works for major airplane engine designer and manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney Canada. His mother Johanne works at a bank. While Duhamel could take the safe approach and invest in one of his parent’s stable employers, we at BRC thought we’d offer up a few suggestions for the Montreal Canadiens fan.
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
BUSINESS CELEBS
Photos courtesy of the World Series of Poker - www.wsop.com
Offer Jim Prentice $5 million dollars for him to come clean regarding his CIBC job. Take the CEO of BHP Billiton out for a scandalous night in Montreal, capture him in compromising acts with a Windows Phone 7 handset and then blackmail him to abandon the Potash hostile takeover.
Business Review Canada. Spend all of the winnings on Tim Hortons Timbits just to see what that would look like. If you’re wondering, that is about 98,387,410 Timbits. In all serious, we congratulate Jonathan Duhamel as the newest Canadian millionaire. We also congratulate Duhamel for Oil Sands. his generosity. He intends to make READ MY a donation to a charity, which BLOGS Anti-Oil Sands Activism. helps disadvantaged children, Visit which is partially administered Website Buy Blackberry Playbooks for all of us at by the Montreal Canadiens. www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
19
John connelly
Canadian Innovation Exchange Canada’s Hottest Innovative Companies on Display
Here’s a hot idea for innovation. And everyone is invited! The event sounds a lot like the winter version of the MESH Conference, except this event features the CEOs leading the charge. The Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX) is a conference for the principal players in the innovation economy. The Canadian Innovation Exchange seeks out the hottest, most innovative technology-based products, services and companies in Canada in the Clean Technology, Digital Media, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors. CIX will be attended by the people behind the innovative technologies: entrepreneurs, 20
investors, corporations, service providers, government and media. The event will take place in Toronto on December 7, 2010. The objective is to bring together the key leaders and protagonists of technology-based innovation in order to learn, meet and pursue common ground, consider partners and investments and showcase the tremendous innovative products, services and technologies that exist today. Here’s a sampling of the companies participating:
ENBALA Power Networks
ENBALA Power Networks is a Smart
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Innovation
Grid company that uses communications commercial fuel burning engine. and information technology to allow large energy users (“clients”) to participate in the Locationary management of the electricity system. Locationary is the first global clearinghouse for local place data – the central repository for the Ethoca collection, maintenance, and distribution of Ethoca provides anti-fraud services for detailed information on every physical place in e-Commerce (card-not-present) merchants. the world. To get the global economy going again, it’s Global Emissions Systems Inc. going to take the entrepreneurial spirit, Global Emissions Systems Inc specializes innovation and some luck. The READ MY in the design, engineer, and manufacture of Canadian Innovation Exchange is BLOGS world leading emission control technologies as good of a place to start as any. Visit that dramatically reduces smog and Who knows, maybe there is the Website greenhouse gas exhaust emissions for any next iPod or eBay in the bunch. www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
21
Holiday Office Party Rules to Abide By 22
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
business leaders
ar t y p y a d i ce hol i f f t on o u e p o t Th time e e ver h F t t t o h g n i s i day N r u t a S from e i l u yo u r J d get mber n u a n t i e f n t ou ’s pho g n i t n y Ac c o u onnell n by J Wr itte
oh n C
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
23
The office holiday party is not the time to put on your Saturday Night Fever outfit, test your drinking limits and get Julie from Accounting’s phone number. The office holiday party is a time to enjoy a few laughs with the team, reflect on a productive year and connect with coworkers on a personal level. Every environment is different and each company makes its own rules. It’s up to you to intuitively figure out what is appropriate and what will have you in front of the HR Director. That said, there are baseline rules to follow such as drink wisely and keep conversations professional. Ultimately, you don’t want to be hoping for a new job underneath the Christmas tree. You do want to build beneficial professional relationships. Follow these dos and don’ts, and be a good boy or girl at the office holiday party.
Party Time:
It is a career killer to miss out on the staff Christmas party. Do put aside your gripes about your colleagues and try and get into the spirit of things. Act as though your behavior is being observed every minute.
24
Limit Exposure:
The holiday office party is still work, which means less is more. Don’t walk into an office party halfway after through and don’t leave a Christmas party too early. However, don’t overstay by partying until the keg is done.
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Look the Part
The party is s function, so prop decorum is a mu to language, att actions. Do fo code. Ask if nee better to be ov underdressed. D shirt in the close
t:
still a company per etiquette and ust. This applies tire and general ollow the dress eded. It’s always verdressed then Do leave the club et.
business leaders
Drink and be Merry:
Do have one alcoholic drink and then one bottle of water, soft drink or juice. In addition, make sure you have a meal first before you start drinking. Moderation is key. Do keep your drink in your left hand, so you are not offering people a cold, wet handshake all evening. Smile and monitor your breath.
Say What:
Do keep conversations positive and don’t complain, whine or ridicule. Don’t discuss controversial subjects such as religion, politics and sex. Also, don’t spend all evening talking shop. Wasn’t 8 hours enough? And remember, tis the season of giving. Do show interest in others and be gracious and thank coworkers for all their contributions.
Mistletoe Manners:
If you are rolling solo, do keep your hands to yourself. Don’t flirt, and do avoid any other inappropriate behavior. Sexual harassment rules still apply at the office Christmas party. Remember, you have to go to work the next day.
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
25
<6>C 688:HH ID B6G@:I A:69>C< G:H:6G8= >C NDJG >C9JHIGN#
Make. Market. Sell. [ www.research-store.com/foodanddrinkdigital ]
26
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Food for Thought:
Much like the booze, regulate your intake. That paycheck might be slim, but don’t make ease the grocery bill by busting out the ziplock bags at the buffet line.
Plus One:
This means a husband, wife or a long term girlfriend or boyfriend. Don’t consider the office Christmas party to be a first date venue. Furthermore, spouses or significant others are not always on the guest list for office parties. Don’t bring an inappropriate person as your guest, such as a therapist or escort.
Holiday Wrapping:
Thank the person responsible for the planning and coordinating of the party. Do consider sending a thank-you note to top management for hosting the party. The office party is a reward, so enjoy what could be the bonus you may get from the company.
Safe Sleighing:
Don’t end up in the newspaper the next day for an alcohol-related mishap. The authorities will connect the dots and figure out you attend the company sponsored office party. Do know how you are getting home before you start drinking. Grab a taxi voucher, arrange to sleep over a colleague’s place Skilled Schmoozing: or catch the TTC home. Do appoint a designated This is a chance to speak to the decision driver. Don’t drink and drive. makers of your company in an informal setting. Sidle up the boss and make an impression Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed: (a good impression). Network and schmooze A sick day after the work party or turning up with people at the party who can influence late after the Christmas party is a major faux your career, such as top management, people paux. If your bosses can make it on time, then from other departments, and employees from so should you. Plus, chances other locations. A holiday party is a great are a select few will have event to begin building or strengthening an office pool on who more business relationships. won’t show. articles
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
Visit Website
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
27
money matters
Toronto B-Class Office Space a Bargain Deal for COOs
Once the most coveted of locations, downtown Toronto has seen a steady stream of businesses moving to the outskirts of the city Written by John T. Connelly Every business is looking for ways to trim budgets and cut costs in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environment. While Execs scour expense reports line by line for wasteful spending and other inefficiencies, chances are they are overlooking the biggest overhead cost to operations: office space. Once the most coveted of locations, Bay Street, and downtown Toronto in general, has seen a steady stream of businesses moving to the outskirts of the city for various factors. Increasingly, Execs are turning to Class B locations to save a buck. The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, an international federation
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
29
of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations, is the primary source of information on building management and operations, development, leasing, building operating costs, energy consumption patterns, local and national building codes, legislation, occupancy statistics, technological developments and other industry trends. BOMA groups office space into three classes in accordance with one of two bases: metropolitan and international. The classes are characterized based on a combination of factors including rent, building finishes, system standards and efficiency, building amenities, location/accessibility and market perception. Using BOMA definitions, downtown Toronto is classified as Class A, which means the ‘most prestigious buildings competing for premier office users with rents above average for the area.’ Clearly, it makes sense for operational expense evaluations to start with the office space. However, does it make sense to pay above market value for location? If it doesn’t, you’ll want to keep readings as you might be surprised to learn that many employees actually prefer work outside the hustle and bustle of metro Toronto. BOMA defines Class B as ‘buildings competing for a wide range of users with rents in the average range for the area.’ According to the Evton Capital Partners Commercial Real Estate Trends Survey, Class B office space outside Toronto’s downtown core is receiving increased attention from buyers and investors alike, and is poised for growth as escalating traffic congestion and longer commute times restrict easy access to the city centre. Aside from paying rent that reflects market value, employee attitudes are driving the increased attention. Nearly half of all Torontonians (43%) said they would be likely to change their place of employment in order to lessen their commute time. “As the city’s population continues to experience burgeoning growth, there is an increasing need for employers to consider where their employees live, 30
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
money matters
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
31
money matters
and how they commute to their workplace,” said Bill Evans, co-founder of Evton Capital Partners. “Proximity to public transit and short commute times trump the prestige of an address or the need to be in the heart of the city – a trend that will only increase in the future.” Evans’ assumptions seem to bear out; at least that’s what the Survey discovered. As the City of Toronto continues to struggle with traffic congestion and overall public transportation issues, more than three-quarters (76%) of Greater Toronto Area residents feel that it is likely companies will soon begin to set up offices away from the city’s core to make the workplace more accessible to employees. Ontarians identified Mississauga, Vaughan and Markham as the top three areas outside of Toronto’s city centre that will see a boom in commercial real estate in the next five years. Other findings in the report include: 45% of Torontonians rank the ability to take public transportation to work as an important factor when determining their place of employment; and more than one third (35%) of respondents in the Greater Toronto Area spend half an hour or more commuting in one direction. Conversely, only 20% of Southwestern Ontarians commute for more than 30 minutes.
All indications are that employees want out of the city and paying less for office space is in style. Those factors combined the exodus from downtown Toronto should continue for the foreseeable future. But Execs looking to make the move should jump on the opportunity quickly before the Class B office becomes the new Class A. The price per square foot for B-class office space in the Greater Toronto Area has almost doubled over the past five years, from approximately $125 in 2005 to approximately $210 in 2010. “Popularity of B-class office buildings on the outskirts of the city’s core that are on the subway line – be it in Midtown, Uptown or Bloor West– has increased dramatically over the past few years; more affordable lease rates compared to their city-centre counterparts were extremely attractive incentives during the recession,” said Evans. “From a historical perspective, more articles Toronto’s B-class office real Visit estate market has performed Website very well.”
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
33
technology
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Whole Office Staff Reindeer games go high tech this year with these cool gadgets, creatively broken down to reflect the business world hierarchy >> Written by John T. Connelly
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
35
technology
Christmas is only 3 weeks away. Have you thought about your office gifts? Reindeer games go high tech this year with these cool gadgets, creatively broken down to reflect the business world hierarchy. These high tech gifts are on everybody’s wish list (okay…almost everybody’s).
36 December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
President’s Club iPad $499 It’s a must-have these days, so make a splash and give some serious Christmas cheer to your Executive peer. Even though Microsoft is the business IT leader, social media (Apple’s specialty) is playing a larger role in today’s business world. And if nothing more, being seen with the cutting-edge device with 9.7-inch high-resolution screen makes an Executive look the part. Stargate 7 Inch Touch Screen Car Media System and GPS Navigator $369.99 We know Executives are always on the run, which makes this DVD+CD+VCD player, SD card slot, USB connection, iPod connection, and GPS Navigation with Dual Zone gadget ideal for the on-the-go Executives. Hands down, this one of the coolest gadgets on the market and will ultimately have your fellow board members asking where you got the new toy. i-Tech Virtual BT Wireless Laser Keyboard for PDA/Smartphone $594.99 Every Executive wants to turn heads, and this wireless virtual keyword will do just that. And if you need a practical excuse, just say it takes up less space…er…no space. Not much bigger than a match box, this astonishing device projects an infrared image of a full-sized keyboard onto any flat surface. Users can then type on projected keys as if typing on conventional keyboards. The i-tech BT Virtual Laser Keyboard can be linked to mobile phones, laptops or PDAs via Bluetooth, giving users all the benefits of a keyboard without the bother of having to haul one around.
“ A perfect gift for the middle manager— someone who is intrusive by nature yet cautiously distant.” Innocuous Middle Manager Bushnell ImageView 8x30 2.1MP Digital Camera Binoculars $139.99 A perfect gift for the middle manager—someone who is intrusive by nature yet cautiously distant. The Bushnell Digital Camera Binoculars combines the magnification of binoculars with the preservation of a digital camera. And for your graveyard manager, try the Bushnell DNV NightHawk Digital Night Vision Viewers. Logitech Harmony 880 Remote Control $164.99 What could possibly delight a middle manger more than gaining control over something? Gaining control over multiple things, of course. Optimized www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
37
technology for complicated HDTV and PVR systems, the Harmony 880 helps tame tough configurations like switching a television between video aspect ratios. A middle manager could only be so lucky to exert such control as easily. Palm Z22 Handheld $149.95 T he onc e so heralded Palm Pilot was a must have for business people and Execs alike, but certainly not anymore. Today, the Palm Pilot carries empty bravado, which makes it perfect for that reactionary middle manager who talks a lot but has nothing to say. Windows users can synchronize the Palm OS with their calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes with Microsoft Outlook. An IT specialist will probably have to do it, though. (Okay, low blow.)
Might as Well Work in the Mailroom Motorola H790 $29 Nothing says, ‘talk while working’ like a Bluetooth headset. The slim, easy to use, multipoint technology-featuring headset is one of the thinnest and lightweight devices ever made. Cheap and small, the Motorola H790 will allow your employee to work uninterrupted awhile their conversions distract them
“ What could possibly delight a middle manger more than gaining control over something?”
from how miserable and redundant their job really is. And with a ridged back for easier grip and handling, the employee will also be able to perform some low-impact manual labour around the office. SoundClip iPhone Audio Booster $7.99 Okay…you may also have to get your employee a Tim Hortons gift card if you plan on giving this gadget for the holidays, especially when they ask what it is and you realize they don’t even own an iPhone because they can’t afford the mobile plan on their paltry salary. SoundClip iPhone Audio Booster has a tuned conical deflection chamber designed to make the audio from your iPhone clearer and also slightly louder. Sound waves are reflected toward, instead of away, amplifying iPhone audio by 10dB between 6kH and 20kHz and resulting in a cleaner, more accurate response. Outdoor LCD Window Thermometer $12.99 This is probably cruelest gift you could possible buy for your employee. This device mounts outside and features a large LCD digit display to show temperature reading. As your employee slaves over the mountains of paperwork and drowns in an endless sea of emails on beautiful, 80 degree day, the exact temperature—down to a tenth of a degree—will be staring more right back at them. Disclaimer: A articles generous Christmas bonus may Visit also want to be considered for Website said employee.
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
39
Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturers d change the antiquated notion o
Written by Jo
Marketing 2.0
deploy social media strategies to of the dark, dingy assembly line
ohn Connelly
When most people think of manufacturing, they conjure up images of dark, dirty factories and mechanical robots along an assembly line. Today’s leading manufacturers are working to change those antiquated notions by reenergizing the industry with hip new messages disseminated through online communication channels. Manufacturers are starting to realize that the best way to connect their products with a new consumer base is to use the new mediums, which coincidentally were created by Generation Y. Target advertising has a whole new meaning. As a result, in 2010, manufacturers like LG and GM Canada have jumped into social media marketing. 42 December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
LG Electronics Canada
Brand Definition: LG strives to enhance its customer’s life and lifestyle with intelligent product features, intuitive functionality, and exceptional performance. Choosing LG is a form of self-expression and a promise of satisfaction. Our customers take pride in owning an object of excellence and take comfort in knowing they’ve made a smart, informed purchase, every time. Facebook Fans: LG Electronics Canada has a robust Facebook following with 7,267 fans. Along with constant wall updates, the LG Facebook page also has a ‘Life’s Good’ tab, a ‘Contest’ tab, a ‘Video’ tab and a ‘Photos’ tab. The Company utilizes the tabs as a 21st century Call to Action.
Marketing 2.0
“ LG Electronics Canada has a robust Facebook following with 7,267 fans” Twitter Tweets: Ground zero for the ‘The LG Rocks Your City’ winter festival promotion, @LGCanada has constant tweets encouraging followers to participate by voting at the Company website. LG strategically uses Twitter to initiate conversation and then adeptly directs customers to the website to keep the conversation going by exposure to products. Bonus: The LG YouTube channel features a combination of exciting video and intriguing commercials from snowboarding clips to a Fashion Week spoof. All of the mediums are prominently displayed on the homepage and intertwined to create a full-scale entertaining media experience. Users can easily develop a social relationship with the LG brand.
RIM/Blackberry
Brand Definition: Research In Motion (RIM), is the designer and manufacturer of the awardwinning BlackBerry smartphone, used by millions of people around the world. The company also creates software for businesses and the operating system that allows the BlackBerry smartphone to provide mobile access to email, IM, apps, media files, the Internet and more. Facebook Fans: RIM keeps a distinct line between the Company name and the Blackberry product line, going as far as titling all social media accounts Blackberry. The Blackberry Facebook page has 3,070,858 fans. Blackberry’s Facebook page is more of a technical service representative www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
43
Marketing 2.0 than a Call to Action, listing numerous Help resources. The page also contains all the different products offered and features video of people using their Blackberry to their advantage. Twitter Tweets: Blackberry actually uses four different Twitter accounts to advance the brand: @ BlackBerryHelp, @BlackBerry, @BlackBerrydev, and @ BlackBerryblog. @BlackBerryHelp is the official Twitter support account of Research in Motion with a long list of troubleshooting tweets. @BlackBerry is the pure social function of RIM with colloquial tweets. @ BlackBerrydev is the official developer account for RIM with tweets soliciting product innovations. @BlackBerryblog is the social media facilitator of RIM with tweets designed to spark the conversation. Bonus: The Blackberry YouTube channel pushes the ‘Love What You Do’ campaign, and pushes it hard. The entire playlist features television commercials from the marketing campaign. Unlike most YouTube channels, the Blackberry channel doesn’t include an original content and provides nothing new, which is generally a no-no in today’s churn and burn culture.
GM Canada
Brand definition: Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited employs over is a recognized leader in green manufacturing. GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada's largest automotive dealer network, which employs over 23,000 people to delivering
a top customer experience. Facebook Fans: With only 188,027 fans, GM doesn’t appear to have mastered the social media marketing world, but the Company is enjoy a recent resurgence and the online channels have played a part in keeping the GM brand relevant. The page is very straightforward with photos, discussions, contests and company information. Twitter Tweets: GM Canada wastes no opportunity highlighting recent awards and accolades, which customers need to be reminded of, especially with brands whose longevity leads them to be taken for granted. ‘Best New’ is the phrase of choice for GM Twitter. Bonus: GM Canada has made the brand more personal with its Flickr page. The Company dumped the tired photos of car after car and noticeably focused on the more people. The personal connections articles are powerful and GM Canada is Visit ditching the social media flash for Website customer experience.
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
45
December dec
02
National GreenBuilding Conference & Exhibition
Vancouver, BC National GreenBuilding Conference & Exhibition is a one of largest building construction & dec Property Management design technologies exhibition in the Toronto. Exposition & Conference It will focus on up-to-date information from 30 Metro Toronto different products, technologies, and services Convention Centre categories commercial and residential building, Property Management Exposition & Conference construction and design, facility management, (PM Expo) is Canada’s largest property leasing, planning and real estate. management exposition and conference. The http://www.nationalgreenbuildingexpo.com/pages/contactus.php > Visit Website Show will bring together key decision-makers in the real estate and property management sectors from the largest companies in the market today.http://www.pmexpo.com/post_show/index.php
01
> Visit Website
dec
02
HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo
Metro Toronto Convention Centre HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo is Canada’s premier trade show for companies selling and marketing to residential builders, professional renovators, contractors, specifiers, designers, and architects - residential construction professionals responsible for the design, construction, and renovation of residential buildings. > Visit Website 46
http://www.homebuilderexpo.ca/post_ show/ index.php
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
dec
03
Construct Canada
Metro Toronto Convention Centre Construct Canada is Canada’s largest construction exposition and conference, which brings together influential buyers and decision-makers from the building, construction and design industry. With over 1050 exhibits, 200 new and green products and 250 presentations, visitors will view the latest in building, design and construction products, services and ht tp:technologies. //www.con st r uctcanada .com / > Visit Website
post_show/index.php
canada
dec
06
Solar Canada 2010 Conference & Exposition
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
dec
05
Mining Business Risks Summit 2010
Vancouver, BC Join the Fraser Institute, Canada’s leading public policy think tank and CRU Group, the leading independent business analysis and consultancy group focussed on metals and mining, in Vancouver, Canada, 5-7 December 2010, for the year’s most important mining conference: Mining Business Risks Summit h t t p : 2010. //crugroup.com / Events/ > Visit Website
Solar Canada 2010 Conference and Exposition expects to attract over 2500 delegates from across Canada, including government decision makers, leading investment bankers and national media. We also expect to have a major international presence from the business community and other “solar watchers”. > Visit Website ht tp: //www.can sia .ca /solar- conference /solarcanada-2010-conference-exposition
MiningB u siness R i sk sS ummit / Pages / MiningBusinessRisksSummit.aspx
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
47
CAMESE
Canadian Association of
Mining
Equipment & Services for E x port
Written by Maurice Bichsel
CAMESE is a trade association made up of Canadian member companies offering products and services to the mining industry. It was established in 1981 for the purpose of assisting members in exporting their goods and services. The associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than 300 corporate members across the country supply the entire mining industry spectrum including mineral exploration, mine development, mining, mineral processing, environmental monitoring, smelting and refining. The great strength of CAMESE is the members themselves. Most of these companies have been founded in Canada, initially to serve the Canadian mining industry, an important producer of mineral wealth. The Canadian mining industry is very demanding. As a result, the companies that serve it offer high value, advanced technology.
Maurice Bichsel Director of Intl Market Development, CAMESE
> E-mail Me
mailto:Bichsel@camese.org
In brief, CAMESE provides its members with a cost-effective international marketing approach that is complementary to the marketing and selling efforts of any single company. The association assists foreign buyers of mining equipment and services by finding Canadian sources for their requirements. In the present downturn of the global economy which affects the mining sector worldwide, Canadian mining suppliers are aiming to expand their markets boundaries. Canada is one of the largest foreign investor in the mining industry to many countries around the world. This is a strong indicator that the potential and the opportunities for the Canadian suppliers are real. It is essential for CAMESE to keep our member companies well informed about the changing climate of the mining industry in each www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
49
market, to wisely motivate them in considering the new business opportunities and to assist them by actively participating at mining trade shows and other related events. Taking into account the long time presence of Canadian investment in all major mining countries, mining companies and suppliers in Latin America in particular, the growing potential and a better understanding of the global markets, we are observing a much stronger level of interest from our members for new markets. With a long mining tradition, Canada has developed its mining industry in terms of exploration, exploitation and consequently its exper tise in all aspects of mining activities. The large majority of exploration projects and mines development in Canada 50
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
is facing extreme conditions due to the harsh climate, the geological diversity and the access to very remote mineral deposits. In addition, underground mining has been a common practice by Canadian miners for many, many years. The challenges for Canadian mines operators, equipment suppliers and services providers are constant and complex. These are technical for deep underground mining, logistical for geographically remote projects, compliancy with extremely stringent regulations imposed by the Canadian government concerning personnel safety and environment friendly. Furthermore, the expertise of Canadian miners managing projects in 100 countries around the world is expected to be unequalled.
CAMESE
Statistics Type: Mining Association Location: Markham Ontario
Read more association profiles > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
Founded: 1981 Executive Director: Bruce Miller No. of listings: 250 www.camese.org
> feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
51
52
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Therapure Biopharma
Experts in Biopharmiceutical Manufacturing From development to manufacturing, Therapure Biopharma has the capabilities to meet and exceed its clients’ expectations Written by Laura Clapper & Produced by Kuljit Saggu
Located outside of Toronto, Canada, Therapure Biopharma Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals, focusing on therapeutic proteins. These proteins comprise over thirty percent of new drugs that are on the market today and are considered to be the cutting-edge of medicine. Therapure offers clients and partners a variety of full contract services and access to extensive proprietary technology, including hemoglobinconjugated therapeutic products intended to treat infectious diseases, cancer and anemia.
break into these markets. Therapure ensure the freshness and viability of the product through fully monitored, secure storage with conditions that range from 20 °C to -85 °C. Additionally, the company has separate docks for shipping and receiving, sampling and traceability of raw materials, full quarantine and release controls and comprehensive inventory tracking of the raw materials and products. These measures ensure the proper storage and shipment of the finished product.
Operations
Therapure Biopharma has extensive experience with both the scientific and business aspects of the biopharmaceutical market. Over the last twenty years, the company has honed and perfected the processes to purify and develop protein-based products for global markets. In fact, it has over eight clinical trial products in its portfolio. The team is helmed by Dr. David Bell, Dr. Gord Adamson and Dr. Chris Talpas who all manage the drug development and provide technical and scientific support to their teams. According to the company’s website, “We have a thorough understanding of advanced biology and complex proteins. We have extensive knowledge of the quality assurance
Some of the biomanufacturing services offered by Therapure include product development, cell culture, formulation, protein purification, fill, lyophilization and finishing. Therapure services clients at a 130,000 square foot facility with an associated 14,200 square foot warehouse and distribution area, giving the company the ability to run small batches for clinical trials as well as large-scale commercial production. Therapure’s facility is located right outside of Toronto, within close proximity to the major pharmaceutical markets in Canada and the United States, making it an ideal option for European and Asian businesses seeking to
Professional expertise
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
53
www.airdberlis.com
Get on the record with...
Where industry leaders meet
www.businessreviewcanada.ca
54
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
8 Number of clinical trials Participatiing in
and regulatory processes related to biologics.” Additionally, the teams of Therapure have extensive knowledge of the blood and biologics regulations of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and are in compliance with cGMP. Not only is the company focused on in-product testing and product release, but it’s also well-versed in the Process/Performance Qualification of viral clearance, purification, filtration and clarification, aseptic filling and scale-up operations. It also has the ability to conform to the requirements of cleaning validation. Therapure employs professionals of various backgrounds, which enhance the company’s capabilities and offerings. The staff includes those with extensive background in the sciences and healthcare as well as experts in
Therapure Biopharma
manufacturing, quality control, validation, facilities management, research and development, logistics and quality systems.
Technology
â&#x20AC;&#x153; Therapure employs professionals of various backgrounds, which enhance the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capabilities and offeringsâ&#x20AC;?
Therapure has the capabilities to manage projects efficiently and effectively, fostering joint ownership throughout the development and manufacturing processes. In addition to cell culture development and purification expertise, Therapure also offers comprehensive analysis, quality control testing, stability testing and process validation support. The facilities also feature the latest state-ofthe-art biopharmaceutical processing technology to support the experienced staff including micro and nano-filtration, TFF and cross flow filtration,
viral reduction, gas exchange, cell separation, protein bioconjugation, protein cross-linking technology, chromatography, solution preparation and full cleaning and sterilization capabilities. To ensure the sterility of the manufacturing process, the facilities feature a WFI system that has the capacity of 120,000 liters per day. The company has the capability to execute aseptic filling into both glass vials and sterile intravenous infusion bags. Additionally, it employs aseptic handling methods to maintain www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
55
sterility throughout the manufacturing process, from production to filling with the product. The company also utilizes the lyophilization cycle for the production of both clinical and commercial lyophilized products.
Commitment to clients
With the objective to meet and exceed its clients’ expectations and needs, Therapure remains focused on the outcome of the project, forming lasting partnerships with each client. Though the company is able to work on a contract basis, it seeks to form strong partnerships with its clients to help them
meet all of their needs. A partnership allows Therapure and its clients to share the costs, risks and opportunities associated with drug research and development. The company has the ability to meet the development and manufacturing needs of most of its clients on-site and can increase capacity to expand the services offered into other business segments if necessary. Therapure also seeks joint ventures or co-development structures where appropriate and beneficial for both parties. According to the company’s website, “Therapure Biopharma Inc. has the potential to bring considerably more value as a partner than either a pure financial investor or a contract service provider ever could.” Although the company does not actively seek
“ Therapure Biopharma Inc. has the potential to bring considerably more value as a partner” 56
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Therapure Biopharma Facilities located 30 minutes outside of Toronto
Statistics Name: herapure Biopharma Inc. Country: Canada Employees: 191 Industry: Healthcare, supply chain Premiere Service: Pharmaceuticals Revenue: $37 million companies to invest in, it has made targeted investments in companies and ventures that align with its strategic interests. Investments are made with the backing of Catalyst Capital Group Fund II, which has a strong relationship with Therapure. Additionally, the company has purchased in-market and advanced stage products that align with its established areas of expertise. When these opportunities arise, the company is eager to take advantage of it.
There are 1200+ company reports www.businessrevieweurope.eu available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
URL: www.therapurebio.com Â
MANAGEMENT President/CEO: Thomas G. Wellner Vice President of Operations: Dirk Alkema, Ph.D. Vice President, Drug Development and Chief Scientific Officer: David N. Bell, Ph.D. Vice President Finance/CFO: Brian Fielding Director, Manufacturing and Process Development: Chris Talpas, Ph.D.
> feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
57
Industrial Drive Service
Industrial Drive Service Inc.
Controls its
Destiny
Industrial Drive Service sells, services AC/DC variable speed motor controls, soft starters, frequency drives and servo drives Written by John T. Connelly & Produced by Milan Sonegra Daryl Keys describes himself as someone who “did not work well as an employee of others.” Ironically, he is now the president of Industrial Drive Service Inc., a company in Hensall, Ontario, that sells and services motion control systems - equipment that makes larger machines work, and work well. Armed with ten years experience, Keys founded Industrial Drive Service in 1988, working out of his basement for the first three years. Eventually, he landed a project that was larger than his basement could handle, and he moved the business to its current location. Today, Industrial Drive Service sells and services AC and DC variable speed motor controls, soft starters, frequency drives and servo drives. The Company also manufactures custom control systems. 58
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Specifically, Industrial Drive Service is an advanced, custom design systems house. The Company designs, assembles/ manufactures, programs and installs DC and AC variable speed drive-motor control systems. Those systems are integrated into a wide variety of industrial applications, including metal processing lines, materials handling equipment, automation applications and process control machinery.
Valued Vendors
“When I started the business, I was doing service work and consulting. That’s where we still are,” says Keys. “A lot of people will say their business is profit oriented. We’re not. We’re people oriented. That’s why I like to come to work every
Control system using 38 AC drives linked together via Ethernet communications
“ We’re people oriented. That’s why I like to come to work every day. Relationships with not only customers, but with vendors, are very important” Daryl Keys, President
day. Relationships with not only customers, but with vendors, are very important.” While the Company values all relationships, a few standout. Industrial Drive Service is an authorized distributor for Parker/SSD and Reliance/Baldor and Vacon products. And when not selling, the Industrial Drive Service team can provide assistance with the repair of Reliance, Saftronics, Emerson and Control Techniques products. Allen-Bradley PLC’s are a specialty.
Even though Keys has an altruistic approach to the Company’s relationships, he is also cognizant of the fact that many much of Industrial Drive Service’s business is a derivative of relationships. The Company also partners with industry consultants. A considerable portion of revenue, about half, is from projects in Peru. “Those jobs we do in the mining industry in Peru are not projects we would secure on our own,” says Keys. www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
59
1988
Industrial Drive Service was founded
www.tecowestinghouse.ca
Test and repair personnel
Get on the record with...
www.energydigital.com Where industry leaders meet
www.energydigital.com
60
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
“We rely on relationships with engineering consultants such as G.L. Tiley & Associates and hoist equipment dealer Mine Hoists International. Between those two companies, that’s where our work in Peru comes from. A considerable amount of the work we do in the mining industry in Ontario involves those companies. Sometimes they are our partners, and sometimes they are our customers.” When talking about Industrial Drive Service Inc. vendors, Parker Hannifin can’t go unmentioned. The global leader in motion and control technologies, Parker Hannifin has sold products to Keys for 20 years. Keys
Industrial Drive Service
values the ability to speak with a representative easily and find solutions quickly. “I don’t come to work and analyse how much profit we make every day,” says Keys. Although that’s important, that’s not the part of the business that I enjoy.”
Employee Value
“ We encourage our technical people who are on the frontlines to speak up” Daryl Keys, President
Keys takes pride in Industrial Drive Service low employee turnover and has created a culture where employees have the Company’s best interests at heart. Customer feedback is always
positive; emails frequently praise employees, and a team environment persists. Keys always look to put people in a position to succeed, empowering his frontline workers to speak with customers and look for opportunities. “We encourage our technical www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
61
people who are on the frontlines to speak up,” looking at expanding the building and I’m says Keys. “I also have my sales/marketing guy getting pricing for that,” says Keys. and he is a great find. He came from our vendor “We need to add a couple of employees. Parker Hannifin and is a real asset.” I have to be careful about controlled growth. There is potential to take on more growth than Charged for the Future we can handle. To get back to the people side, The economic downtown has been a hardship I don’t want to jeopardize our ability to service to business across the globe, but the present the customers we have now.” economy has been great for Industrial Drive As a result, Industrial Drive Service can Service. Sales are up, despite the Company’s afford to be selective. If a customer tries to traditional smaller projects disappearing. pit suppliers against the Company for a better Although those projects are slowly price, Keys will walk away. Industrial Drive returning, the Company has seen an increase Service refuses to lower its margins to the in business from companies operating gold point that they give their product away. mines. In fact, Industrial Drive Service can “It’s a wonderful position to be in,” says Keys. barely keep up with the demand. “We’re Keys is content to let Industrial Drive 62
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Industrial Drive Service
IDS
manufactures custom control systems
Statistics Name: Industrial Drive Service Inc. Country: Canada Est: 1988 400 HP Regenerative AC Drive Sold to Atacocha a mine in Peru located at 4800 meters altitude
Employees: 80 Industry: Energy Premiere Service: Service: Motor Control Systems Revenue: $39 million
Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation speak for itself. The mining industry circle is particularly small, and Keys is confident that his Company is respected enough to continue its upward growth trend across markets. Industrial Drive Service is squarely in control of its future.
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
URL: www.idscontrols.com
Management President: Daryl Keys C.E.T Sales: Mark Jackson Engineering: Rob Jolly C.Tech Repairs: Henry Olbach C.Tech Service: Jose Benites C.Tech Accounting: Leeanne Erb
> feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
63
Knight PiĂŠsold Ltd. employees scan their surroundings out in the field. 64
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Knight Piésold Ltd.
Niche
Consulting
with the Environment
in Mind
With international offices, Knight Piésold focuses on meeting clients’ needs in hydropower, mining and environmental services Written by Meaghan Clark & Produced by Ali Siddiqui Though originally formed in 1921, “Knight Piésold” was established in Canada in 1975 by Bruce Knight, a former Rhodesia based employee who moved to Canada for work on the Mica Dam. Once Knight became a partner of the company originated by Dr. Francis Edgar Kanthack, he established Knight & Piésold in Vancouver and worked to include offices throughout North America. In 1990 both names were united to become today’s current designation, with global offices in Canada, USA, South Africa, Ghana, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Australia. “We are a full service company but we’re small and focused on what we do well,” says Jeremy Haile, President of Knight Piésold Ltd. in Canada. “We can really focus on client needs and not try to be everything to all people, but concentrate on specialist areas that we’re good at.” Knight Piésold is a 100 percent employee owned company with Canadian offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and North Bay, Ontario. Knight Piésold has about 150 employees in Canada and 650 professionals in
its global operations. Knight Piésold is one of the few small, specialist consulting companies left in the industry. “One of the trends we see is that smaller consulting firms are being bought up by the publically listed engineering companies,” said Haile. “We remain one of the niche players where we can focus on client service and differentiate ourselves from big companies.” Haile has been with the company since 1972 and graduated with an M.A. in Engineering Sciences and Economics from Oxford University, UK. Similar to Knight Piésold’s broad scope of consulting services available to clients, Haile’s background simulates the diverse team structure that goes into each project.
Flat Organization
Even with all its diversity, Knight Piésold is essentially a “flat organization,” says Haile. The company doesn’t operate within strict departments and has a limited hierarchal structure with an international Board of Directors. This enables each project to set www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
65
www.foundex.com
www.geotecdrilling.com
www.kwhpipe.com
www.kiewit.com
66
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Knight Piésold Ltd.
Jeremy Haile, President of Knight Piésold Ltd., discusses hydropower potential with a Client in Zambia.
organizational bounds in the most appropriate manner possible – project teams are allocated suitable personnel, with a team manager overseeing any necessary scientists, engineers and technicians. As everyone can provide support on more than one project, multitasking is an essential characteristic of becoming a Knight Piésold employee, where project teams change to meet the evolving needs of each client. “We have a flexible system with little opportunity
to get bored,” says Haile. “With a constantly revolving schedule, most employees are in it for the long term.”
Employees
In a consulting company where renewable energy services and mining are the biggest clients, the major asset of the company lies within the people. The process for growth and success starts with “hiring the right people,” says Haile, “and getting the right people in the right places. There’s always a big focus on continuing professional development.” New hires are assigned a mentor, and training is ongoing throughout an employee’s career with mid-year and year-end reviews to keep development on track. During the recession, K night P ié sold enc our aged
“ We have a flexible system with little opportunity to get bored” Jeremy Haile, President
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
67
The Company is run by its Board of Directors
www.nhcweb.com
A Knight Piésold employee closes the intake sluice gate at a run-ofriver project site in northern British Columbia.
Get on the record with...
Where industry leaders meet
www.energydigital.com
68
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
senior staff to develop internal knowledge sharing and formal training opportunities, and focus less on outside training support. In addition to attending conferences and courses, senior staff members often host “Brown Bag Lunches” to share knowledge and assist younger employees in a “friendly environment” before presentations commence during formal meetings to clients. Globally, the company comes together during training seminars, with employees in particular areas of expertise, to update on any improvements in their industry. External courses have been introduced, notes Haile, like ones from the University of British Columbia where experts were brought in to teach a course on technical writing.
Knight Piésold Ltd.
Technology
“ Our focus is really just keeping abreast
About 150 employees are based in Knight Piésold’s two Canadian of changing markets and trends, offices, which also houses five full- seeking out the best clients and time IT developers who have helped seeing what they need, and adapting to create FULCRUM, a web-based data management system. The our services to meet those needs” system, which presented itself as Jeremy Haile, President one of the company’s larger capital investments, is a project based sector, which remains one of the company’s software that is developed internally and offers largest areas of expertise, has seen significant a globally accessible database to manage and developments. “We’ve identified and designed store data for Knight Piésold’s clients around the largest run-of-river hydro project in British the world. FULCRUM is constantly adapting Columbia,” says Haile. “We’ve developed and expanding to meet the unique needs of new technology for run-of-river intakes, and the industry. we’ve designed the largest COANDA screen Additionally, the renewable hydropower intakes in the world; we’ve also made use of www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
69
the largest diameter Weholite low pressure environmental awareness and compliance, and conduits in the world.” health and safety, which is certified under the international requirements of ISO 9001 and Clients 14001, and OHSAS 18001. As part of this, all Those internal technological improvements have purchases go through a formal vendor review and enabled Knight Piésold to retain its strong client assessment during purchasing or PO issuing, base. While 2009 indicated a “slow down” for where the company ranks each delivery. the company’s mining clients, Knight Piésold’s overall client base remained strong. Haile The Future attributes this to the long term relationships As one of few remaining small consulting the company has built in its nearly a century of firms, Knight Piésold prides itself on its global business. “We’d much rather do [what we do] perspective for engineering and environmental with a few long term, good clients than lots of services in mining, hydropower, water resources, different ones,” Haile says. and roads and construction. With a focus on Knight Piésold works with an integrated continuously improving services to meet clients’ management system combining quality, needs, the environmental developments within 70
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Knight Piésold Ltd. Opened its first Canadian office in 1975
Statistics Name: Knight Piésold Ltd. Country: Canada Est: 1921 (Canadian Practice 1975) Jeremy Haile, President of Knight Piésold Ltd., speaks to staff at a field trip to a project site. Field trips provide an opportunity for all staff to learn more about other company projects that may be outside of their areas of specialty.
the industry and an innovative approach to internal and external technology, the future looks bright. “Our focus is keeping abreast of changing market conditions and trends, seeking out the best clients, determining what they need, and adapting our services to meet those needs,” Haile concludes.
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
Employees: 650 Globally (150 in Canada) Industry: Energy and Mining Premiere Service: consulting firm for hydropower, mining and environmental services Revenue: not disclosed URL: www.knightpiesold.com
Management President: Jeremy Haile Managing Director, Vancouver: Ken Brouwer Managing Director, North Bay: Ken Embree Manager, Hydropower and Water: Sam Mottram
> feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
71
Foundry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pouring of molten metal 72
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Wabi Iron & Steel Corp
Wabi Iron & Steel Corp Succession Plans are
Ironclad Wabi specializes in castings, engineered fabrication solutions and machining for the mining, construction & steel industries Written by John T. Connelly & Produced by Milan Sonegra Wabi Iron and Steel Corp. is three separate, but interrelated, businesses specializing in castings, engineered fabrication solutions and machining for the mining, construction and steel industries. Since 1907, Wabi Iron and Steel Corp. has provided an extensive range of quality products in iron, steel and aluminum to Canadian and international industries. And since its inception, Wabi has been building rugged underground conveyances and loading systems for mines across Canada and around the world. The Company manufactures products for global distribution at a single facility in New Liskeard, Ontario and also has a sales office in the Greater Toronto Area; a warehousing/sales/distribution centre near Cleveland, Ohio; and sales/agent offices in Santiago, Chile and Lima, Peru. President Peter Birnie is keenly aware that entire communities depend on a viable Wabi Iron and Steel Corp for survival. He is also aware of his finite value to the Company and his role as steward. As steward, Birnie must, as his predecessor www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
73
wisc seeks to
double revenue in the next five years
www.kibl.com Ore Car Wheels
did for him, plan for succession. Part of planning for succession is constant reinvention and Company perception. “We are constantly looking at new ideas,” says Birnie. “We try to get our suppliers to keep us informed of things that are more efficient and more effective. We invest in tooling. In the last three months, we’ve brought in three new pieces of CNC equipment. Last year, we had Grant Thornton come in and look at all of our internal processes to help us change and give us advice. We challenged our whole group to look at what they were doing.”
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Wabi Iron and Steel is always looking to get better and more efficient, ultimately giving the customer higher value in its core products and services. The 74
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Company’s core products and services haven’t changed much over the last century, just the processes to carrying them out. Wabi manufactures a wide range of general and abrasion resistant iron and steel castings, including ni-hard, chrome iron, grey iron, alloy and stainless steel for a variety of applications: wear resistant parts, components for smelters, mills, chutes, slurry pumps, crusher components and high impact parts. Additionally, Wabi custom designs, engineers and manufactures a wide range of equipment specifically developed for the mining, forestry, construction and general fabrication industries. Wabi’s strengths include superior engineering, full certifications, quality manufacturing and workmanship, after sales support and a track record of proven, dependable performance. Wabi’s
Wabi Iron & Steel Corp
“ Try to innovate faster than everyone else in the world.”
castings and fabricated solutions supplement its full range of machining capabilities. The privately-owned Company doesn’t plan any major acquisiPeter Birnie, Presiden tions (although all opportunities are explored), but an aggressive growth plan is under- the older employees to pass on their wisdom to way to dramatically increase its $35 million revenue the next generation and train the next wave of stream through innovation. Wabi employees. Birnie has always witnessed “Over the last five to seven years our revenue a fundamental shift in priorities for the current has doubled. We plan to double that in the next five generation. years,” says Birnie. “As long as we are innovating “Whether they are our university trained engiand our people are growing, then we can continue neers or young electricians, employees today want to grow our revenues.” to work at an interesting place,” says Birnie. “We know that employees are going to move EMPLOYEES more often than they have historically. We want Along with management succession, employee them to learn something here that will add to their succession is also recognized. Birnie encourages value. The days of companies bringing in someone www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
75
at 20 years old, putting them in a job and leaving them there until they are 65 are gone. They have to learn. They have to progress. Growth provides new opportunities and new challenges. To a large extent, a Company can grow as quickly as its staff. You can always add numbers, but that’s not the point. My concept is that the average employee must use a larger percentage of their intellectual capital. Adding value is employees thinking, which improves productivity. We measure this through revenue per man-hour.” Adding value to the Company requires increasing employee’s value. Wabi Iron and Steel has existed for so long by virtue of successful succession planning, which includes management and employees. Skills have to improve everyday to mold the right candidates and employees. However, in today’s global economy, exporting is 76
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
a 21st century strategy to value creation.
WABI WORLDWIDE
Not only for Wabi, but Canada as whole, exporting must play a larger role. Today, 85 percent of Canada trade is tied to the US. To meet growth objectives, Wabi must increase its position around the world, particularly in regions that share Canadian industry, such as mining. “Part of succession and risk management is targeting customers in more than one country so that any economic set back in one country doesn’t hurt operations as a whole. We did survive a global recession, but that is because of the size of our markets,” says Birnie. “Guys like me, Wabi Iron and Steel, we have to create opportunities for our children and grandchildren. That requires the Company to target international business.”
Wabi Iron & Steel Corp WISC is
3
separate, but interrelated businesses
Statistics Name: Wabi Iron and Steel Corp. Country: Canada Est: 1907 Employees: 110 Industry: Energy Premiere Service: Mining and Aggregates Revenue: $35 million Wabi Skips
URL: www.wabicorp.com As Wabi targets customers worldwide, the Company will tout its sound economic health and help create healthier communities, two principles of Birnie’s management. “Focus on what’s important to the customers,” says Birnie. “Try to innovate faster than everyone else in the world. Be passionate and understand customers, don’t just come and go.”
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
Management President: Peter Birnie Executive Vice President/Controller: Gary Godreau Senior Vice President: Stan Gorzalczynski Vice President Foundry Operations: Thom Walpole General Sales Manager: Peter Tuomi
> feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
77
78
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Xeneca
Renewable Energy Projects with
Xeneca
Canadian power generation company proves that tackling out-of-the-box projects reap unprecedented benefits for renewable energy Written by Meaghan Clark & Produced by Ali Siddiqui
“Project development is a tricky business,” said Xeneca Power Development Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Mark Holmes. That doesn’t mean, however, that those tricky projects don’t get done. The Canada power generation company is currently focused on 19 renewable energy projects throughout the region, one of which is in its first stages of construction while the others are expected to begin building in 2012-13 with commissioning in the spring of 2015. Xeneca Power Development was founded when Canadian Renewable Energy Corporation became a lucrative takeover target by a bigger
company and was bought out in 2005. CREC’s original principals – Patrick Gillette and Uwe Roeper, both experienced renewable energy developers - reformed their company following the sale. Today the company’s ten permanent staff works with hundreds of contractors to develop water powered energy facilities throughout Ontario.
DEVELOPMENTS
Xeneca currently has 19 contracts with the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Power Authority’s Feed in Tariff (FIT) program, and another 14 in a queue awaiting Economic www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
79
www.kbm.on.ca
Get on the record with...
Where industry leaders meet
www.energydigital.com 80
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Connection Test. Xeneca currently represents about half of all the water power being developed under the current power procurement Policy in Ontario, where the removal of all coal fired electrical generation from the province by 2014 has been mandated. Currently underway is the McGraw Falls project west of Thunder Bay, which, according to Holmes, is a “template” project that will provide the company a model of where efficiencies can be defined and developed during the initial process. “We’ve a development template approach where the first [project] will be carefully monitored and where there are efficiencies we’ll capitalize on them, and where there are inefficiencies we’ll correct them,” he continued. “By building the template we’ll apply that to other projects and that will help to achieve a planned approach that is bred from the successes we’ve achieved at McGraw. The template will evolve with each of projects, with the intent of improving with each development” Efficiencies may also be realized by
Xeneca
developing several projects on a river system. For example, this will allow the company to avoid duplication by conducting government prescribed Environmental Assessment Mark Holmes, VP Corporate Affairs work concurrently. “Instead of filing four separate Class “but because we’re generally small (under 10 Environmental Assessments, Xeneca will be MegaWatts and widely dispersed, our impact is able to incorporate all four projects into one quite low – and most people won’t know we’re documents, Mr. Holmes explained. there.” Holmes continued, saying “We have sought out the projects that are small; it’s kind SITE DEVELOPMENT of a niche market and not a lot of people have Xeneca separates itself not only as among the gone after it.” first to be awarded FIT contracts by the Ontario Power Authority, but also as a developer with TECHNOLOGY diversity. As one of the largest renewable Even with all the developments that have energy developers in Ontario, Xeneca doesn’t occurred in the past 100 years the underlying distinguish larger projects from smaller ones, technology used by Xeneca and other even if the latter attributes a lower environmental waterpower developers remains principally the footprint and economics. “We have quite a same. It’s a proven technology that is highly few projects,” said President Patrick Gillette, efficient. “We’re a 100 year old technology,”
“By building the template we’ll apply that to other projects and build on our respective successes”
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
81
said President Gillette. “The basis for water power is already established. What makes a difference today is the incidental.” Technological development isn’t completely out of the ordinary. Penstock, a metal pipe used to bring water from the control structure down to the powerhouse, or rubber inflatable dams used in a concrete base, are all recent developments. Gillette, who has decades of experience, knows that there are two reasons that really keep renewable energy projects running. “One is the design of the actual, physical power plant and [the other] is different ways of constructing,” he said. “There are a lot of new technologies, but the basis of ours is the same, which is that we’re putting a water control structure into the river and then drawing that water down, and passing that water through to a generating station.” And once these facilities are built, they have up to 100 years of use and then can be rebuilt.
as work related demands grow. Right now, with just one project “shovel ready,” the base of Xeneca’s staff is knee-deep in environmental approvals. Eventually, when the time has come to hire engineering, project management and construction teams, the team will grow naturally. The management team, which has a combined 60 years of experience in the energy development sector, is still learning by doing, says Gillette. “Training is trial by fire,” observes Holmes. Most of the time, individuals hired have a core set of skills, we give them the support we can,” added President Gillette.
THE FUTURE
The current economic climate hasn’t directly affected Xeneca’s work, though the company has been negatively impacted by inflation in costs associated with construction materials including concrete, steel and labor. “We don’t know why,” says Gillette. “It seems EMPLOYEES it’s going up, not down, with the inflationary With just ten employees, there is a lot to be pressures .” Nonetheless , Xeneca will done. Both Holmes and Gillette are confident continue to work toward the completion of that an evolution of growth will happen naturally their remaining projects. 82
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Xeneca
Statistics ”Once the current suite of projects is completed, we’re not sure what will happen after the five year window for development closes,” says Holmes. “The Ministry of Natural Resources is reworking its site release policy to merge with the Green Energy Act and with the provisions of the power authority’s Feed-in Tariff program.” The potential could lead to a new round of site release in areas deemed viable, which would then be available to developers. Only time will tell whether the extension will occur and all of the company’s decisions have been left up to the discretion of its experienced Board of Directors.
Name: Xeneca Country: Canada Est: 2006 Employees: 10 Industry: Energy Premiere Service: water generator URL: www.xeneca.com
Management There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
President/ COO: Patrick Gillette CEO: Uwe Roeper VP, Corporate Affairs: Mark Holmes VP, Legal Affairs: Arnold Chan
> feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
83
Keephills 3 Generating Transformers 84
December Month 20102010 www.inserturl.domain www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Chemco Electrical
Industry Leaders in
Electrical Contracting Chemco Electrical is a leading provider of electrical services to the heavy industrial construction sector of Canada Written by Laura Clapper & Produced by Ali Siddiqui
Chemco Electrical Contractors Ltd is a leading Canadian contractor based in Edmonton, Alberta. For nearly fifty years, Chemco has provided a variety of services to the heavy industrial construction sector including electrical installations; high voltage testing, commissioning and distribution; electrical maintenance, fibre optics, data networking and constructability input and reviews to customers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. “According to the industry, if there is a construction project
requiring one of these services, you can bet Chemco’s name will come up for consideration right up front,” says Terry Milot, Vice President and Estimating Manager. Chemco was started in 1963 under the name Doug Smith Electric. In 1978, the name changed to Chemco Electrical Contractors Ltd. Though the company began with a focus on commercial and institutional installations on school and hospitals, it eventually branched into industrial work for oil and gas companies. www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
85
www.tnb.ca 86
December Month 20102010 www.inserturl.domain www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Chemco Electrical
Chemcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training for Knife Usage
TECHNOLOGY
such initiative is its stretching program, designed to reduce the incidence of pain and injury from daily activities and tasks in the warehouse and on-site. The program was developed by WorkSmart and implemented on the worksite for Dow Chemical. It proved so successful that Chemco implemented it on all worksites. Chemco and WorkSmart created a Train-the-Trainer program for selected employees to teach them the proper stretching technique to reduce injury. Employees stretch before, during and after their COMMITMENT TO SAFETY shifts and report fewer aches and pains. This Safety is a priority at Chemco. The company has trend has continued and the stretching program put in place a series of innovative programs to has been adopted by nearly all contractors and improve the health and safety of its staff. One projects in the industrial marketplace. The company relies on an in-house computer program to inventory its equipment, tools and machinery, which are worth several million dollars. The system allows it to improve service to clients through the efficient utilization of the equipment for distribution to the work site locations. Since it is web-based, it offers real-time, adaptable reporting to teams in the warehouse and on-site.
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
87
supplier profile:
THOMAS & BETTS CANADA
Country: Canada Established Partnership: 1928 Employees: 1,570 in Canada Industry: Electrical Provided Services: > Manufacturer of electrical components for use in commercial, industrial MRO and OEM and utility applications. Completed Projects: > Syncrude--Aurora--UE1 > Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Ltd > CCRL(Consumers’ Co-operative Refineries Ltd) > Enbridge > Dow Chemical Management: > Nathalie Pilon, President > Reg Clark, Vice President, Industrial Products > Pat Jomphe, Vice President, Commercial & Residential Construction Products
www.tnb.ca 88
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Dow Chemicals
Since the inception of the program, Chemco has maintained a below average Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) claim loss ratio. Additionally, the company has received recognition from Syncrude Canada, which presented it with the President’s Award of the Most Innovative Program Implemented and the President’s Award for Best Overall Environmental, Health and Safety Performance and Program. The company also received the Safety and Leadership Innovation Award from the
Chemco Electrical
Construction Owners Association of Alberta. The company also instituted a fall protection program which covers people, engineering, environment, materials and equipment and tools. Falls are a considerable safety hazard on the worksite and can lead to devastating injuries or even death. To reduce falls on jobsites, Chemco put in place a safety strategy that included retractable lifelines, preventative maintenance, user friendly equipment and the practice of girth hitching
the lanyard around an improvised anchor. To prevent injuries from knives, the company required Kevlar gloves to be worn by employees. While this reduced injuries, Chemco re-evaluated its procedures to further improve the safety of its employees. The company relied on feedback from employees to introduce more appropriate cable stripping tools, which eliminate the need for knives in many situations. Chemco also switched to a knife design that met the needs of the job while www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
89
www.wesco.ca
90
December Month 20102010 www.inserturl.domain www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Chemco Electrical
Shell Scotford Plant
â&#x20AC;&#x153; [ We have] often worked with other contractors in an effort to improve the overall safety culture throughout the construction industryâ&#x20AC;? Terry Milot, Vice President and Estimating Manager
ensuring the safety of the worker. To drive the message home, the company created a series of safety videos that showed workers how to properly use the new equipment. Chemco also teamed with KBR and the Edmonton Regional Safety Committee to produce a three part DVD series to train employees on the methods for the use of grinders and other power tools.
LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY
Chemco relies on strong relationships established over the last four decades to remain leaders of the industry. The company has earned the reputation for completing projects efficiently due to a hardworking, knowledgeable staff that follow established procedures and offer quality service to clients. As a result, other companies have requested www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
91
supplier profile:
Wesco Distribution Inc.
Country: Headquartered in USA Employees: 6100 Industry: Major markets include commercial and industrial firms, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications businesses and utilities. Provided Services: > WESCO operates seven fully automated distribution centers and approximately 380 full-service branches in North America and select international markets, providing a local presence for area customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.
safety
50 years
Chemco has been a leader in electrical contracting
www.wesco.ca 92
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Chemco has an award-winning safety program
Chemco Electrical
Chemco’s Training for Grinder Usage
permission to implement Chemco’s program at their businesses. “After many discussions, the feedback was that [we] not only had good forms, but systems that flowed into each other and had been considered by operations, construction and maintenance,” says Milot. “This unique relationship only works with people who understand the program and [that is] why it was developed that way.” The executive team of Chemco holds positions in top industry organizations. Brian Halina, President of Chemco, sits on the board of the Labour Relations Committee of the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta as chairman and is a member of the Saskatchewan
Labour Committee. Vice President Terry Milot currently sits as Director at large for Northern Alberta and has been very active serving as Provincial President 2005-2006, Edmonton Chapter President 2006-2008 and Board of Directors since 1998. Other employees sit on the boards of the Alberta Construction Safety Association and the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta. “With the par ticipation in several construction organizations such as the ACSA and ECAA, Chemco has maintained its leadership role in the electrical and instrumentation industry,” says Milot. “[We have] often worked with other contractors in www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
93
WWW.THERMON.COM
www.texcan.com www.rstahl.com
94
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Chemco Electrical supplier profile: THERMON CANADA INC Country: CANADA Est’d Partnership: 1987 Employees: 125 Industry: PETROCHEMICAL & POWER Provided Services: > ELECTRIC HEAT TRACING / ENGINEERING Completed Projects: > SHELL CANADA UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM Ongoing Projects: > I MPERIAL OIL/ESSO KEARL LAKE PHASE 1
Visit our Website WWW.THERMON.COM >
Shell Recognition Awards
an effort to improve the overall safety culture Telecommunications, A&V, SRC, Waterblock, throughout the construction industry.” Greenfield EHT, Site Wide Testing and Commissioning and the continuance of the PROJECTS maintenance of the existing refinery. With Long-term partners since 1993, Chemco over 3 million manhours to date on this SUEX performs the electrical and instrumentation 1 Expansion project, the receipt of the Vice work at the Shell Scotford Refinery in Fort President award for Safety Performance Saskatchewan, Alberta. From major to minor acknowledges all the workers and staff for projects to maintenance, Chemco their efforts. As a result of the high has been a contractor on many quality work completed, Shell employees projects at this facility including honoured Chemco with a Vendor Many employees the recent completion of the Excellence Award. have been with SUEX 1 Expansion requiring Over the last thirty years, the company for nearly 1,500 Chemco workers Chemco has also worked with over 20 years on various projects such as Site Dow Chemical Canada on Wide Temporar y Power and various projects at its plant in Fort www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
95
www.guillevin.com Potash Corp - Cory Mine, Saskatoon Saskatchewan
www.edmontonfasteners.com 96
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
Saskatchewan. While a small crew continues with projects and maintenance many new relationships have been developed at Alberta Envirofuels, Suncor Fort McMurray and Petro Canada Edmonton to name a few. As the year 2010 comes to a close so to does the completion of the Keephills #3 Power project for Capital Power. The completion of this 4 year project has Chemco complete the entire Electrical, Instrumentation, High Voltage Fiber Optics and overall Commissioning. A peak workforce of over 450 personnel and nearly 1
Chemco Electrical
million safe manhours. Chemco’s recent move into Saskatchewan has resulted in a new and exciting opportunity. Construction on a renovated White Side and new Red Side for the PCS (Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan) Mill at Cory near Saskatoon was not a mere entrance into the province. Well almost 2 ½ years have passed and our current workforce peaked at 500 and we can soon see the light at the end of the tunnel. With over 1 million Electrical manhours completed thus far, this world class facility is really getting ready to produce.
The Co-op Upgrader in Regina is currently home for Chemco with projects in the Revamps area with Colt Worley Parsons and in the Greenfield Plant Expansion with IAG Construction. With project completions in 2012, the teams are just getting started.
Looking Ahead
“While the entire world is focusing on Western Canada and its tremendous resources, Chemco maintains its focus on what has made us successful to date and what we need to do to www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
97
ACSA award for outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety
Dow’s Reco
“ Chemco is confident that [our] in-house training programs and consistent focus will pay large dividends in the award of new contracts” Terry Milot, Vice President and Estimating Manager
stay as the industry leader. Our core nucleus of employees is ready to accept the challenge to construct many projects without sacrificing [our] commitment to safety, quality and performance.” “Many of the younger employees have been mentored to accept the responsibility to guide new workers in the exciting times of increased construction activity. Supervision 98
December 2010 www.businessreviewcanada.ca
will be critical with the shortage of construction workforce anticipated over the next few years and Chemco is confident that [our] in-house training programs and consistent focus will pay large dividends in the award of new contracts.” To reach a new milestone level whether it is in contract revenue or manpower levels truly depends on the economy and timing of the
Chemco Electrical
Statistics Name: Chemco Electrical Country: Canada Est: 1963 Employees: 2,500 Industry: Energy Premiere Service: Electrical contractors URL: www.chemco-elec.com
ognition for Contribution to Safety Excellence
Management demand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, one thing industry can rely on is that the Chemco team is constantly modifying its systems and practices to provide their committed personnel the best possible advantages to achieve the core values of Safety, Quality and Performance and to maintain its position as a leader in the industry.â&#x20AC;?
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
President: Brian Halina Vice President and Estimating Manager: Terry Milot General Manager: Len Shankowsky Corporate Construction Manager: Gary Evans Construction Manager: Garry Tkachuk Procurement Manager: Todd Halina
> feedback@whitedm.com
www.businessreviewcanada.ca December 2010
99