News

Born from a deep-rooted commitment to giving back, the Canerector Foundation has grown significantly since its launch in 2019 having now given a whopping $30 million in donations, with a minimum disbursement of 10 million annually. Philanthropy has long been a priority for the Hawkins family, owners of Canerector Inc. Now in its 3rd generation … Read More

Not every corporate executive can look back at a volcano-induced flight ban as one of his fondest memories from a career spent traveling the globe. Of course, Canerector Vice President Jonathan Puddy is not your run-of-the-mill executive. Throughout his career, he has embraced his work as he does his life – with joy and humor, … Read More

As we look ahead to a new year filled with exciting possibilities, we can’t help but reflect that our foundation for the future is built upon the legacies of our past. Every member of the Canerector family of companies plays a vital role in shaping who we are, together forming the strength that drives us … Read More

Canerector is proud to announce that Enerquin Air Inc. has joined our group. This marks the fifth acquisition of the year and, more importantly, a powerful partnership with our business, Paprima Industries. Together, the two companies will collaborate to deliver additional solutions to their shared market. For over 40 years, Enerquin has been a trusted … Read More

Canerector is excited to announce the acquisition of Promac Industries Inc., a move that strengthens our machining capabilities particularly in the energy services sector. “We’re thrilled to welcome Promac Industries to our network,” said Matt Warden, Canerector’s Senior Vice President. “Promac’s focus on downhole tooling and high-end machining, paired with its extensive technical knowledge in … Read More

Celebrating Our WBE Certification Can an achievement be remarkable and routine at the same time? Can it be worth celebrating while also being standard operating procedure? The answer to these questions can be found in the latest certification within Canerector. This year, several Canerector companies within Canada successfully completed Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification, an … Read More

We’re thrilled to welcome Jesse Waltman as our new Vice President of Finance. Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Canerector, with responsibilities spanning accounting and finance, M&A, HR, procurement, and legal within North American manufacturing, distribution, and marketing environments. Jesse’s passion for developing teams and making finance accessible to non-finance leaders makes … Read More

As we bid farewell to Kevin Stinson, our VP of Finance, we celebrate not just the accomplishments, but the values he’s embodied and instilled in our company. Kevin joined us at a pivotal time in October 2020, after a global challenge. Finding the right person had proved to be a challenge, but when we met … Read More

Of all the challenges business owners face while shepherding their organizations, perhaps none is more emotionally charged than that of making the decision to sell. In the case of multi-generational family-owned and run businesses, making that call can be even more difficult. Perhaps nobody understands this better than Tom and Wally Trepp who recently sold … Read More

Canerector, a leading industrial products and services provider, announced today the acquisition of Wyoming, USA-based Excal Inc., further strengthening its position in the casting industry served by its Foundrion Group.   “The acquisition of Excal Inc. marks the third acquisition in three months for Canerector’s Foundrion Group. It underscores our confidence in the foundry market and … Read More

Individually, they are great. Together, they are unstoppable.  No, this is not a reference to the Avengers. Although, like those fictional superheroes, Calibre exemplifies what can be accomplished when high achievers unite under one banner and work towards a common goal.  Calibre Industrial Group launched June 3rd, bringing together eight of Canerector’s leading fabrication and construction … Read More

Things are heating up at Canerector! We’re pleased to announce the acquisition of Riverside Foundry Inc., a strategic move that strengthens our position in the casting industry served by Foundrion Group. “We are delighted to welcome Riverside Foundry Inc. to Canerector’s Foundrion Group,” said Joe Tabak, Group President. “This acquisition expands Foundrion’s presence in our … Read More

In business, there are different schools of thought on what it takes to achieve long-term success. Some companies incentivize short-term gains giving the appearance of strength on the surface. Others prioritize belt-tightening and adopt complicated approval mechanisms where ‘No’ is the default. This can make it difficult to add more when necessary. And then there’s … Read More

Canerector, a leading industrial products and services provider, announced today the acquisition of Coronado Steel, a move that strengthens its position in the foundry industrial market, served by its Foundrion Group. The strategic acquisition underscores Canerector’s commitment to growth and its history of expansion through acquiring and investing in North American businesses that exhibit strong … Read More

Any fan of the classic story The Wizard of Oz will be familiar with the significance of Dorothy’s ruby slippers. They were the key to returning home and were with her the whole time, but she didn’t realize it. Essentially, they were hidden in plain sight. The same can be said for the wide variety … Read More

Continuous Machine Learning (CML) is a form of Artificial intelligence (AI) that allows computers to learn without being explicitly programmed to do so. It does this by monitoring and retraining models with newly acquired data. The intent is to, as closely as possible, reproduce a human’s ability to take in and fine-tune information continuously.  This … Read More

Standing on the precipice of retirement after a career in mechanical research and development (R&D), Dieter Hilker clearly recalls the boyhood moment that was a harbinger of things to come.  “When I was 15, I took apart my father’s Volkswagen and made a snow plane,” Hilker said. “I found a couple of bed frames and … Read More

  Don Basset, sitting on Greenworks Zero Turn lawnmower, and Robert Budohoski.   “In 60 years, I’ve never seen anything like this.” For Don Bassett to say this, it truly had to be something remarkable. Don was a founding partner when Brother’s Equipment Ltd. was launched in 1975 and is active with the company to … Read More

Reaching 50 successful years in business is no small feat. It would be easy for any company to rest on its laurels. But resting is not what Keddco Manufacturing is all about. According to President and General Manager Ron Pitre, success in the next 50 years requires a commitment to evolving and adapting to a … Read More

For our last network meeting, Quality leaders gathered in Toronto to get to know their peers and exchange on topics related to their field. Thank you to all attendees from different companies within Canerector located in Canada and the US for joining us for this event. Collaboration, An Important Success Factor Members of the Quality … Read More

Estimators from Canerector companies travelled from all over North America to meet in Toronto for the opportunity to network with their peers. Thank you to all the participants for taking the time to join us for this special event. Time Management Tools to Improve The estimating leaders participated to a workshop titled “Managing Time, Maximizing … Read More

Engineering leaders within Canerector had the opportunity to meet and connect during a network event in Toronto. We would like to thank all the attendees that joined us from across North America to engage with their peers. Innovative Thinking Is Key On the first day, the leaders took part to a workshop on innovative thinking … Read More

Central Machine and Marine (CMM) has stood as a significant pillar in the machining and fabrication industry for the last half century. On September 7th, that 50-year span of excellence was marked with an anniversary celebration that drew over 200 people from around the community. The entire staff donned commemorative shirts and enjoyed food, beverages, … Read More

To the casual observer, it may appear more like science fiction than science. A computer model of an object is gradually formed, slice by slice, through layers of light-sensitive liquid and ultraviolet light until the object is complete. This process of 3D scanning and printing is no work of fantasy. In fact, it may just … Read More

According to Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, women account for 48 percent of the Canadian labour force, and just 29 percent of the manufacturing workforce. While these numbers have a long way to go before we can claim to work in a gender-balanced industry, women who have pushed the envelope over recent decades have managed to move … Read More

In the world of manufacturing, leaders know that their businesses are only as healthy as their people and the equipment they use. As equipment ages, businesses can take advantage of the opportunity to bring in newer, more effective machinery—just ask the team at Nordstrong Equipment, who recently doubled their capacity with the well-timed purchase of … Read More

Canerector’s Amanda Hawkins was recently interviewed for a series focusing on women in family enterprise. Throughout the article, Amanda shares how early exposure to a myriad of roles, opportunities to work in plants and on job sites, and many challenges that tested her capabilities along the way ultimately afforded her the practical education she needed … Read More

Canerector Inc would like to announce that Prescor LLC has been acquired and will now be part of the Conrex Steel Ltd group of companies. The acquisition will expand the reach of Conrex Steel, one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of ASME-code heads for tanks and pressure valves, into the US market, providing expanded regional delivery … Read More

At Canerector, we believe success at our companies is driven by leaders who inspire, support, and challenge their teams to achieve excellence at every turn. To help them excel in their roles, we also recognize how important it is to support the leaders themselves by offering training and networking opportunities among their peers. For this … Read More

Across the Canerector community, businesses are thinking long-term and reinvesting in their operations by purchasing modern equipment that will help their teams work more efficiently, expand their current capabilities, and ultimately help them produce in higher volumes. For three of our companies in particular, the recent installation of their newest machines marked exciting steps forward … Read More

Stewart “Stew” Kerby March 7, 1936 – February 17, 2023 Years of Service: 1957 – 2007 It is with heavy hearts that we share the recent passing of a treasured friend and an important figure in Canerector’s history – the one and only Stewart “Stew” Kerby. Stew was born in Winnipeg in 1936, and moved … Read More

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Canerector Foundation Scholarships in Skilled Trades program. The Foundation has already contributed $1.75 million to support approximately 450 students with four leading colleges and is excited for new schools across Canada to join the program. The Canerector Foundation was established in late 2019 as a way … Read More

When a customer approached Gamma Foundries to manufacture a unique piece, they were intrigued. While Gamma has experience in the odd architectural shape, their team was surprised to learn that this was no ordinary request—they were asked to create a 22-foot-high statue comprising of 21 individual aluminum castings built around a steel frame, and designed … Read More

Canerector is proud to see Paprima Industries harnessing the power of technology to improve their customers’ operations. For many, the average “smart home”—complete with modern appliances all linked and controlled through the swipe of a smartphone—is the simplest example of the Internet of Things in our everyday lives. In an industrial capacity, however, and manufacturing … Read More

We have been very pleased with our previous network events, and are thrilled to see continued success. Our most recent network event was for the controllers of our companies. This event was this group’s first in-person gathering since the pandemic. It was a fantastic opportunity for accounting individuals to connect with their peers, share experiences … Read More

To connect our procurement network, we held an event for key individuals responsible for supply chain through our businesses. The first in-person event for this group since the pandemic, it was great to see our team from various companies and industries finding commonalities, sharing experiences and discussing approaches to procurement. Thank you to all the … Read More

Our production managers gathered in Toronto, where we hosted an opportunity for growth and further strengthening of our companies’ network. This seminar, the first in-person gathering for the group since prior to the pandemic, was a continuation of the virtual seminars series on developing management skills. We would like to thank the attendees that joined … Read More

As part of our long-term commitment to strengthening our network, sharing ideas, and developing our teams, we held an event for key sales individuals this month. This was our first in-person seminar since prior to the pandemic, when we initiated a series of virtual seminars, including one earlier this year for our Sales and Procurement … Read More

With our sincere respect and gratitude, Canerector announces the retirement of Richard Bélanger, President of Robert Mitchell Inc. Richard’s leadership skills have shone throughout his career. Richard Bélanger’s Early Beginnings with Robert Mitchell in the 1980s Richard received a diploma in college studies in motorized equipment. Upon graduation, his school sent his resume to Robert … Read More

Canerector is pleased to share that TIW Western Inc. (TIWW) has merged with Petro-Tech Heat Technology Inc. The combined product offering and engineering capabilities of these two companies will provide a single-source service unmatched anywhere else within the heat transfer industry. “With the merger, we have maintained the Petro-Tech brand and integrated the operations fully … Read More

During the Open House Celebration held on June 11, for Canerector’s 75th anniversary, we offered tours of the artwork adorning the walls of our corporate office building. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to work in an environment surrounded by inspiring art from talented artist Jarmila Kavena, and were honoured to share the … Read More

Photo above: Randy Lauder speaks to his peers after receiving his retirement recognition award at the 2022 Presidents Meeting. Canerector wishes to extend our thanks and appreciation to Randy Lauder on his 20 years with the company as he moves into retirement. Over the course of his time as president of MBB Power Services (MBB), … Read More

Photo above: Pierre Désormeaux and his wife Manon Côté stand with Canerector CEO Amanda Hawkins after his boardroom dedication ceremony at the 75th anniversary Canerector open house. It is with much joy and gratitude that Canerector announces the dedication of our boardroom in honour of retired vice president Pierre Désormeaux. Pierre’s work helped shape Canerector … Read More

In honour of our 75th anniversary, Canerector held an open house celebration on Saturday, June 11th. All of our presidents from across North America were in Toronto for our annual Presidents Meeting and joined our corporate office staff to celebrate this special occasion in person. Canerector’s Open House Takes Us Back to Its Humble Beginnings … Read More

It is with much pleasure that we, at Canerector, were able to resume our annual Presidents Meeting face-to-face this year. Following COVID-19, we have been eager for the wonderful opportunity to unite our company leaders in person. PRESIDENTS MEETING ROUNDTABLES & TRADE SHOW One of the many benefits of this gathering is the opportunity for … Read More

Canerector wants to extend our deepest thanks to Connexus President Cliff Lane for his service of 45 years. A charismatic family man who finds joy in all he does, Cliff Lane left his mark with many in the industry through his energetic personality and thoughtful leadership. In the beginning His career path started in 1977 … Read More

Canerector is working to support our businesses in helping them achieve success across all facets of their company. In our spring production seminar we focused on management training. At Canerector, we believe that great leadership is part of the recipe to great success within a corporate structure. And, we know that great leadership can only … Read More

Photo: The Labrador Metal Works team stand proudly together following the reopening of their company after closing their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Labrador Metal Works’ team has plenty to celebrate! The business is once again up and running after being shut down completely for almost two years. Hit hard by the … Read More

Spring Sales and Procurement Development Seminar At Canerector we value our long-term commitment to our companies and strive to provide them with access and opportunities to enhance growth, sales, and corporate success whenever possible. Our company leaders work hard with a goal to provide unparalleled service to their customers. We help them in that goal … Read More

Conrex Steel’s President Larry Harrison has been featured in MetalForming (MF) magazine for an informative Q&A. In a discussion with editor Brad Kuvin, Harrison provides an honest and open account of his management insights and learnings. Since he joined the company as president in 2017, Harrison has invested in changing the company culture to being … Read More

The team at Monett Metals Inc. was recently called on to bring another artist’s vision to life. Previously, we shared about Monett’s support of the creation of a memorial for 9/11 first responders. This time, Monett aided in the creation of a permanent art installation for the City of San Francisco, California. Monett poured a … Read More

Above Photo: The Hon. Doug Ford tours Conrex Steel’s new 3500-ton head press.  On Friday, November 19th, Conrex Steel unveiled North America’s largest ever head press. Ontario’s Premier, The Hon. Doug Ford, toured the facility and joined Canerector CEO, Amanda Hawkins, in congratulating Conrex Steel along with their partners on this project. “I love coming … Read More

Conrex Steel unveils new massive 3500-ton hydraulic press – the largest head press of its kind in North America. The project was lead by Conrex Steel in partnership with hydraulic press manufacturer, Macrodyne Technologies Inc., and with the support of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada. With facilities in Etobicoke and Kingston, ON, Conrex Steel specializes in … Read More

Douglas Barwick (DB) Piping Group celebrated their 50th anniversary this year, and also honoured employee John Jonkman’s 50 years of service. Their longest serving employee, plant manager Jonkman joined Douglas Barwick’s predecessor company when he was still in his late teens. To mark this significant milestone for the company, Jonkman helped unveil a 50-year plaque … Read More

As Canerector approaches its 75th anniversary in 2022, we thought it was time for a refresh! Our team is proud to announce the launch of our new website. We have spent many hours focusing on tailoring our website to bring you the latest information and news about Canerector and our businesses. Our new website provides … Read More

In 2022, Canerector will celebrate its 75th anniversary. To honour our heritage, we felt it was an appropriate time to refresh our logo. To understand how our logo evolved to where it is today, we must first look back to its origins. Rooted in historical significance, the logo’s evolution is one that has a unique … Read More

On June 30, 2021, John Beingessner retired from his position of President at the Aberfoyle Metal Treaters.  John started his career working through various roles in his family’s multi-generational heat treating business – B&W Heat Treating, before taking on the part of President and General Manager. His expertise in all facets of the business has been … Read More

A big congratulations to the team at Highland Foundry Limited! Not only are they celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, but they also won two safety awards from the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC: The Sapphire Safety Pinnacle Award The JHSC (Joint Health and Safety Committee) Excellence Award Founded in 1970, the team produces highly … Read More

As an organization, we have always looked for ways to give back to the communities where we operate and where our people live. Helping to make sure our communities are thriving is an important responsibility of anyone running a business. We are very pleased to share that we have created the Canerector Foundation, which will … Read More

On January 13, 2020, we acquired Quality Fabrication Inc., a precision sheet metal fabrication and machining business located in Los Angeles, California. QFI operates out of a 50,000 sq ft building and performs laser cutting, punching, bending, machining, welding, grinding and assembly operations, in addition to having a full in-house paint and silk-screening shop. The … Read More

The Monett Metals’ team had a rare opportunity when they were approached by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to support creation of a memorial for 9/11 first responders, survivors and members of the Manhattan community. Years after the 9/11 attacks, tens of thousands of people continue to struggle with medical conditions or have died due … Read More