Four production sites, three manufacturers operating in three provinces support the mission

The creation of innovative products, marketing initiatives aimed at connecting more closely with professionals and consumers, and continuous improvement are common denominators for three manufacturers who have just joined the program.

With facilities spread over three of Canada’s major regions, a total of 150 people work for these manufacturers.

 

Simpson Strong-Tie, with facilities in Brampton ON and Pitt Meadows BC, is a world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities.  

Founded in 1956, there are currently more than 3,200 employees and 250 engineers employed in offices, manufacturing facilities, research laboratories and distribution centers around the world. In Canada, there are 113 employees. 

“Simpson Strong-Tie makes 67 products in Canada, including structural connectors and other home improvement products,” says Dave Wilson, Branch Manager for Simpson Strong-Tie Canada. “Our sourcing and manufacturing practices are focused on bringing the highest-quality products to our customers, and we are proud to participate in and support the “Well Made Here” program.” 

Dedicated to offering rigorously tested, code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures the business has deep-rooted core values including providing exceptional service and support which are core to its mission. Among other priorities, there is a long-established focus on, environmental and social responsibility, as well as sustainability. 

 

 

OSBlock, a company founded in 2015 in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, manufactures a patented wall component made of wood panels and polystyrene with a revolutionary latch system. Lightweight, versatile, easy to move and assemble this block allows walls to be built like Legos. The block can be adapted to any type of home or building and, has a true insulating property value of R32 when the wall is assembled. 

“We know the demand for our revolutionary product is high. Linking it to the “Well Made Here” accreditation is calculated positioning that is not just in alignment with the pride we take in being a Canadian manufacturer but comes at a time when our company is experiencing sustained growth. We want our products to be accessible to building contractors and customers through the retail networks,” explains Tony Levesque, Director of Sales at OSBlock. 

In 2021, the manufacturer, which employs about ten people in Canada, and intends to triple its sales force in the coming months, carried out a major modernization of its facilities. An investment of $ 3.5M made it possible to equip the new 35,000 sq. ft. plant with an automated production line that will meet quality standards and market demand. 

 

TimberTough, a business with offices in the National Capital Region, makes raised planters, privacy and wind screen panels, as well as fully assembled and pre-stained wood fence panels. Eastern Hemlock is used for fence boards and Eastern White Cedar for the stringers, a combination that provides natural durability. The wood is sustainably sourced from Ontario and Quebec and the finishes are from Ontario. 

 “We founded TimberTough with the goal of developing a cost-effective, Canadian-made solution using locally sourced materials and, of course, ensuring the end-result would be affordable and tough enough to withstand the elements,” affirms Rob Windle, owner of TimberTough and Lanark Cedar. « Joining the program completes a much bigger picture. »  

Windle notes that the name “Well Made Here” brings together two concepts – Well Made + Made Here – and those notions fully resonate with him and the 10 performance-driven employees who are dedicated to using best practices in all things – production and service.