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Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group

The CKCA Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group (AMPG) is a national initiative led by members of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association. 

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The AMPG brings together cabinet manufacturers who are committed to improving productivity, quality, and competitiveness through automation, digital workflows, and continuous improvement.

Whether you’re just getting started or already piloting advanced systems, AMPG gives you access to tools, insights, and a community of like-minded businesses to help you grow smarter, not just bigger.

Who is this for?

Canadian cabinet manufacturers of any size who are looking to modernize and collaborate.

Why does it matter?

Because going it alone is costly and slow, but together, we can share ideas, avoid common pitfalls, and drive industry-wide innovation that benefits everyone.

Automate 2026 – June 22-25, 2026.
Chicago, Illinois

Learn more

AMPG is looking into attending this show to inspire and access new technologies for our industry.

If you want to attend with other manufacturers in the kitchen cabinet industry, join AMPG today.

Contact Us

Key Member Benefits

Here’s what you get by joining AMPG

Monthly peer group meetings with facilitated learning and discussion

Access to pilot projects like the vision system, Part Porter 100, and more

Self-audit tools and a BEST site assessment framework

Support developing your custom automation roadmap

Benchmarking data and shared performance insights

Early access to tested technologies with lower cost and risk

Help navigating grant and funding opportunities

Case studies and practical examples from leading member shops

A national network of peers solving similar challenges

Promotion of your efforts as an innovation leader in the industry

Pilot Projects & Innovation Pipeline

Vision Inspection System

A turnkey camera-and-software system piloted at Muskoka Cabinets, this setup detects part defects in real-time and alerts operators, reducing rework and enabling root cause analysis. Results are aggregated into a “defect causation library,” and costs are projected as low as $20–50K per line depending on complexity.

“This technology gives our team immediate feedback and improves quality without adding headcount.”

Suggested Contributor:
Luke Elias

Part Porter 100
Autonomous Mobile Robot

Designed to eliminate wasted time spent walking parts around the shop, the Part Porter 100 can transport up to 225 lbs, operate for up to 16 hours, and follow custom routes. It’s cloud-connected and requires minimal training.

“We realized just how much time was being wasted once we automated material handling.”

Suggested Contributor:
Another AMPG pilot shop or supplier

Upcoming Projects: Automated Box Assembly Line

In development now, this system aims to reduce manual assembly labor and improve consistency and throughput. Ideal for high-mix, high-volume shops looking to streamline cabinet body construction. Join AMPG and participate in collaborative conversations with our industry to bring this new technology to life.

Contact Us

“This could be a game-changer for final assembly — one of the last manual bottlenecks.”

Suggested Contributor:
Innovation partner or integrator

Examples from Audits

We use a simple but powerful self-assessment tool that helps member shops evaluate their current state across key automation and operational areas. Results highlight quick wins and shape a tailored roadmap for improvement.

Manual data entry, inconsistent flow, no process monitoring

Standardized digital workflows, downtime tracking, and automated part scanning

Become an AMPG Member

Join a growing group of companies leading the future of cabinet manufacturing in Canada.

Register Now

Want to be listed? Join the peer group and become part of the movement.

Rishelle Tarr

Westwood Cabinetry

Rishelle Tarr is a dedicated operations leader with a strong background in finance, sales, and business development. She joined Westwood Cabinetry in 2018 and currently serves as Director of Business Operations, where she plays a key role in scaling the company’s multi-family and B2B cabinetry channels across Canada. With a career spanning finance and operational strategy, Rishelle brings a process-driven mindset and a passion for growth and innovation to her work. As a new voice in the cabinet manufacturing space, Rishelle offers fresh insight into evolving market trends and the next generation of industry leadership. Rishelle is excited to serve on the CKCA Board of Directors, where she aims to support industry connection, knowledge-sharing, and a strong future for Canadian cabinetry.

Craig Atkinson

Marathon Hardware

Founded in 1990, Marathon began with a simple concept; to provide excellent customer service to the woodworking trade by offering affordable high-quality hardware and the best customer support in the industry. Over the last 30 years, we have been dedicated to our customers by creating a company with these cornerstone ideals. Craig joined Marathon in 2011, taking charge of their technology and web, and later all marketing. With extensive operations from BC to Ontario, Marathon takes pride in building long term relationships with its customers. Craig believes that the mission of the CKCA is in direct relation to Marathon’s approach to doing business. By building working relationships based upon trust and mutual respect, everyone moves forward together.

James Dewinetz headshot

Treasurer

James Dewinetz

CPA, CMA – Pacific Rim Cabinets

James has been around the cabinet industry his whole life, working in factories as a summer job. His father started Pacific Rim Cabinets in 1997 to manufacture custom cabinets solely for export to Japan. Over the years, while Japan remains an integral part of the company’s history and sales, Pacific Rim Cabinets now deals primarily with the custom home builders, designers and architects around Vancouver and the lower mainland of BC manufacturing custom kitchens, bathroom vanities, entertainment units, closets, fireplace surrounds, offices, among others.
James began working at Pacific Rim Cabinets in 2010 as the company’s accountant, he completed his CMA designation in 2012 and became the company’s President in 2018.

James works with the CKCA President and the Executive Director to manage and monitor the CKCA Finances on a regular basis. What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to James? Click here»

Gerald Van Woundenberg

Van Arbour Design

Gerald is owner of Van Arbour Design based in Vancouver, BC. In business for more than 34 years, Gerald is a first generation Canadian with Dutch roots. Gerald loves building and knowing how something works. He is committed to change in an ever changing world and always looks for the best and most effective ways to do things. Gerald’s business is intensively client-driven: quality first, with integrity and honesty and transparency in the process. Gerald has been a presenter at the CKCA National Forum and is now pleased to be a member of the Board of Directors.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Gerald?
Click here »

Chris Havey

CNC Automation

Chris joined CNC Automation in March 2022 after 19 years at Deslaurier Custom Cabinets where he was a member of the senior leadership group and held the role of manager of supply chain and new product introduction (NPI). As a seasoned operations and supply chain professional, Chris brings tremendous insight and knowledge, both from the viewpoint of a manufacturer and now as a supplier. Chris is results-driven and prides himself on his work. He loves this industry and approaches it with passion and vigor. It is the same passion that has driven Chris to want to be on the CKCA Board of Directors. Chris was elected to the Board on June 15, 2023 to serve his first 3 year term. What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Chris? Click here»

James Mckenna

Glenwood Kitchen

James McKenna graduated with a business degree from Saint Francis Xavier University. After working in the natural gas industry in Toronto, James returned home to run the new family business Glenwood Kitchen Ltd.

Glenwood manufactures custom cabinetry and has been in business for 50 years. Mr. McKenna was finalist for Entrepreneur of the year award with Ernst & Young and his company has won the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award.

James volunteers with numerous charities and was awarded the Paul Harris fellowship award. Recently, he was recognized by Junior Achievement as volunteer of the year and by NB literacy coalition for his corporate responsibility

Rick Hurst

Richelieu Hardware

Rick has more than 45 years of industry experience and has been an active voice and advocate for the evolution of kitchen cabinets in the Canadian market. From the euro conversion of cabinets replacing face frames to the various evolution of drawers, hinges, lighting, accessories, and motion technology, Rick has seen and also led a lot of the big events that drive consumer demand and have pushed the industry in an upscale direction. Himself a passionate woodworker with his own home workshop, Rick offers the unique skill combination of understanding the industry and cabinetry from sales to design to innovation, right down to the nuts and bolts of making a cabinet hardware solution work.

Rick was previously a member of the CKCA board for 27 years, serving on all CKCA committees during his tenure. Rich has also served as a board member of AWMAC (approximately 10 years) and the NKBA (approximately 5 years) as well as 10 years in his homeowner’s association, including 3 as president. 

Craig Bauslaugh

Columbia Cabinets

Craig Bauslaugh is the Chief Improvement Officer at Columbia Cabinets, a Canadian cabinet manufacturer, with 170 production staff. He studied Arts at Laurentian University, where he competed on the varsity basketball team, demonstrating a strong commitment to teamwork and high performance. Craig earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Purdue University and is currently expanding his leadership skills through executive education at Stanford University. He designs and manages programs that enhance operational efficiency and consistency, while leading process improvement, production optimization, and cross-functional initiatives aligned with the company’s strategic vision. Craig also delivers Lean and continuous improvement training to management teams at all levels, and is passionate about building dynamic teams and fostering a culture of continuous growth.

Trevor Chaulk

Chaulk Woodworking

Trevor has been in the trades for more than 26 years, starting off with 10 years in the tool and die industry in the Toronto area.  After moving to Haliburton Highlands, Ontario in 2007, he started a small cabinetry company.  Since then, they have grown to be the largest cabinetry shop in their local area.  Trevor and his wife Angela understand the dynamics of starting, building and running a cabinetry shop in today’s time, while raising three children.  He has always had a passion for woodworking, designing and building things.  After joining the CKCA as a member in 2016, he was enthusiastic about what they were doing and had to offer.  Trevor has a keen interest in seeing the Canadian cabinetry and manufacturing industry learn, grow and thrive.  What’s the biggest advantage to CKCA membership according to Trevor? Check it out here»

Giuseppe Castrucci

Laurysen Kitchens

Giuseppe is Past Vice-President of Marketing & Sales at Laurysen Kitchens in Ottawa. Giuseppe’s wife, Caroline Castrucci  previously served on the CKCA Board and served as President of CKCA. Laurysen Kitchens was established in 1970 and began as a business operating out of the garage of John Laurysen with just 1,200 square feet. With more than 55,000 square feet of manufacturing space this family run business continues to thrive and a third generation is now very actively involved in the business. Giuseppe brings a wealth of experience having served on various Boards over the years including currently President of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, Chairman of the Kitchen & Bath Program at Algonquin College Business Advisory Board, Chair of the Design Excellence Awards Committee for NKBA Ottawa. Giuseppe has a passion for cars and is also Chairman of the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival. He was Knighted by the Royal House of Savoia Charity and also by the Ethiopian Order of the Lion Charity.

What’s the biggest advantage of being a CKCA member according to Giuseppe? Read here»

Joerg Brauns

2020

Joerg Brauns is part of the Manufacturing Team at 2020. In 2001, Joerg moved to Canada to open an office for a Germany Software Company. Acquired by 2020 Technologies in 2005, Joerg held several leadership positions at 2020. With over 20 years of experience in the woodworking industry around the world, Joerg has managed ERP implementations and led a team of professional engineers and consultants, before managing new and existing manufacturing accounts around the world. Joerg is also a member of 2020’s worldwide Factory leadership team.

He is a strong believer that the collaboration between like-minded people will allow all of us to grow.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Jeorg?
Click here »

 

Sandra Wood headshot

Secretary and Executive Director

Sandra Wood

CMP

Sandra has worked in the not-for-profit sector for more than 30 years. Having worked for many different associations in education, medical and now wood sector. Sandra brings a universal perspective based on hands-on experience.  She is passionate about not-for-profits because they work to support their members and the industry. Sandra enjoys “connecting the dots” and facilitating strong networking opportunities to engage members. She believes Associations are about fostering strong business relationships fueled by an empathic and sound business approach. She is an experienced public speaker, writer and has served on various Boards as a Director. She brings a well rounded perspective to CKCA.

Pete Fournier headshot

Past-President

Pete Fournier

Triangle Kitchen

Pete is an experienced entrepreneur – he started his first company at the age of 19 and has held a managerial role for 20 years.  After finishing his degree in Wood Products Processing at the University of British Columbia, he joined the Triangle Group in 2000, where they currently employ more than 100 staff.  Pete is responsible for all aspects and functions of new business development, product development, facility expansion and new markets. Pete previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Wood Manufacturing Council, was President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association and is also an independent Board Member for a private Nano technology company called Metamaterials Technologies Inc.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Pete? Click here »

Vice-President

Luke Elias

Muskoka Cabinet Company

Luke has been in the industry for more than 30 years and only loves his family more than his pursuit of advancing technology in business.  Luke is passionate about technology in manufacturing and in 1989 started implementing computer hardware and software to improve office to shop communications. Early on Luke invested in cutting and optimization software and invested in a a Nested Based Manufacturing in 2000.  Today Luke is co-founder of SMARTMRP Inc. an ERP/MES automation software specifically designed for the woodworking industry. With SMART at its core, Muskoka boasts one of the most advanced panel processing cells in the world, utilizing Robotics, RFID, ERP and an AGV, for machining, sorting, labeling, transporting and tracking parts. These innovations have resulted in Muskoka having output three times the industry average. Luke believes the key to survival and growth is through integration of processes and automated sharing of information within the organization.

President

Amrita Bhogal

Sunrise Kitchens

Amrita is an enthusiastic HR professional whose focus is to elevate people’s mindset and coach them to live a continuous improvement lifestyle. She has always had an entrepreneurial mindset and turned her passion for helping people into a pursuit of Human Recources in University. Nine months into her career she was introduced to the principles of Kaizen and since then adopted these principles in her life. Presently she is educating the workforce at Sunrise Kitchens on learning to use Kaizen principles in daily tasks at work and at home. Amrita has been a Board member on the Surrey Board of Trade in BC and is a recipient of the Wood Manufacturing Council’s HR Award for Innovation 2020 and has spoken at numerous CKCA events and continues to write and publish articles in CKCA newsletters and other media. 
What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Amrita? Click here»