Kitchen cabinet manufacturing comes in many forms and Woodoer, located in Oakville, ON is a great example of a company that started from scratch in 2012 that saw a gap in the market for high-quality, custom kitchen cabinets and components manufacturing. The company was built to serve cabinetmakers and contractors with precision-crafted manufactured products. We spoke with Alain Albert, CEO & Owner about the way he has built his company and why it enjoys tremendous success today.
- Woodoer is not just a cabinet shop, we are a comprehensive solutions provider for cabinetmakers and contractors.
- We build strong relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs and delivering customized solutions.
- We envision Woodoer as a leader in Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS), continually setting new industry standards and located in multiple urban centres across Ontario.
- We are proud of our ability to deliver high -quality, custom solutions that meet our clients’ needs. Our success is reflected in our growing client base and positive feedback from satisfied customers.
CKCA: Tell us a bit more about you and the company?
Alain: We produce 80 cabinets per day and are continually growing to meet increasing demand. We are a dedicated team of 12 employees who ensure our operations runs smoothly and we work in a space of 12,000 sq. ft. I’ve been in the industry for over 35 years and the experience and insights I gained have been crucial in shaping the success of Woodoer.
We specialize in custom kitchen cabinets, closets, wallbeds, and other furniture components fabrication leveraging CNC equipment and automated manufacturing technology. Our focus on LEAN manufacturing principles ensures efficiency, quality, and sustainability in all our processes. We are strictly a business-to-business factory, and we don’t sell to the public.
Because of our location and proximity to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), the location allows us to serve a large local market efficiently while also benefitting from the robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment that Oakville offers. Our clientele primarily consists of cabinetmakers and contractors. We serve B2B clients who value precision, quality, and timely delivery. Our products are designed to meet the needs of manufacturers and builders looking for reliable and customizable solutions.
CKCA: How does your background help your business today?
Alain: Before starting Woodoer I worked in various roles within the manufacturing and design sectors. My background includes experience with a leading organization focused on innovation in manufacturing processes. This experience taught me the importance of efficiency, technology integration, and continuous improvement, which are core to Woodoer’s operations. My previous experience with architecture and industrial design also gave me a good ability to solve problems and come up with innovative solutions for the benefit of our customers.
CKCA: What differentiates you in the market?
Alain: Our commitment to LEAN manufacturing principles and our use of advanced CAD/CAM and CNC technology. We provide custom solutions tailored to our client’s needs, ensuring high-quality, precise, and efficient production. Our focus on full customization for every customer differentiates us in the market. We think of ourselves as our customer’s on-demand manufacturing department. Woodoer is dedicated to quality, innovation, and customer service. Our use of advanced technology and LEAN manufacturing principles ensures we offer superior products at competitive prices and on-time delivery.
CKCA: Tell us about some of the unique projects you have done?
Alain: We’ve developed many innovative new features or components that make our customers’ life much better. For example, we’ve received a patent application for an innovative hanging system for closet organizers that allow for flat packing the components and make it very easy for installation. We’ve also developed an innovative L-filler that we call the SuperScribe which makes it super easy for the installer to scribe the fillers to walls and ceilings to get a perfect fit. There are many examples of improvements we we’ve made over the years based on input from our customers or ideas from our team members.
CKCA: You recently expanded, why?
Alain: The recent expansion and renovation were driven by our need to accommodate growing demand and to further improve our production efficiency. The goal is to enhance our capacity, integrate more advanced technologies, and create a better working environment for our team. The industry is moving towards greater automation, sustainability, and customization. In the next 5-10 years, we expect technological advancements to drive efficiency and innovation. At the same time, people will specialize in different aspects of the industry to become more efficient. Woodoer is positioning itself for this future by investing in its team, advanced machinery, sustainable practices, and continuous improvement.
AI has the potential to revolutionize the wood industry by improving precision, efficiency and customization. At Woodoer, we are beginning to integrate AI for project engineering and optimizing of our production schedules.
CKCA: What’s next in Tech for Wooder?
Alain: Technology is at the heart of Woodoer’s operations. We continuously upgrade our software and machinery to incorporate the latest advancements in CNC technology and automation. Next, we plan to explore AI-driven solutions to further optimize our manufacturing processes and improve product quality. AI has the potential to revolutionize the wood industry by improving precision, efficiency and customization. At Woodoer, we are beginning to integrate AI for project engineering and optimizing of our production schedules. This helps minimize downtime and enhance overall productivity.
CKCA: How are you navigating the highs and lows in the market these days?
Alain: Woodoer is agile and responsive to market fluctuations. We diversify our product offerings and maintain strong relationships with a diverse client base to ensure a steady stream of work. By focusing on LEAN manufacturing, we can quickly adapt to changes and maintain efficiency, keeping our business stable and busy.
CKCA: What are some of the challenges and how do you respond to them?
Alain: Supply chain disruptions and fluctuating material costs are significant challenges. We address these by maintaining strong supplier relationships, optimizing our inventory management, and exploring alternative materials. Additionally, investing in technology helps us improve efficiency and reduce waste, mitigating some of these challenges.
CKCA: What do you think are the ingredients for success in this industry?
Alain: A commitment to quality, continuous improvement and innovation. Building strong relationships with clients and suppliers, investing in advanced technology, and maintaining a skilled and motivated team are also crucial. Lastly, staying adaptable and responsive to market changes ensures long- term success. or full home millwork packages and more for smaller spaces in volume.
CKCA: For those entering the industry or struggling in the industry, what’s the message?
Alain: We need to highlight the exciting opportunities for innovation and creativity. Promoting the use of advanced technology, sustainable practices, and the potential for career growth can make the industry more appealing. Providing educational programs and hands-on training can also help spark interest among young people.
CKCA: You recently hosted a CKCA local meetup at your shop. What was the motivation?
Alain: It aligns with our commitment to fostering community and collaboration within the industry. A meetup provides a platform for sharing knowledge, networking and discussing industry trends and challenges. We believe that coming together helps drive innovation and growth for everyone.
CKCA: Any final message?
Alain: At Woodoer, we are passionate about what we do and dedicated to delivering our clients the best possible products and services. We look forward to innovating and growing and always strive to exceed expectations and set new industry standards.
