What made these companies successful?

CKCA is proud of all its members. Canada has an excellent reputation worldwide for it’s woodworking skills and our history goes back a long way. But in this modern era, how do companies remain competitive while still offering a highly customizable product? Each company has carved out (no pun intended!) their own path and their stories,  their passion and commitment will have you wanting to work with them – and we want that too. We want consumers to buy Canadian-build kitchen cabinetry and there are so many excellent reasons to work with CKCA members.

In 2023 we collected a number of stories to share and inspire.What are the ingredients for success? Be sure to check out what these members say here.

Funding Snapshot: BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BC-MJF)

The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (MJF) is investing up to $180M in manufacturing projects throughout B.C. This is designed to help manufacturing companies modernize, innovate, and grow by providing funding for capital projects in all regions in B.C., particularly in communities affected by economic impacts or downturns.

Program Stream:

  • Project Readiness Stream: Funding to complete final-stage business and project planning, including operational and technical assessments. Project Readiness proposals must lead to a planned capital project aligned with Capital Investment criteria.
  • Capital Investment Stream: Funding to invest in new or renovated manufacturing infrastructure, technology, equipment, and processes, including renovating idle industrial buildings such as an unused mill site.

Funding Amount:

  • Project Readiness Stream
  • 50% up to max. $50,000 of total eligible costs
  • Capital Investment Stream
  • Up to an average of 20% max. $10,000,000 of total eligible costs

Eligible Applicants: must

  • Be registered to do business in B.C.
  • Operate in the manufacturing sector, i.e., create products using industrial or mass-production processes
  • Have established operations (at the proposed project location or elsewhere)
  • Have an established employee base
  • Be in a viable financial position

Eligible Projects: must

  • Be located in B.C.
  • Contribute to long-term regional economic growth, sustainability, and/or diversification
  • Be financially viable and leverage market demand
  • Create, maintain, or diversify stable, well-paying job opportunities for local workers
  • Have a high degree of readiness and bring direct benefits to regional communities
  • Demonstrate alignment with program goals

Eligible Project Costs:

  • Project Readiness Stream
  • Business plans
  • Market assessments
  • Operational plans
  • Financial plans and costing
  • Risk analyses
  • Operational and technical assessments

Capital Investment Stream

  • Capital expenditures (equipment, machinery, technology, and construction materials)
  • Wage or contract costs for net new project-specific labor
  • Professional, contractor, and subcontractor fees
  • Freight or material transportation costs
  • Installation and implementation costs
  • Other time-limited costs directly related to project implementation

Timeline:

  • Funding Decisions will take approx. 12 weeks
  • Projects should be completed within two to three years of commencement.
  • Program is accepting applications and will remain open until all funds are allocated.

For more information:

Jeff Dumart

Director, Client Services

Mentor Works, a Ryan Company

Mobile: 519-465-7455

Email: jeff.dumart@ryan.com 

Website: MentorWorks.ca

 

 

 

Why Buy Canadian built?

There are lots of reasons to buy Canadian built kitchen cabinets. Not only is our industry filled with talented, skilled workers, there is a great sense of pride and accomplishment in we do.

Creating beautiful spaces where people live is at the heart of what motivates manufacturers of kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. But it’s more than that. Many of CKCA’s members build a wide range of products from closets, to living room to mudroom and hallway cabinets.

So don’t just think to work with one of our members for your kitchen, consider working with them for all your projects. But most importantly, shop Canadian built and here’s why…

  • Canada is innovative and our manufacturers follow latest trends to bring you the most current European designs without having to pay higher prices to bring product from Europe.
  • Canada uses the same construction methods as Europe.
  • Get access to customized work that fits your space, why compromise with annoying gaps or tight spaces that aren’t funtional?
  • We’re a Canadian industry that understands the unique needs of Canadian consumers.
  • Our industry is focused and specialized on both design and build, you’re not just getting cupboards, you’re getting industry experts who understand the Canadian climate and our unique needs like very functional mudrooms for all those winter boots!
  • Canada is well respected world-wide for its wood crafting, we are excellent cabinetmakers!
  • CKCA members may carry the only Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacturing certification in Canada, this credential gives the consumer a level of quality assurance you cannot get anywhere else (please click here for a list of certified CKCA member manufacturers).
  • Support the local Canadian Economy – employ local people and support local businesses.
  • Avoid the hidden extra costs of duties and import fees.
  • Quality lead times – reduced wait time caused by shipments from overseas, helps local sales service
  • Local after sales service, ease of warranty issue dilemmas.
  • Our products meet Canada’s Health and Safety standards due to the high regulation of our industry as a result our products keep us all safe.
  • Direct impact on our economy in positive ways, every dollar that is spent in Canada buying Canadian products has a ripple effect. We contribute to the large tax revenue base that helps fund our government programs.
  • You help to create and support manufacturing jobs in Canada which in turn provides more workers who will pay taxes, spend money buying other goods and services that maintains a healthy Canadian economy, nationally, provincially and locally.
  • You help reduce the carbon footprint when you buy a Canadian Cabinet. Far less transportation costs.
  • Melamine used in cabinet construction meets or exceeds the HUD Standards for emissions.
  • Water based finishes help to reduce our VOC’s and helps protect our environment.
  • Our workers are paid and treated fairly, work in a safe and sanitary environments.
  • Canadian kitchen companies meet and/or exceed high employment standards.
  • Buying Canadian is patriotic and makes you feel good that your consumer dollars are going to fellow Canadians and keeping our economy strong.

The Future of the Kitchen Cabinet Industry

The Future of the Kitchen Cabinet Industry

Presented: October 1, 2022

CKCA National Forum, Waterloo, Ontario

Presenters:

Luke Elias, Muskoka Cabinet Company

Tommy Gagnon, Automa Tech Robotik

Jason Varelli, Biesse

Peter Mate, Planit Canada

 

Luke

  • Importance of collecting and analyzing data and how Muskoka uses RFID for data collection.
    How data can be used to find the “gold” on our factory floors and to help employee buy-in when it comes to implementation and benefits of new technology.
  • Luke also touched on Industry 5.0 and the vital communication and interfaces between people and the connected factory.

Tommy

  • The labor shortage it’s here to stay. We can see a labour movement from the shop to the office
  • Automation is not just robot or machine, it’s also software. The complete value chain must be analysis to see the opportunity
  • Advice for automation:  Start with you strategic plan, then move to VSM (value stream mapping) and after that do your automation project
  • You need to control your data and understand them. You cannot rely on external resources to control that for you
  • Automation project should be seen as an investment for the sustainability of your company. Yes, ROI is very important, but you now need to enter in your equation your long-term ability to produce
  • Automation requires project management: software or project, you cannot see that as a standard machine
  • The market will change. There’s an opportunity for the smaller company to take market share from the bigger one. There’s a decision to make to do the manufacturing or not: people that don’t invest will have trouble to compete in the future.

Jason

  • When you have more automated lines you have fewer people on the line but higher level individuals, which in my opinion is easier to find as those people are more engaged and “own” the line.
  • Planning is something most people fail miserably at.  This is a big topic; I’m talking plant layout, data in place and ready when needed, required space for the desired productivity.
  • Automation for smaller companies.  I give you an example, in the US about 4 weeks ago at the KCMA meeting (Sept 2022) when the top 3 cabinet companies in the organization decided to leave the organization.  There was a lot of “smaller” companies who told us as the associate members they will invest a lot in automation to take as much market share as possible from those big 3.  This message came from both larger companies, but a lot where the ones are currently at 100-300 cabinets per shift.

Peter

  • Attitude and aptitude will set the tone of your technology journey. It’s not perfect, so don’t go into it expecting it to be.
  • Training and good support is critical. We all have access to the same technology. The benefits you get from technology is greatly impacted by the humans using it and their knowledge. Commit to continuous training and learning.
  • To attract and retain younger talent, we must change our view of work. Focus on the results you are looking for and structure the job requirements to enable employees to figure out how to get the best output. A job is more than just a paycheck. It’s a huge part of our lives. This is our chance to make something amazing rather than the same old mundane.

Helping consumers make smart choices for their future

Read full article here.

Blum Canada is known for it’s research into ergonomic designs. This marries well with an emerging trend to “age in place” or “live in place”. Kitchen cabinet manufacturers have an opportunity to develop expertise to help their customers build or renovate their living spaces to accommodate their needs for today and the future.

As we see the largest aging population in history head to retirement, their wish to remain in place has been augmented after the last 3 years of Covid shutdowns. Now more than ever, its important our industry be prepared to help consumers make smart choices for their future.

This article help you to better understand the differences between aging in place versus living in place, as well as provides informative statistics that will have you thinking differently about how you build.

We’ve spoken with Lucy Traetto, Sales and Marketing Representative for over 22 years at Blum Canada Ltd. Lucy holds credentials including CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) and CLIPP (Certified Living in Place Professional). Lucy is an expert on this subject and a wealth of knowlege that she is keen to share with the kitchen cabinet industry.

 

CKCA supporting members with their skilled labour shortage concerns

August 2022

Written by Chris George, CG&A Communications and CKCA Communications Advisor

We have all become too familiar with the realities of Canada’s skilled labour shortages. Two-thirds of Canadian businesses struggle to hire workers and a quarter have difficulties retaining employees. Skills Canada documents a 40 per cent shortage in skilled trades today and this is projected to grow as workers age and retire.

Certainly, the country’s skilled labour shortage is impacting all areas of Canada’s business community. Given its critical importance, CKCA is actively supporting its membership by keeping a pulse on the issues at play and by providing tools for members to profile their businesses and attract new employees.

CKCA keeps its members abreast of the latest news, whether it is the data from Statistics Canada Labour Report or a new government program for skilled trades. For example, recently a 2022 StatsCan study was shared that provided current insights into private sector business strategies to deal with personnel recruitment, retention and training.

A 3M Canada survey tells us that there is much work to still be done to attract students to consider a career in skilled trades. Even though 96 per cent agree that the country’s workforce needs more skilled trades workers, three in four Canadians (76 per cent) say they would never pursue a skilled trade for themselves.

This 3M survey also revealed that nine in 10 (92 per cent) believe there is a lot of opportunity in skilled trades, and 91 per cent trust vocational or trade schools to give them the education needed to have a successful career. Eight in 10 (81 per cent) believe they would earn as much money in a skilled trade as they would in a career that requires a university degree.

With this appreciation for skilled trades, it remains a wonder why young people do not consider a career in a trades business. In a recent Forbes Magazine interview, CEO Mark Perna of consulting firm TFS urged employers to target messaging about the value of skilled trade careers to young workers, their parents, friends, classmates and teachers. Also, Perna asserts young people need to know more about the significant financial incentives in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

On this point, CKCA is supporting its members by developing materials that better describes our businesses and the varied career opportunities within our industry. The Communications Committee is developing presentations for business and community meetings, for student tours, school visits and to share with guidance and career counsellors.

Statistics tell us that skilled labour challenges will be with all trades, manufacturers and retailers for years to come. We must all plan accordingly. CKCA’s efforts on this issue are aimed to give members a competitive advantage when dealing with the attraction and retention of employees.

Kitchen Spot is growing at a comfortable pace

Mustafa Mohammed opened up his new business in May 2021 and decided from the get go to build a solid foundation for his business that will grow steadily. This story demonstrates there are many ways to hire and sometimes a little creativity can go a long way to finding people that you would never think would be interested. It’s a great story for anyone in HR who is hiring and/or looking to grow their company.

Read story here»

CKCA launches Manufacturers Roundtable – Monthly

FACT: Manufacturers are facing unprecedented challenges and the need to connect with each other has never been greater.

Exclusive and FREE to Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers across Canada!
Sign up is easy!
Just email us to get the calendar reminder and Zoom link details.

How?

Zoom calls monthly, attend whenever you wish, same Zoom link, doesn’t matter if there’s 2 people or 30, we’ll run it!

When?

Last Thursday of every month 1 – 2 pm (ET) – Starts March 31 (ET)

Who?

Must be: Kitchen cabinet manufacturer or Dealer in Canada

Agenda?

Nope! We want this to be informal, free flow convo!
Can’t always commit?
That’s ok, attend some, skip some whatever suits your schedule

Handhills Cabinets shows how capable their machinery really is

Handhills Cabinets, is  a proud member of CKCA based in Hanna, Alberta.

Recently they had a large commercial job that required plywood shelving.

With solid 3/4 strip wood on the front edges,– vs just some thin PVS edge, and without the options on this machine, Handhills admits they could not have bid on the job. What they found different about the machine is that only larger and really heavy duty machines can actually apply an edge that thick ( 3/4″ ) most only go to ( 3/8″ ) or smaller. The unit in video 3– is again a unit found only on larger machines, so they would never want to do without it, –unless you only ever want to straight kitchen cabinets.

Handhills Cabinets says “If you do both residential and commercial, it pays to spend a little more on a machine with more options.”

Video 1 – Feeding in and applying 3/4″ thick solid lumber to apply onto a commercial shelving job, using waterproof PUR adhesive.
Video 2 – Showing front and back trim cutting off excess overhand
Video 3 – Rough trimmer units – trimming applied piece flush to panel
Video 4 – Profile units putting a smaller chamfer edges