See press release
Group photo from EuroCucina 2018
Due to recent changes with COVID-19 this event has been postponed and new dates will be announced in the future.
Be sure to mark Richelieu’s bi-annual Trends Event in your calendar.
Spend a day at Richelieu’s office and showroom in Mississauga seeing what’s new.
But that’s not all, Richelieu invites it’s many partners to show their products too and CKCA will be there too!
Thank you for attending CKCA’s second national roundtable discussion.
Facilitiated discussion
Guest Speaker: Ted Mallett, Chief Economist and CFIB Vice-President
Topic: COVID-19 has upended the operations and plans of businesses across the country and around the world. Along with pushing governments for measures to help offset the negative impacts, CFIB has been tracking and monitoring how Canadian businesses are reacting and responding. Ted provided an overview of the major trends to date and the possible pathways to recovery.
A recording of this presentation will be made available soon.
Watch for our next national discussion – date/topic TBA
Thanks to our Sponsor: CKCA Medical Benefit Group Provider
Another great CKCA event is coming your way and this time we’re headed to Ontario
Full Program Details – Coming Summer 2020
Sponsorship Opportunities: Coming Summer 2020
Registration: Coming Summer 2020
Member Rate – $415 (full package) Member Rate – $315 (one day rate)
Non Member Rate – $595 (full package) Non-member Rate – $495 (one day rate)
Note: Suppliers must be members of CKCA to be eligible to attend.
Accommodation:
Attention Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers!Get the control you always wanted and proof you never had before
Here’s a recording of our webinar from June 18, 2019 with Bridgit and Laurysen Kitchens
Listen here
What’s is all about?
CKCA has partnered with Bridgit, a proudly Canadian owned and operated software company that provides construction projects with simplified communications across all people, increases accountability and visibility, and improves quality.
How does it work?
Kitchen cabinet manufacturers get visibility on installations, decrease open service items and return visits, and get PO from clients sooner. This program improves relations with your builders and saves you money and time by having proof of how your product looked when you left the job site.
What our members say:
We have seen a remarkable decrease in open service items and return visits, along with an increase in billable work now that we have photos of every install. We track when the order is shipped, who installed it, complete with a deficiency report and photos of every room installed, showing that the area is clean and tidy before the installer left. We use this app so that the installers need to send pictures along with their billing in order for us to process their invoice. – Caroline Castrucci, Laurysen Kitchens
CKCA Members get more
CKCA and Bridgit have partnered to offer CKCA members a 20% discount!
Canadian innovation for Canadian manufacturers!
Thanks to all our sponsors!
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For those of you who took time from your busy schedule to attend – we thank you and hope you enjoyed this forum. CKCA believes that when you share information and ideas with others, the entire industry grows and evolves.
Scroll down for the recap and links to presentations. Also, thanks to our plant tour/showroom hosts and sponsors for making this event a success.
CONNECT – LEARN – PROSPER
Presentations from industry experts!
Thumbs up on great plant tours!
Roundtable discussions about topics that matter!
View the full recap with photos and links to presentations here.
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Thanks to all our sponsors!
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hear what manufacturers who attended Ligna and interzum thought of THIS “mega tour” program!CKCA took a group out of their shops for 8 days to see what’ going on internationally. It appears it was time well spent. Read on! In partnership with Hettich and Venjakob – 8 days in Europe attending Interzum and LIGNA shows plus amazing plant tours! Here’s what attendees told us about their experience: |
Register Now, Space is Limited!!
Use CKCAs special code for a 10% discount (members only)
CODE: CAWPCKCA
UBC – Online Certificate in Industrial Wood Finishing
A unique Industry Training Program
Once completed, learners will have knowledge and experience to do the following:
Course Registration (remember to use the CKCA code to receive a discount)
This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to start a finishing business or to improve an existing one.
Starts January 7, 2019 April 5, 2019
One week intensive practical April 1-5, 2019
The Industrial Wood Finishing Certificate is the only online finishing certificate program in North America. We have been teaching this course for over 15 years. Its a combination of 3 months of practical online learning followed by a 5-day intensive hands-on practical session.
Dr. Phil Evans is a Professor in UBCs Faculty of Forestry. He has taught wood science and wood utilization in universities in the UK , Australia and North America for more than twenty years, and his research has focused on wood surface properties and the development of methods to enhance the aesthetics and durability of finishes on wood for both interior and exterior applications.
Website: www.cawp.ubc.ca/training
Email: jason.chiu@ubc.ca
Tel: 604 822-0082
Jason Chiu, B.Sc
Managing Director
UBC Centre for Advanced Wood Processing
2939 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Tel: 604 822-0082 Email: jason.chiu@ubc.ca
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 »
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.
“What we have seen at both Interzum and Ligna are things we are able to seen online. That said, there is nothing like seeing it live, and in the scale (grandiose) it was presented. There is nothing like being there live and being able to touch and feel. The quality and quantity
of just everything was just overwhelming! 
CKCA and Hettich once again partnered-up for anther successful 2019 Interzum and Ligna tour in Germany and this time Venjakob joined in the program! The trip spanned 9 days, with members spending 1.5 days at Interzum, 2.5 days at Ligna, 1 Day at Hettich’s Head Office and production facilities as well as a guided tour of Venjakob’s state of-the art manufacturing facility and a tour of Nobilia’s showroom.Mixed in with this was some leisure time, including Hettich’s customer appreciate party, Volkswagen plant tour, city tours and night time dinners as well as free-time to tour some of Germany’s most iconic attractions. Overall, the event was another success and the CKCA members connected with one another, sharing stories, ideas and experiences. We are looking forward to the next Interzum and Ligna shows in 2021 and hope even more members come out and join in the experience.