Helical Works Company Ltd., an Abbotsford-based manufacturer, is set to make a significant impact on Western Canada's bulk and material handling industries by expanding its product line to include pre-manufactured helical and conveyor products. This strategic move positions the company to become a major supplier in the region, addressing a critical gap in the local industrial supply chain.
General Manager Paul Hiebert emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, "Our helical customers in Western Canada have been looking for a local supplier for the products they need in a quality they trust. We're striving to be that company—with superior products that are ready to go, off the shelf." This shift in focus is expected to provide customers with easier access and quicker service while maintaining the high-quality standards Helical Works is known for.
The company's new direction builds upon the 50-year legacy of its parent company, Mainland Machinery, in delivering effective industrial solutions. Helical Works is now poised to serve a wide range of sectors including ports and terminals, mining and minerals, oil and gas, and industrial agriculture across Western Canada. This expansion could potentially reduce reliance on out-of-region suppliers and streamline supply chains for local industries.
Helical Works' strategy combines generational expertise with modern business acumen. The company benefits from the experience of multiple generations, including Hiebert's 83-year-old father who remains actively involved in the business. This blend of traditional knowledge and contemporary practices positions Helical Works to adapt effectively to market needs and customer demands.
The company's product focus will center on three main components: helical flights, replacement augers, and screw conveyors, with plans to expand their offerings in the future. This targeted approach addresses specific needs in the bulk and material handling industry, potentially improving efficiency and reducing downtime for local operations.
Hiebert underscored the company's commitment to the region, stating, "We are local to Western Canada, we will manufacture here, we will stock our parts here, and we will deliver here." This localized approach could lead to shorter lead times, reduced transportation costs, and more responsive customer service for Western Canadian industries reliant on bulk handling equipment.
The expansion of Helical Works' product line and its focus on becoming a major regional supplier could have far-reaching implications for Western Canada's industrial sector. By providing readily available, high-quality components for bulk handling systems, the company may enable faster maintenance and repairs, potentially reducing operational disruptions for its customers. This could, in turn, enhance the overall productivity and competitiveness of industries such as agriculture, mining, and port operations in the region.
Furthermore, the company's growth may contribute to local economic development by creating new manufacturing jobs and strengthening the industrial supply ecosystem in Western Canada. As industries increasingly seek to localize their supply chains to mitigate global disruptions, Helical Works' expansion aligns with this trend, potentially attracting more business to the region.
As Helical Works positions itself as a key player in Western Canada's bulk handling industry, its success could serve as a model for other regional manufacturers looking to fill niche markets and support local industrial needs. The company's evolution from custom solutions to a comprehensive product line demonstrates the potential for growth and adaptation in the industrial manufacturing sector, even in established family businesses.
