 |
|
The people behind Hamill Creek Timberwrights know what it is to do business without boundaries. After all, when you're located in a remote area of British Columbia, you learn quickly how to get your product to customers anywhere, anytime.
"I guess we're good at being global because we have to be," says co-owner Dwight Smith who runs the Meadow Creek, B.C.-based company with his wife Debbie Smith. Hamill Creek Timberwrights specializes in building custom timber frame projects that are crafted by skilled timber wrights who use traditional joinery methods. The projects range from homes to luxury lodges and are designed to be dismantled, shipped and then reassembled on the customer's site.
Structuring your business model
Speed of delivery while maintaining top quality has served this company well in the international market. First and foremost, Smith has set up his operations so that he is able to handle all steps of construction on site. This enables his team to oversee every aspect of building from concept and design through to raising and finishing. In turn, it also saves time in the process. Located in B.C., Hamill Creek also has immediate access to some of the finest quality timber resources in the world, which are used in the timber frames. These are then cut in the company's sawmill, ensuring quality control right from the beginning of the manufacturing process," he explains.
 Forging alliances pays off
That agility gives Hamill Creek an advantage over U.S. or foreign companies who often buy their timber resources in Canada and then ship them back for manufacturing on their sites. To improve their supply chain, the company has also forged alliances with other firms that use similar building methods and are accustomed to shipping products around the world. In this way, Hamill Creek is working with companies that have a lower learning curve and can quickly adapt to their needs.
Entrepreneurs can also seek advice from BDC Consulting on exporting strategies which help companies develop a clear plan and fine-tune their export potential.
Investments drive growth
BDC has also played an important role for Hamill Creek through financing specialized timber joinery equipment for the company and the modernization of their facilities. "Investing in robotics has helped us be more productive," says Smith. The company has seen exponential growth, expanding from a two-man shop to 40 employees in twelve years.
BDC's equipment financing solutions can include extra funding (in some cases, up to 125%) for related costs, such as installation of equipment and employee training. BDC Consulting also offers companies counsel on key strategies such as improving operational efficiency through optimizing production and eliminating time, material or space wasters.
"Trade is opening up everywhere. Economies overseas are thriving, so we see a lot of growth potential," says Dwight. In fact, the company has stepped up its presence at trade shows to ensure that it gets a bigger piece of the international pie. "There's a world of opportunity out there and we're going after it," he concludes.
|
  
|
|
|
