SMS Equipment building $30M facility in Timmins
Construction is starting on what SMS Equipment says will be a unique facility able to handle growing demand for heavy equipment servicing in Timmins.
President and CEO Robin Heard, speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, said the company has outgrown its current location in the city.
Heard said having a more than 35,000-square-foot building to service mining, welding and construction equipment in one location will help boost capacity and create more than 100 new jobs.
"We've almost doubled in size since the start of the year, from our staff numbers in Timmins and really grown with a bunch of new business," said Heard.
"We need a larger facility to be able to provide the support we need to for customers."
The new location will dedicate about 23,000 square feet to shop space, including five service bays, two welding bays and a landing strip for heavy equipment transport. About 70 per cent of its electricity needs will be powered by 240 solar panels and will use natural light to reduce energy consumption.
The project is estimated to cost between $30 million and $35 million, much of which will be injected into the local economy, Heard said.
Dan Ayotte, president of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, said the economy is expected to grow while still facing a skilled worker shortage.
"Any growth opportunity for the City of Timmins is great and just seeing such a huge expansion and investment in our city (is) just amazing," said Ayotte, adding that more service capacity will drive more economic activity.
"The snowball effect that's going to come from this operation, I think, is going to help our city also."
Hoping to capitalize on new mining projects coming to the area, Heard said it's important to be in a position to meet rising demand for supplying and servicing heavy machinery for area clients.
Expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2023, he said more business will ultimately benefit the city as a whole, since SMS tries to give back to the communities that are home to its 42 locations across the country.
"We needed to be here to participate in that growth and to help the community and contribute to the community, so we're very excited," said Heard.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.