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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.