Hear more about the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario and what our members have to say below.
“We value our membership in the WMCO. We opened our new mass timber and glulam manufacturing facility during the pandemic which meant live tours of the factory were not an option. WMCO stepped up and coordinated a video tour of the factory for the WMCO members which was broadcast in conjunction with a ‘live’ virtual roundtable so that we could still benefit from the input of the collective. The video produced has been a valuable tool for us and we appreciate both the support of WMCO staff as well as the new connections we’ve made with other members.”
“In the short time we have been a member, it has been a great resource for our company. The seminars about lean manufacturing are invaluable and have really caused me to reevaluate all our manufacturing processes. The network meetings offer insight, information and networking opportunities that are incredibly focused and relevant. And my favourite part is the plant tours – they are fantastic!”
“Joining 4 years ago has had a big and positive impact on my business. Through sponsored programs, we have received grants to help us develop our new website, and grow our online sales. Also, our staff have participated in several workshops, trainings and plant tours which have provided valuable insight to help us grow our business. Personally, the connections I have made networking with other members has been invaluable in achieving my business goals.
It is a very well run organization and I have no hesitation in saying that any woodworking manufacturer would greatly benefit from joining.”
“We’ve learned things that we likely wouldn’t have picked up anywhere else, and the networking has been invaluable. They have created a sense of “community” among Ontario woodworkers, and that’s a good thing for all of us.“
“We all get to hear from each other’s experience, what works for them. We all have similar issues in our workplaces whether it’s recruiting employees or buying equipment & software – it’s a great way to network.”
“They have advocated for our sector, through numerous initiatives to help our company and help its employees. They have provided training sector related programs and events for my staff. Since joining the group, we have doubled our work force, increased our sales, and are constantly learning a new way to manufacture high end products right here in Southern Ontario.
The events they put on have helped our company learn more about topics like Lean manufacturing, Sales training, Social media advertising, health and safety, exporting, and more.
The Bluewater Wood Alliance (now WMCO) is tied too many levels of our industry such as training institutions like Conestoga College, Humber College, Georgian College.
We enjoy being a part of this cluster organization because they are helpful with the growth of our company. We Are Happy.”
“We cut our sanding labour in half from knowledge we learned on Plant Tour Focus Groups with the BWA (now WMCO).”
“Through the BWA (now WMCO) I have met and continue to meet like-minded wood industry people. It is a great network of people willing to help each other learn and improve our processes and shops.”
“I’ve been fortunate to have participated in BWA events. It is always a great opportunity to meet with other individuals in SW Ontario associated with advanced wood manufacturing. Specifically, the BWA provides a strong network of individuals willing to share their ideas and experiences in support of wood-related manufacturing, sales, and distribution within Canada and beyond its borders….”
“Thanks to the BWA we have been exposed to Training opportunities we would never have come across on our own. It has completely transformed how we operate our business. Join the BWA take the Lean Training and grow your business.”
“Great cluster of people /companies, insightful topics, and great chances to observe and learn. To become a better business owner makes it possible /easier by being surrounded by all this talent.”
“I recently attended a BWA round table discussion which was very enlightening. BWA consistently provides support for us SME’s in the wood sector in Ontario.”
“The Bluewater Wood Alliance is a somewhat hidden treasure of information. As we get busy at work, we don’t always have the time to research new products and services, updated regulations or laws or network with our peers and suppliers. The BWA meetings help take care of that. Speakers with information pertinent and targeted to the woodworking industry present at the meetings and the plant tours give insight into other company’s challenges or successes. There is the time during and after the meeting to network and touch base with other members and get a feel of how the industry is doing overall in our respective areas. The BWA is relevant and welcome in these somewhat unsettled times.”
“BWA has been great to have a variety of programs that enhance our knowledge base. We as business owners never have time to attend any business club. BWA is not a club but truly a collaborative effort to add value to all members relating to wood manufacturing. Even then I don’t meetings that don’t have subjects that interest me but over the years I have never seen a better organization for a resource for information and has allowed me to collaborate with fellow woodworkers in a safe environment. We have gained great friendships with others in the industry that now have become business relationships in working together on projects.”
“The BWA helps connect woodworking industry businesses together to learn and grow from one another. We have gained valuable information and insight not only from the training sessions and plant tours but also from the new connections we’ve made. We highly recommend connecting to this community of humble and supportive people whose mission is to help grow the industry as a whole.”