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Why Join WMCO?
Strength Through Collaboration.

Ontario’s wood manufacturers face growing pressures, rising costs, labour shortages, trade disruptions, and increasing global competition.

The Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (WMCO) exists to address these challenges collectively.

Rather than competing in isolation, our members collaborate to strengthen the entire industry through shared knowledge, coordinated initiatives, and access to resources that would be difficult to secure alone.

WMCO brings manufacturers, suppliers, and partners together to ensure Ontario’s wood sector remains innovative, competitive, and resilient.

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What WMCO Delivers for Members

Industry Network

Members connect with a network of manufacturers across Ontario to share insights, recommendations, and solutions to common challenges.

Private communication channels allow members to quickly exchange information on suppliers, equipment, hiring, and operational issues.

Trusted Technology & Service Partners

WMCO works closely with leading vendors and consultants supporting the wood manufacturing sector.

Members gain introductions to trusted partners specializing in:

  • Manufacturing Automation and Robotics

  • ERP and Production Software

  • Digital Transformation and AI

  • Lean Manufacturing Consulting

  • Finishing and Spray technologies

Funding & Growth Support

WMCO helps members identify and navigate funding programs that support:

  • Capital Equipment Investments

  • Hiring and Workforce Training

  • Digital Transformation Initiatives

  • Research and Development

Members gain clarity on available programs and how to access them.

Industry Events & Plant Tours

WMCO regularly hosts plant tours, networking events, and industry discussions where manufacturers learn directly from one another.

These events provide practical insight into new technologies, operational improvements, and industry trends.

Who Should Join WMCO?

WMCO membership is designed for companies involved in the wood manufacturing value chain, including:

Cabinet Manufacturers

Millwork Companies

Furniture Manufacturers

Architectural Woodworking Firms

Industry Suppliers and Partners

Testimonials

The strength of WMCO comes from the members who make up the network. Here’s what some have to say.

“Joining the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (WMCO) has been a valuable experience for Mobel Cabinetry. WMCO provides a strong platform for collaboration, industry insight, and advocacy, helping manufacturers stay connected, informed, and future ready. As a manufacturer, it is rare to find a platform that brings together industry with a genuine commitment to strengthening the sector—and WMCO does exactly that. I would highly recommend WMCO to any company that wants to contribute to and benefit from a stronger, more resilient wood manufacturing sector in Ontario.”- Future Kitchen & Baths Ltd.
“At Chervin Inc., we know how valuable it is to connect with other manufacturers who face the same challenges and opportunities we do. Joining WMCO gave us a space where ideas are shared openly, solutions are explored together, and practical insights can be applied directly to our operations. One of the things we’ve found most valuable is touring other member facilities. Seeing how peers run their operations, solve problems, and share knowledge has sparked new ideas for our own team and helped us keep improving every day. WMCO has also been an asset with government funding. Programs like the Advanced Wood Manufacturing Digital Integration Transformation Project and the IFIT collaborative initiative make it easier for members to adopt new technologies and modernize operations, and WMCO’s guidance makes the process practical and straightforward. The connections, shared experiences, and collaborative problem-solving through WMCO have strengthened our operations and inspired new ways of thinking. For manufacturers who want to grow, innovate, and tackle challenges together, WMCO is a community that delivers real results.”- Chervin Group
“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.”- Upper Canada Stretchers
“WMCO has played a key role in helping our company modernize and grow. Through WMCO’s guidance and support, we were able to secure grants that helped move us out of a “Stone Age” production process. These funds allowed us to implement an ERP system within our shop production, resulting in improved automation, efficiency, and visibility across our operations. Beyond funding support, WMCO has provided valuable networking opportunities. We’ve been able to connect with other manufacturing companies as well as professionals across different trades, learning from shared experiences and best practices. These connections have helped us think more strategically and stay competitive in a changing industry. WMCO also introduced us to WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence Program. This has been extremely beneficial in helping us implement and maintain strong safety protocols while also being rewarded with rebates. The program has strengthened our safety culture and reinforced accountability across our team. What sets WMCO apart is its hands-on approach and genuine commitment to member success. WMCO doesn’t just provide information—it actively connects members with the right resources, people, and programs at the right time. As a result, our operations have become more efficient, our team more aligned, and our business overall more successful and productive. The combination of funding support, industry collaboration, and operational guidance has delivered measurable and lasting value to our company. We would highly recommend WMCO to other companies looking to modernize their operations, strengthen safety practices, and be part of a collaborative manufacturing community.”- Basaltic Kitchens
“Woodlore joined WMCO one year ago with the goal of connecting with other manufacturers and gaining practical insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. We were looking for a community that offered more than networking—one that encouraged open dialogue, shared learning, and real collaboration. In a short period of time, WMCO has delivered meaningful value. One of the most impactful benefits has been support and guidance around government grants and funding programs, helping us better understand what opportunities exist and how to approach them. Just as valuable has been the ability to tour other facilities and host WMCO members at our own operation, creating opportunities for open discussion and shared learning. Like many manufacturers, Woodlore continues to balance growth with operational efficiency. Through WMCO, we’ve been able to learn from the experience of others while also sharing our own expertise. These conversations have influenced how we think about process improvement, investment, and long-term planning—and those insights have extended beyond leadership to impact our operations and production teams positively. WMCO has proven to be a strong return on investment in just one year. The relationships, shared knowledge, and access to a trusted manufacturing network have been invaluable. For companies considering membership, WMCO offers practical support, real-world insight, and a collaborative environment that helps manufacturers move forward with confidence.”- Woodlore International Inc.
“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 it is helpful for the growth of our company. We Are Happy.”- Milestone Millwork

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1-10 Employee Size
Manufacturing Member

“We cut our sanding labour in half from knowledge we learned on Plant Tour Focus Groups with the BWA (now WMCO).”
William VanLagenOwner of Carver Cabinetry

1-10 Employee Size Manufacturing Member

CDN $741 Annually
  • Includes CFIB Membership
  • Free access to WMCO hosted Plant Tour Focus Groups
  • Get access to Video on Demand of past events
  • WhatsApp access to WMCO’s network
  • Access to WSIB Premiums rebates (up to 10%)
    (conditions apply)
  • 67% cost savings on select training programs

11-49 Employee Size
Manufacturing Member

“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 re-evaluate 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!”

Simon LloydSpringwater Woodcraft

11-49 Employee Size Manufacturing Member

CDN $1,266 Annually
  • Includes CFIB Membership
  • Free access to WMCO hosted Plant Tour Focus Groups
  • Get access to Video on Demand of past events
  • WhatsApp access to WMCO’s network
  • Access to WSIB Premiums rebates (up to 10%)
    (conditions apply)
  • 67% cost savings on select training programs

50+ Employee Size
Manufacturing Member

“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.”
Homestead Woodworks

50+ Employee Size Manufacturing Member

CDN $1,791 Annually
  • Includes CFIB Membership
  • Free access to WMCO hosted Plant Tour Focus Groups
  • Get access to Video on Demand of past events
  • WhatsApp access to WMCO’s network
  • Access to WSIB Premiums rebates (up to 10%)
    (conditions apply)
  • 67% cost savings on select training programs

Supplier/Associate
Member

“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.”
Mike ClaireOwner of Diamond CNC

Supplier/Associate

CDN $741 Annually
  • Access to the Wood Manufacturing Network
  • Access to build relationships with wood manufacturers through WMCO network
  • Get access to Video on Demand of past events
  • Access to WSIB Premiums rebates (up to 10%)
    (conditions apply)
  • 67% cost savings on select training programs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the network?

Access WMCO’s network though several channels of service depending on your needs.  Some ways include:

  • Instantly communicate with many owners and managers on digital communication network on WhatsApp and BAND.
  • Unlimited access to attend in person or online at our networking events and hybrid plant tours.
  • Download our contact list of members phone numbers, email addresses to reach out directly to members.
  • Introductions to members and community partners who can help you from our network with your outreach requests to us.

Does the membership include my employees or just me?

Yes your membership is extended to your company’s employees to engage with us, attend events and participate in opportunities.

What do I get access to with my membership?

  • Access to instantly communicate with industry professional owners, presidents and managers of wood manufacturing companies and supply chain service providers who are ready to do business answer questions, help solve challenges or engage in the network.
  • Send member inquires out to our entire mailing list while maintaining your valued privacy (inquire for details).
  • Send out or respond to RFQ’s through our network (inquire for details).
  • Access to watch on demand on our website past events like plant tours and industry professionals presentations.
  • Access to member preferred pricing on employee upskilling training like WMCO hosted sales training; digital marketing; leadership development; health and safety; lean manufacturing training.
  • Access WSIB rebate program to save up to 10% on annual premiums (some conditions apply).

Can I contact anyone in the WMCO network?

Yes, you can reach out to anyone in the WMCO network.  We can assist by contacting us directly or you can go direct to contact members utilizing the downloadable contact list or via our WhatsApp group and Band App.

What can I gain from a membership?

Access, collaboration, opportunity, insight.  Access to answers on common challenges owners face through the network.  Access to upskilling your workforce. Industry driven collaboration among wood manufacturers and the supply chain.  A knowledge sharing community of professionals.  Opportunity to engage in funding projects as they become available.  Opportunity to contribute ideas leading to new developments for this industry driven cluster.  Insight into how the wood manufacturing industry is evolving and therefore increasing your competitive edge as a business.

What is a Cluster?

Industry clusters involve one industry, in a defined region, focused on the manufacturing companies.  They embrace supply chain, work with local academia for workforce development, and government partners to fund projects and activities, to help the industry thrive.

Clusters have been successful in Europe for the last 30 years. They are new to North America, where few true industry-led clusters exist. The Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario is the only cluster for the wood industry in Canada.

How is a cluster different than an association?

Clusters also differ from associations by creating collaborative projects and activities between companies that are beneficial to all; including competitors. The focus is the improvement of all companies to make the industry globally competitive.

WMCO cluster is also structured by their board governance so that manufacturers remain in control, while also allowing supplier members to contribute to the development of the cluster.