WMCO welcomed over 40 attendees to Brantford on Thursday, October 29, for a joint plant tour featuring two Ontario manufacturers, Precision Veneer and Sandha Woodworks.

The morning kicked off at 10:00 a.m. at Precision Veneer, where WMCO CEO Mike Baker welcomed attendees and provided an update on the Cluster’s ongoing activities. Mike touched on several initiatives, including export development opportunities, industry collaboration, and WMCO’s work supporting artificial intelligence adoption through its Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) project.

As manufacturers continue to navigate uncertain market conditions, these initiatives are intended to help companies identify new opportunities, improve productivity, and remain competitive.

Mike also reminded attendees of WMCO’s upcoming Quarterly Networking Event (QNE), taking place November 26 at Akhurst.

Following the WMCO update, Patrick Graham of Precision Veneer introduced the company, shared some of its history, and provided an overview of its operations.

Established in 1984, Precision Veneer specializes in architectural wood veneer products, including decorative panels, custom doors, and other specialty applications. The company has developed a reputation for craftsmanship and its ability to deliver high-quality products for a range of architectural and commercial projects.

One particularly interesting aspect of Precision’s operation is its involvement in the American market, with a significant portion of its production destined for customers south of the border.

With ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade relations, it was interesting to see how an established Ontario manufacturer continues to operate and compete in a challenging North American marketplace.

Given the turnout, attendees were divided into smaller groups and guided through the facility, getting a closer look at the equipment, production processes, and craftsmanship behind Precision’s products.

There was certainly plenty to see and no shortage of questions, but with another facility waiting just up the road, we had to keep things moving!

Just a few minutes away, Sandha Woodworks welcomed the group for the second half of the day’s program.

Attendees gathered under a tent set up by the Sandha team, where owner Chamkaur Sandha provided an introduction to the company, its history, and the wide variety of projects it undertakes.

Founded in 2014, Sandha Woodworks has grown into a substantial manufacturing operation offering custom millwork, CNC machining, finishing, and other manufacturing services.

The company’s diverse portfolio includes commercial projects and signage work for recognizable names in the fast-food industry, demonstrating the variety of opportunities available to manufacturers with adaptable production capabilities.

With more than 40 attendees, Sandha divided the group into four smaller tours, allowing everyone to get a closer look at the shop, its equipment, and its production processes.

Of particular interest was the company’s in-house finishing capability, alongside its CNC equipment and broader manufacturing operations.

It was a great opportunity for attendees to see another approach to manufacturing, particularly when compared with the specialized veneer production processes showcased earlier in the morning.

The tour also provided an opportunity for Sandha to strengthen its involvement with WMCO and connect with manufacturers and industry partners from across the region.

Following the tours, everyone gathered back at Sandha for a catered lunch and an opportunity to catch up with fellow manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners.

With two very different operations fresh in everyone’s minds, there was plenty to discuss.

These conversations are often one of the most valuable parts of WMCO events. Beyond seeing new equipment or learning about another company’s processes, attendees have the chance to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, and build relationships with others working in Ontario’s manufacturing sector.

A special thank you to our event sponsors, CNC Automation and Lignum Consulting, for their support in making the day possible.

WMCO would like to extend a sincere thank you to Patrick Graham and the entire Precision Veneer team, along with Chamkaur Sandha and everyone at Sandha Woodworks, for opening their doors and welcoming our members and industry partners.

Accommodating more than 40 visitors while maintaining a busy manufacturing operation is no small undertaking, and both companies did a fantastic job.

Thank you as well to everyone who joined us. It’s always encouraging to see such strong participation and interest in learning from fellow manufacturers.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at our Quarterly Networking Event on November 26 at Akhurst!