Norfab brings home the hardware—again

Norfab, the local fabrication company and success story, added another feather to its cap by bringing home the inaugural Judge’s Choice award from the Northern Ontario Business Association awards ceremony last Thursday night in Thunder Bay.
“We feel excellent about winning the award,” said Bill Boulton, Norfab’s national sales and marketing manager. “It’s an honour.
“It’s very prestigious,” he added, noting it wouldn’t be possible without the entire staff there.
“This award is basically for companies with an amazing story,” Boulton explained, adding it is the award sponsored by the NOBA itself.
And Norfab’s story is a worthy one.
The 20-year-old company—located on Highway 11/71 just west of Fort Frances—started with a handful of employees after owner Mel DeGagne became frustrated that it took so long to get roof trusses to this area.
Seven years ago, the company only had 35 employees. Today, it employs more than 170 and builds much more than roof trusses, including sheds and gazebos.
“We’re not a fancy company,” Boulton said, referring the grassroots, blue-collar origins of the company. “But we work hard.
“Value-added products is what we shine on,” he noted. “We’re into it in everything we do.”
One of the industries being touted as the saviour of Northwestern Ontario is the value-added sector for natural resource products. Norfab is ahead of the curve in its development and has been able to secure a large market in Canada and abroad.
“We have about 4,000 outlets for our products,” Boulton said. “[In the] Menards and Home Depots of the world.”
Three year ago, Norfab won another Northern Ontario Business award—the Global Traders Award. It was given to the company for its phenomenal growth and in securing the largest foreign market share of any Ontario company.
Boulton attributed their success to their ability to ship their product south of the border, circumventing some of the restrictions on raw softwood products.
“[And] our aggressiveness in the Upper Midwest,” he added, noting they do ship to other U.S. locals like Massachusetts, Colorado, and Texas. “We move a lot of lumber.”
Boulton also had some words for budding entrepreneurs in the community who might be in the same situation Norfab was 20 years ago.
“Know where they’re going,” he advised. “See the vision and never lose sight of it. Sometimes it’s not easy.”