Calhoun’s expansion translates into more jobs for rural community

Calhoun Super Structure celebrated 30 years in business with the opening of a $1 million energy-efficient building expansion at its Goderich production plant.

The new build provides an additional 10,000 square feet of interior workspace featuring LED lighting, sustainable welding machines for a more streamlined operation and increased eco-friendly business practices in line with consumer demands. 

Why it matters: The expansion creates 10 new positions and accommodates increased production of the standard 60-foot spans and larger custom builds.

Jeremy Calhoun, owner and CEO, told Farmtario at the company’s open house June 9 that when they purchased the recently shuttered Volvo plant in Goderich, it was like the stars aligned in providing a production-ready building and skilled workforce that rapidly grew from five to over 30.

“Now we were stumbling over top of each other with the forklift running in and out,” he said. “It got to be a situation where we were pinched for space, and we decided (about a year ago) that we would have to expand.”

They also increased their exterior storage by one acre, allowing them to stockpile materials to weather supply chain disruptions, build timelines and maintain client confidence.

“We hope to increase production by almost double when this is all said and done because this is our bread-and-butter building, the smaller buildings,” said Jeremy. “We can produce a lot of these in a short period of time, and it allows us to build the business quickly by fully staffing this side.”

While Calhoun didn’t have an issue finding contractors to build the extension, sourcing new equipment and staff continues to be challenging.

“We’re working with the colleges to bring in college kids to transition from college to here,” said Jeremy. “We’re bringing students in hoping we can hire them at the end of their terms. We’re trying any avenue to ensure we get employees.”

Goderich’s work-life balance and picturesque landscape have been selling points for attracting tradespeople, especially those applying from Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, who are not interested in the Greater Toronto Area market.

Calhoun’s expansion isn’t limited to Goderich. Their head office remains in Tara, but there’s also a Markdale facility, and they’re embarking on a new build in Dundalk.

“The biggest problem for us was finding the right buildings and the people. At the time, we thought this should all be together,” said Jeremy, adding the diversification of rural sites has become an advantage.

The new Goderich addition will be a 40 per cent increase for material handler, welder and office staff position but with the Dundalk build the workforce will continue to expand.

“I’m not drawing all my people from a small location,” he said. “I’m now diversified enough that I can grab people from different locations . . . because to be honest with you, if this was all at one facility, I don’t know that I could get enough staff.”

Calhoun said he’s excited about the capabilities the expansion provides for the company but also the positive impact their facilities have on their respective rural towns, including new jobs.

“We’re celebrating 30 years of business this year,” he said. “And the expansion will allow us to manufacture building solutions for many more years to come.”