Spandreltech

Spandreltech makes backpans, panels, column covers and other custom architectural components out of aluminum, galvanized steel and fibreglass. Everything it builds is custom fitted to a specific project, but the company has recently launched several of its most common designs under such brand names as Alumaspan, Galvaspan and Formaspan. Wes runs th... e production shop and handles the technical design side of the business, while Irene takes care of most of the estimating, accounting and marketing. All three of their children have worked in the business, but Corey, 20, has the most interest and seems set to take over someday. He has a degree in architectural technology and already takes care of most of the computers and machinery on site. Located in the small community of Erin, Ont., about an hour's drive from Toronto, Spandreltech operates out of a 14,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with 25 employees. The Sanderses have invested heavily in automation; the factory floor sports several CNC brakes, presses, punches and cutters. New designs are laid out using three-dimensional CAD models prior to manufacturing. Wes has seen great benefits from automation. "I invested in a CNC brake press in the mid-'80s," he remembers. "I used to have six guys working a second shift and reduced it to two guys working one shift. Wes is enthusiastic about the quality he gets from the CNCs, and likes being able to troubleshoot architects' designs with a computer model before wasting time and materials on an actual assembly. He has also used computer modelling to his advantage in the bidding process, showing prospects attractive renderings of his proposals to give a clearer picture of his design.Read More