Tumbler Ridge Inspires Stinger Welding Expansion

In 2011, Stinger Welding Ltd. received $1,300 from Northern Development through the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program to undertake $2,600 in specialized management consulting focused on positioning the company for expansion. This has been a funding partnership of Stinger Welding Ltd., Northern Development, and Coal Mountain Fabricators

After 34 years operating a successful welding and fabricating company in Prince George, Willy Manson knows opportunity when it comes knocking. With increasing business in the Tumbler Ridge area requiring him to send more and more crews there to work, he saw the promise of having a permanent presence in the town and in 2011, a second company, Coal Mountain Fabricators was opened in Tumbler Ridge.

The demand for tradespeople throughout northern BC reflects the economic vitality in the region’s natural resource sector and the wide range of projects underway and planned over the next decade. Stinger Welding already had a reputation for being responsive to the needs of its customers, high quality work and rigorous safety standards, but the lure of entrepreneurism was still calling.

In the course of setting up Coal Mountain, Willy learned about Northern Development Initiative Trust and its mandate to stimulate economic growth through investment in grassroots, community-led projects.

"Northern Development became a key partner in our ability to proactively go after new business.  Working with them was a very smooth, efficient process and we look forward to doing more business with them in the future."

Willy Manson, Owner, Coal Mountain Fabricators

"It would have been easy for us to sit back and be content with the business we have, but I’d rather step outside of the box once in a while and create something new.  Seeing the boom in Tumbler Ridge and the opportunities in the area has been a breath of fresh air."

Willy Manson, Owner, Coal Mountain Fabricators

"There are a lot of bright spots on the horizon for northern BC and we are a growth-oriented company. We look forward to doing more business with Northern Development."

Willy Manson, Owner, Coal Mountain Fabricators

Positive Economic Impacts in Tumbler Ridge

Through its Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program, Northern Development supported Coal Mountain in creating an occupational health and safety manual and achieving COR safety certification. Coal Mountain has noted that both are essential elements for the company to be able to bid on contracts.

Coal Mountain is currently working on a variety of projects in northeastern BC related to the construction of wind towers and coal mining. It is actively recruiting employees to be stationed in the community with up to eight hires expected this year. Plans for expansion are already underway.

Competitiveness Consulting Rebate

The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program provides a rebate to small and medium sized businesses engaged in specified industries for external business consulting projects. Projects must focus on increased productivity, new or incremental revenues, profitability and/or job creation.

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