Value-added gypsum end-product user expands manufacturing In Calgary
Okaply Industries recently celebrated it's 47th year in business and the first year anniversary of their new factory in Calgary.
The company had an excellent first year in Western Canada according to company president Craig Starke. "We are extremely pleased with our execution over the past 12 months. Our commitment to offer our customers better service and more competitive pricing has earned us support from the industry. In anticipation of our continued growth, we have recently doubled the size of our facility and will be installing a complete moulding department in the first quarter of 2013."
Mr. Starke stated that Okaply is the only laminator in Canada servicing the modular construction industry from coast to coast. "The two factories serve as a built-in contingency plan for our customers in case of emergency. When hurricane Sandy delayed the arrival of a vinyl to our Oka facility, we transferred the order to Calgary, where it was produced and shipped on time."
Dale McILveen, vice-president of sales and marketing for western Canada is happy to announce that Okaply received approval from CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) for their new 5/16" vinyl-covered gypsum product Okaroc. "Our engineering department worked very hard on this with our suppliers for over a year to meet and exceed the CCMC specification for this product for use in manufactured housing". Our 5/16" Okaroc panel has all the structural properties of a regular 1/2" gypsum panel so our customers will benefit from the lower weight per square foot.
Okaply will be showing the new Okaroc panel and all of its products at the upcoming WRLA show and MBI world of modular 30th annual convention in Scottsdale Arizona, March 16-19. According to Mr. Starke "the MBI show is a great opportunity to see many of our customers from around the world over a 3 day period."
Robert Hirscheimer the CEO of Okaply is proud to announce some other milestone events that recently occured. "In December we had a ceremony where we honored more than 20 individuals who have been with the company for more than 20 years. A few of our guys have been with us for almost 40 years. The longevity of the company is a tribute to the mutually beneficial relationships we have nurtured with our employees, customers and suppliers."
About Okaply:
Okaply has been an important supplier to the manufactured housing and commercial modular building sectors, for more than 47 years. Okaply is a value added finisher of pre-finished gypsum, plywood, particleboard, MDF, shelving and mouldings. Their products are used for the walls, ceilings and cabinets of factory built homes and commercial buildings. Okaply is based in Oka, Quebec and has a factory in Calgary, Alberta. The company sells its products throughout North America and South America. For more information visit the company website.
