In the same month that we learn a former window plant in North Langley has been converted to a movie studio, we get work that a new window and door manufacturer has moved into Aldergrove.
Innotech is “effectively” doubling its manufacturing output by the end of the year, after moving its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities to a property triple the size in Gloucester Estates.
Founded in 2001, Innotech Windows + Doors is a BC-based window and door manufacturer that specialises in high-performance, European-style windows and doors.
In the last decade, Innotech has built a reputation amongst progressive industry leaders as a manufacturer of choice for performance-driven single-family, multi-family, and commercial projects in North America, said company president Troy Imbery.
“As a result, the company has experienced steady growth and in recent years outgrew its start-up home in Abbotsford.”
“It is a really exciting time for us,” he added.
“In the last five years, we have witnessed a real shift in the industry; building professionals are raising the bar and building much better homes and buildings.” Building materials that meet the aggressive energy efficiency targets set forth by both voluntary building standards, such as net-zero and Passive House, and mandated by many building codes, including the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan, are well positioned to take advantage of the industry’s positive shift.
The move to the larger and centrally located property in Gloucester not only allows Innotech to meet the current demand for its windows and doors, but also allows Innotech to expand operations to meet future demand, the president explained.
“As a manufacturer, it’s a good problem to have when you find yourself limited by the size of your manufacturing plant,” he said. “Our new property in Langley is three times the size of our first home; now we have the ability to efficiently manufacturer current orders and also significantly increase our output.”
In addition to a larger property, Innotech made other improvements to its operations. Several new pieces of equipment, an upgraded manufacturing plant layout, and many new processes went hand-in-hand with the move to further improve quality and efficiency, he said.
The new headquarters also comfortably accommodates all of the office employees and features a large event room for industry events and a signature showroom for clients.
“Our clients are the primary reason we’ve had the opportunity to expand,” said Imbery. “They’re the ones that drive us to push the boundaries of quality. We look forward to next decade. It’s that passion for performance that continues to define Innotech Windows + Doors.”
ENSURING LITTLE ONES ARE SAFE
Dominion Lending Centre is holding a car seat clinic on Sunday, April 23 that might offer some assurances to worried parents.
“It’s free for the public to come and have their car seat installations checked by nationally certified technicians, working as volunteers at this event,” said organizer Stacey Kosturos. “Another senior tech and myself are even giving away a free car seat at this event! I know car seat safety has been a hot topic in the news lately.”
The technicians are checking seat installation at the centre (20434 64th Ave., across from Costco) from 2 to 5 p.m.
It’s by appointment, so people are asked to email stacey@safetystacey.com or carseatjanice@gmail.com.
B.C. BANS MANDATORY HIGH HEELS IN THE WORKPLACE
I’m wanting to follow up on my column mention a few weeks back about S+L Kitchen, and their parent company Joseph Richards Group, April fools joke to promote gender equality in the restaurant sector.
The B.C. government has since followed through with its commitment – obviously done before the writ dropped – to ban mandatory high heels in the workplace.
The requirement to wear high heels in some workplaces is a workplace health and safety issue, announced Shirley Bond, then Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.
There is a risk of physical injury from slipping or falling, as well as possible damage to the feet, legs and back from prolonged wearing of high heels while at work, she said.
The change was made by amending the existing footwear regulation (section 8.22) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, under the Workers Compensation Act.
The amended regulation ensures that workplace footwear is of a design, construction and material that allows the worker to safely perform their work and ensures that employers cannot require footwear contrary to this standard. To determine appropriate footwear, the following factors must be considered: slipping, tripping, uneven terrain, abrasion, ankle protection and foot support, crushing potential, potential for musculoskeletal injury, temperature extremes, corrosive substances, puncture hazards, electrical shock and any other recognizable hazard.
WorkSafeBC will develop a workplace guideline for employers and employees to support the amended regulation. The guideline is expected to be available by the end of April.
Under B.C.’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, WorkSafeBC already requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace that is free from discrimination or harassment for their employees. As well, the Human Rights Code provides protections against sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination in British Columbia, and that includes in the workplace.
All I can say, “It’s about time!”
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