By Kelly Louiseize
Interlocking Lifts and Docks moved from Manitoba to Kenora in June 2000 - a move that has pushed sales up by 100 per cent, says the local manufacturer.
“This is where all the work is,” owner Ted Hermann says.
Originally Hermann had two locations; one in Mc Phillips, in northern Manitoba and the other in Keewatin. He decided overhead was too high, so he closed the Manitoba operation, but maintained his Ontario business.
“Now that we have everything in one location, it is easier to get to sites faster and we don’t miss any customer calls,” he says.
Hermann says customers prefer to have a choice in which business they deal with in Keewatin.
“Competition is healthy. It keeps you on your toes and the more mistakes our competitor makes the better it is for us,” Hermann says.
Interlake Lifts and Docks went from a staff of three full-time employees to nine full-time employees, following the move to Kenora. The employees are usually “jack-of-all-trades persons,” Hermann says.
“When you are out on an island, no one can help you, so my employees have to be good problem solvers.” Hermann says.
“They have to know a bit of welding, electrical, and woodworking.”
Hermann hopes there will be enough work to keep staff on full time through out the year.
Interlake Lifts and Docks manufactures floating, shoreline, and drilled docks, as well as stationary and floating boathouses.
“The floating boathouse can go up and down depending on the water level,” Hermann says. “It can also be transferable.”
Boatlifts are developed inside the boathouse so that boats can be suspended for easier cleaning access.
In the colder months, the boat can be winterized and kept in the boathouse.
“Our houses are built of a heavy steel frame,” he said “It is quite elaborate and strong.”
Materials used for the business are transferred from Winnipeg to Keewatin. They are then picked up by a purchaser or brought to a site for assembling.
Noting the demand for new products, Hermann developed steel hinges and corners, which are used to make docks.
North American Lumber Company in Thunder Bay has become a customer of Interlake Lifts and Docks, purchase the steel hinges and corners pieces for an assembly kit, which they market in their own city.
Hermann has plans to construct a new home for his business, within the next year or so.
“We are leasing the spot right now, but we are thinking about buying it. The location is perfect; the building used to be an old restaurant and garage. It doesn’t suit our needs completely and it is not very cost effective.”
Interlake Lifts and Docks market themselves as far west as Riding Mountain, Man. In the past two years they have extended their eastern demographics to Thunder Bay, and south past the Canadian border, while maintaining their clientele in the north up to God’s Lake.
“We export some of our products, but usually people come and pick it up,” Hermann says.
However, he notes the company does have the potential to tap into the U.S. market to a greater degree.
