MANUFACTURING

In the Kootenay region, following two years of significant declines in both 2005 and 2006, employment in manufacturing increased 7.7 per cent in 2007.   1

Average weekly earnings in the manufacturing sector in B.C. were $909.68 in 2007, an increase of 1.5% over the previous years.  Compared to the rest of Canada, B.C.’s workers in the manufacturing sector place third highest after Ontario ($1,005.86) and Alberta ($994.91).   2

KRREA, KRIC (Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council), and Community Futures Development Corporation have come together to undertake the East Kootenay Manufacturing and Technology Industry Development Plan.  The intent is to provide a long term roadmap for these growing industries, and to create cohesion between the two sectors.  

There are many commercial and industrial manufacturing companies in the region, offering everything from equipment to machinery to specialty products. These include Kaman Industrial Technologies,
Tri-Kon Precast Concrete Products, Fab-Rite Services, Rocky Mountain Diesel and Caliper Machine and Hydraulics.

Getting the word out and communications companies include Selkirk Signs, Rocky Mountain Signmaster, Kootenay Kwik Print, Palliser Printing and Kootenay Communications.

Forestry related products like posts and poles are manufactured here, and there are many log home and specialty builders, like timber framers. 

Food products are also manufactured here.  Invermere’s rapidly growing Kicking Horse Coffee is roasted and blended 3,000 feet above sea level. Its 21 flavours are Organic Fair Trade coffee.

Mrs. Palmer’s Pantry produces healthy pita chips, and is selling internationally at an incredible growth rate.  Mrs. Palmer was just recently recognized as one of Canada's top 10 food innovators by Food in Canada magazine. 

The Creston area produces fruit chocolate, jams, cheese, and other farm products. It also boasts Skimmerhorn Winery and Kokanee Beer.

Fernie Brewing Company also manufactures several specialty beers.

An example of textile manufacturing is Kootenay Knitting, whose sweaters, hats, scarves and other product have been used in Commonwealth and Olympic Games, including the Vancouver 2010 Games.  You’ll see their product featured in stores across Canada. Kootenay Knitting is proof you can do big business from a small town.

Source:  Business Indicators, March 2008, BC Stats
1  Average weekly earnings data is based on data from the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and  Hours (SEPH).

Canada Photo: Kootenay Knitting