Of course we all feel that we have exceptional quality product, but how do we let the public, or more importantly, that next potential client, know that?
An easy, consistent and cost effective way to differentiate your product could be to Canadian Certify your product through the CKCA Certification Program. At the present time the certification process is undergoing a complete update. These updates include the application forms, the testing and the standard itself, all designed to make it easier for Canadian kitchen manufacturers to get on board.
The CKCA is working to have the completely updated program ready for relaunch in September, at the Newfoundland CKCA Regional Meeting.
The original CKCA Certification program was launched in 2009. Since then, there have been industry changes and refinements in fabrication technology and construction methods by various manufacturers. The CKCA standard is currently being reviewed and updated to account for these changes, including an updated support structure for manufacturing members. They will be streamlining the application process and will be providing proper support to those manufacturers who are already certified, or who are considering certification.
This includes working with the appropriate associated homebuilder associations, industry publications and consumers to demonstrate the importance of a “Made in Canada” certified product.
A good example of how to make this work in your business would be to check in with Mario Furtado of Marana Kitchens in Toronto. He is a certified member and says that he applies the certification sticker on every cabinet he sells to show that it is built to a strict standard and has passed rigorous testing. He also uses CKCA certification to have a competitive edge and to inform the consumer about the type and quality of product he is selling.
For current and up-to-date information you can check out the CKCA website at www.ckca.ca/certification./
Any Questions should be directed to info@ckca.ca.Should you wish to speak directly with any CKCA m
embers about this program, feel free to do so as well. A good chance to do just that would be at any of the upcoming CKCA events:
• Edmonton, Alberta: May 25-26, 2015
• Waterloo, Ontario: June 23-24, 2015
• St John’s, Newfoundland: Sept 21-22. 2015
So spread the word about these upcoming CKCA meetings, they are a great way to connect in the industry. There can be lots to learn from the meetings and great plant tours as well.
